Fortnite has returned $72M to players to date due to ‘dark patterns’ settlements.

In the previous year, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) dealt Epic Games a penalty of $245M, after it was discovered that the firm was employing misleading dark patterns to dupe gamers into making undesirable purchases in Fortnite. The fine was earmarked for refunds, which are now beginning to reach the players who were affected.

Up till now, $72M has been distributed to the 629,344 gamers who lodged a claim last October, with reimbursements being delivered either by check or through PayPal. This figure roughly amounts to one-third of what the FTC mandated Epic Games to pay, due to the company’s illicit activities including coercing players into unwanted purchases, enabling minors to accrue unauthorized charges without their parents’ consent, and barring certain users who challenged illegitimate charges from accessing their bought content.

If you think you’re eligible for a refund, you still have the chance to file a claim. Just submit for a refund before January 10th, 2025 (please note, individuals must be 18 years or older to apply, so children should request their parents to do it on their behalf).

In other news, the game LEGO Fortnite brought in a fresh mode named Brick Life on Thursday, December 12th. Epic Games describes it as “a unique social roleplay experience in the LEGO Fortnite universe”. The whole set-up resonates with a Sims Online-type setup, with a maximum of 32 players acting out life in the city of Brick Bay, taking on dream jobs, decorating homes or flats, and participating in social events such as band practices or hoverboard races. Just ensure you don’t unintentionally purchase anything from the cash shop.