Epic Games Fortnite consumer lawsuit

The Dutch consumer organization Stichting Massaschade & Consument (SMC) has initiated a class action lawsuit against Epic Games, seeking over 100 million euros in damages and compensation. The legal action alleges that Fortnite utilizes deceptive commercial practices and psychological design patterns to pressure young players into making impulsive purchases of virtual currency, such as V-Bucks.

Specific allegations include the use of artificial urgency through fake countdown timers in the item shop and the collection of personal data from minors without explicit parental consent. The foundation is seeking full refunds for users who made purchases before reaching the age of 21. This legal challenge follows previous regulatory scrutiny by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), which had previously imposed fines on Epic Games for using aggressive design elements to target the impulsivity of younger players.

Epic Games has defended its practices, noting that it provides parental tools like PIN requirements and ‘Cabined Accounts’ for users under 16 in the Netherlands. The company maintains that its store does not use timers in that territory.