Now, Epic Games, the company behind the aforementioned popular game, has been fined $245 million by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The fine applies to the use of “dark patterns” in the design of the game’s menu system and user interface to make it easier for players to make unwanted purchases of in-game items.
This fine was originally announced in December 2021 as part of a larger $520 million settlement.
Let’s learn more about Epic and Fortnite.
Fortnite is an online video game developed by Epic Games in which players compete on a map to be the last one standing.
The game has elements of building and strategy, as well as special events and an active and competitive online community.
On the other hand, Epic Games is a software and video game development company founded in 1991 known for creating some of the industry’s most popular games including Fortnite and the Unreal Engine game engine.
They have also started their own online store, den Epic game store. This company is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, USA.
The company also has offices in different parts of the world including Los Angeles, Seattle, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Berlin, Warsaw, Shanghai and Sydney.
Epic games with fine What are dark patterns?
The “dark patterns‘ are design techniques used to misleadingly influence user behavior.
These techniques are used on all types of platforms, from websites to mobile apps, to lure users into actions that may not interest them or may harm them.
In the case of “Fourteen days‘ the FTC alleged that Epic Games used obscure patterns to facilitate unwanted purchases of in-game items, including conflicting and inconsistent button designs.
According to the FTC, these designs were placed in a way that made it easy for a player to hit the wrong button and trigger the payout.
In addition, it was claimed that Epic Games makes it easy for kids to shop without parental consent.
The children were able to quickly make large sales without the prior consent of their parents.
Epic Games with a fine and the consequences for the company.
The $245 million fine imposed on Epic Games is significant and will be used to compensate affected players.
The FTC It has not yet specified how the refund process will take place, but urges consumers to check a dedicated page on its website for updates.
In addition to the fine, the FTC has ordered Epic Games this avoids using obscure patterns or failing to obtain positive consent when billing consumers.
It has also been banned from suspending accounts after unauthorized charge disputes.
The order of FTC is the most recent legal activity in which Epic Games is involved.
The company is also embroiled in a lawsuit against Apple over App Store rules, which is pending appeal.
Epic Games Fortnite, fine to fine.
The $245 million fine imposed Epic Games from FTC This is a clear sign that regulators are paying attention to game design practices and the ways in which they can influence user behavior.
This news has been in the spotlight for a long time and it hasn’t stopped being one of the great controversies in the world of video games.
It is important that businesses are aware of dark pattern techniques and how they can harm consumers.
By avoiding the use of these practices, organizations can protect users and avoid costly penalties.
