According to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), game developer Epic Games was fined €1.1m (~£943,530) for allegedly “using unfair commercial practices” in Fortnite in the Netherlands.
After conducting an examination, the ACM discovered language in Fortnite’s in-game store that exploited children’s vulnerabilities. This includes making purchases within the game by utilizing phrases like “Get it now” or “Buy now.” ACM alleges that Epic Games engaged in “an illegal aggressive commercial practice” that resulted in one of two fines of €562,500 because of the wording employed. Another fine of the same amount levied by the ACM concerns the countdown timers for items in the game.
“In the popular game Fortnite, children’s vulnerabilities were exploited and were thus pressured into making purchases. With this decision, we are sending a clear signal: children must be able to play online games without being put under undue pressure. These practices by Epic erode confidence in the digital economy.” said one of the board members.
After the inquiry, the ACM gave Epic Games the order to “reduce the uncertainty” around the availability of things in the Fortnite store and to provide younger players who are under the age of 18 more time to make decisions before making a purchase.
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