Epic Games fined – Scammed customers into purchases

The most popular model in the gaming world is Free to play, where the developer releases games for free, and instead earns money through in-game purchases. As a rule, games are designed to encourage customers to buy in various ways, and in some cases the methods can be considered manipulation. These are also aimed at children who, in some games, can buy things without a parent’s permission. Now Epic Games is being fined for such a scheme.

According to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Epic Games has an inconsistent and confusing interface Deceived users to buy Inside Fortnite, then locked out by users who objected to unwanted purchases. As a punishment, the authority is imposing, among other things, a fine of US$245 million, which will be used to compensate the affected customers.

Inconsistent and confusing button configuration in Fortnite has resulted in players incurring unwanted charges based on pressing a single button. The company has also made it easier for children to make purchases while playing Fortnite without the need for parental consent. According to the FTC’s complaint, Epic also closed the accounts of customers who disputed unauthorized charges with their credit card companies. – FTC

The FTC believes Epic Games may have used dark patterns, as interfaces are specifically designed to manipulate users into decisions they otherwise would not have made. With these methods, the company should have made customers shop more in the game, where the possibility of one-button purchases is especially noted. Additionally, it should be noted that the company should have made it easier for children to purchase independently within the game.

In addition to fines, Epic Games is forced to obtain explicit consent from the customer before making purchases. In addition, the Company is prohibited from suspending the accounts of users who oppose unwanted in-game purchases. Epic Games isn’t the only game developer using similar methods, and whether these changes in the future remains to be seen.