Dutch consumer group files lawsuit against Epic for misleading young players on Fortnite, seeking more than €100m in compensation
Dutch consumer protection group Stichting Massaschade & Consument (SMC) has filed a class action lawsuit against Epic Games, alleging the company deliberately misled young Fortnite players into making unnecessary purchases. The lawsuit seeks over €100 million in refunds and damages on behalf of Dutch Fortnite players who played before age 21.
According to research cited by SMC, among over 1,000 Dutch teenagers aged 16 to 19 who purchased in-game currency, approximately 60% reported being influenced by game mechanics designed to encourage spending. The consumer group contends that Epic Games’ design practices specifically targeted young players vulnerable to manipulative monetisation mechanics, violating consumer protection laws intended to shield minors from such tactics.
The lawsuit also demands compensation for collecting children’s personal data without explicit parental consent, raising additional privacy concerns alongside the monetisation allegations. SMC claims Epic Games deliberately created systems designed to pressure players, particularly youth, into purchases of cosmetics and other virtual items.
SMC issued the lawsuit announcement on September 23 and has invited Epic Games to negotiate a “collective solution” to resolve the dispute. The group indicated it will pursue court proceedings if Epic Games refuses to engage in negotiations or fails to reach an agreement addressing the claims.