Fortnite could be sued for using item shop timers to create FOMO
Fortnite is facing potential legal trouble as a proposed class-action lawsuit alleges that the game’s developer, Epic Games, is using countdown timers in the item shop to manipulate players into making purchases. The lawsuit, brought forward by two concerned parents, claims that these timers create a false sense of urgency and scarcity, leading to players feeling the fear of missing out (FOMO) and making purchases based on deceptive tactics.
According to the plaintiffs, the timers often expire without any actual changes to prices or availability of items, sometimes remaining the same for days or even weeks afterward. This practice falls under the category of “fake urgency” in the realm of dark patterns, which are manipulative techniques used to influence consumer behavior. Epic Games has denied these allegations, stating that the timers have been replaced with rotation dates for items, and highlighting the implementation of parental controls to prevent unauthorized real-money purchases by minors.
The lawsuit also references previous legal issues faced by Epic Games, including violations of consumer protection laws in several states. The plaintiffs seek to turn this case into a class-action lawsuit and are requesting a jury trial to address their grievances. While it remains to be seen whether more individuals will join the class-action suit, the allegations against Epic Games raise concerns about ethical business practices in the gaming industry.
Notably, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) previously fined Epic Games $245 million for utilizing dark patterns in its payment system, allowing children to overspend without proper safeguards or refunds. This history of legal trouble suggests a pattern of behavior within the company that prioritizes profit over fair and transparent practices. The use of deceptive tactics in item shops and other in-game features has become a growing concern within the gaming community, prompting calls for greater accountability and regulation in the industry.
The lawsuit against Epic Games serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer protection laws and ethical business practices in the gaming industry. As more players become aware of the manipulative techniques used by developers to encourage in-game purchases, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability. The outcome of this legal battle will likely have implications for how companies like Epic Games conduct their business in the future, potentially shaping the industry’s practices and regulations moving forward.
