Two parents in the United States have initiated legal action against Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, citing concerns over the game’s item shop practices. The lawsuit contends that limited-time sales are misleading young players into making unwanted purchases. This case underscores ongoing scrutiny of digital marketplace practices in popular online games.
Last year, Epic Games faced a significant fine from the Netherlands’ Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) for similar deceptive practices. The ACM determined that Fortnite’s countdown timers falsely indicated limited-time availability, thereby misleading consumers. This new lawsuit in the US echoes the previous regulatory actions taken against Epic.
What is the Basis of the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleges that Fortnite’s item shop frequently features “limited-time” sales with countdown timers, creating a false sense of urgency among players. Parents argue that these tactics exploit younger users’ fear of missing out (FOMO), leading them to make in-game purchases they might not otherwise make. The suit claims that such practices violate state laws against unfair and deceptive trade practices.
How Has Epic Games Responded?
Epic Games has dismissed the lawsuit as containing “factual errors” and not reflective of Fortnite’s actual operations. The company stated,
“Last year we removed the countdown timer in the Item Shop and we offer protections against unwanted purchases.”
Epic highlights its measures to protect consumers, including instant purchase cancellations, self-service returns, and parental controls to prevent unauthorized transactions by minors.
Are Similar Lawsuits Emerging?
This case is part of a growing trend where major game developers face legal challenges over in-game purchasing practices. Recent actions include the antitrust lawsuit against Valve over its Steam platform, which has also been elevated to a class action. Such lawsuits reflect increasing regulatory and legal scrutiny on digital storefronts and their business models.
The unfolding legal actions against Epic Games highlight the broader concerns regarding transparency and ethical practices in the digital gaming industry. As regulatory bodies and consumers become more aware of in-game purchasing strategies, companies may need to adopt more transparent approaches to maintain trust. For players and parents alike, understanding these practices is crucial in navigating online gaming environments responsibly.
