Two parents have initiated legal action against Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. The lawsuit alleges that Epic Games engages in deceptive practices within Fortnite’s in-game store, specifically by artificially inflating prices on virtual items purchased with premium currency.
The plaintiffs argue that Epic Games manipulates players, particularly children, through time-limited offers and promotions on skins and other items. They claim that these “limited-time” sales often mislead consumers, as the discounted items frequently remain available at the same reduced price even after the advertised sale period ends. The lawsuit asserts that these tactics of false discounts and artificial time constraints are illegal in several jurisdictions and that numerous companies have previously faced legal repercussions for similar manipulative schemes.
Epic Games representatives have refuted the accusations made by the concerned parents. They maintain that Fortnite incorporates several safeguards to protect users from unintended purchases. These measures include requiring players to hold down a button for several seconds to confirm a transaction, allowing immediate cancellation of purchases, providing an automated refund system, and implementing parental controls with various restrictions for players under the age of 13.
This legal challenge is not the first time Epic Games has faced scrutiny regarding its in-game store practices in Fortnite. In 2024, a court in the Netherlands imposed a €1.1 million fine on Epic Games for employing “misleading timers” and manipulative strategies designed to pressure children into making unnecessary purchases. Furthermore, the company has already paid a $245,000 penalty for covertly encouraging in-game spending.