Dutch Consumer Group Seeks 100 Million Euros from Epic Games Over Fortnite Dark Patterns

Dutch consumer protection group Stichting Massaschade & Consument has filed a complaint against Epic Games, targeting what it describes as "dark patterns" in Fortnite that lead players to make unintended purchases.

The organization is seeking 100 million euros in compensation for affected players under 21 and an additional undisclosed sum related to unauthorized collection of children's personal data without parental consent. The group has not yet filed a formal lawsuit and says it is open to an amicable settlement if Epic Games agrees to its demands.

According to the complaint, Fortnite employs manipulative mechanics including countdown timers indicating when in-game items will no longer be available and prominent "buy now" buttons. The organization also cites concerns about the game's addictive design and privacy practices targeting minors.

Stichting Massaschade & Consument referenced a study of more than a thousand young Dutch individuals. The study found that six out of ten V-Bucks buyers do not perceive the in-game currency as real money, and half of respondents later regretted their rushed purchases.

Epic Games denied the allegations in a statement, noting that Fortnite includes parental control tools allowing parents to restrict their children's purchases and limit playtime. The company has faced similar regulatory action previously. In 2024, Dutch regulators fined Epic Games 1.1 million euros, and in 2022, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission imposed a 520 million dollar penalty.