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Fortnite maker Epic has been fined by the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets for approximately $1.2 million over “unfair commercial practices aimed at children in Fortnite.” This comes after a similar incident in December 2022 where the US Federal Trade Commission fined the company $520 million.
The ACM highlighted the fine today, and Epic responded with some changes while also disputing the decision. Last month, Epic announced the removal of cosmetic colors and tiers, as well as changes to the Fortnite item shop timers. These changes were partly prompted by the ACM’s case against them.
In response to the fine, Epic stated that players under the age of 18 in the Netherlands would not be able to see or purchase items in the shop for less than 48 hours starting May 24, 2024.
The ACM criticized Epic for pressuring children to make purchases through tactics like direct ads and misleading countdown timers. Epic was fined for phrases like “Get it now” and “Buy now” as well as for the global item shop countdown timer.
The ACM gave Epic until June 10 to make changes to the item shop. Epic objected to the decision, citing errors in the report and potential negative impacts on player experience.
Despite these challenges, the Fortnite creator has expressed interest in making a Fortnite movie in the future.
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