Parents Accuse Fortnite of Inducing “FOMO” in Kids

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is not just a buzzword, it’s a genuine feeling. I encounter it every week while browsing the latest board game deals on crowdfunding platforms. The pressure to buy now or lose out is a prevalent sales tactic, often leading to dissatisfaction, as exemplified by parents’ concerns over
Fortnite.

Prior to this, battle royale, Fortnite has faced action in the Netherlands concerning these techniques after the discovery that half the time, the 24-hour timers were unreliable.

Fortnite’s strategy of creating an illusion of scarcity, especially with their limited-time skins, has proven successful in money-making. Some skins are not available for years to come, while others remain for sale even after the 24-hour countdown ends. This is rather cunning.

In response to these questionable tactics, two parents of avid Fortnite players initiated a lawsuit in San Francisco on Wednesday, as reported by
Polygon. The parents aim to put an end to the FOMO effect caused by the 24-hour timers. Their real issue is not with the limited appearance of the skins but with short-term “discounts” that incentivize immediate purchases, despite the items often being on sale longer than indicated.

Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, states they will contest these allegations, noting that they’ve already altered the item shop (a direct result of the Netherlands incident).

The parents are levying several charges against Epic, referencing the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, California False Advertising Law, California Unfair Competition Law, and the Texas Unfair and Deceptive Practices Act. This is due to the parties’ different jurisdictions, with one plaintiff in California, the other in Texas, and Epic in North Carolina, consequently the referenced State Acts.

Our simple request to Epic Games is to refrain from creating unnecessary FOMO. We, the players, can do just fine generating that sentiment on our own.