Dutch consumer protection group Stichting Massaschade & Consument has filed a legal claim exceeding €100 million against Epic Games, alleging that Fortnite uses manipulative design techniques to pressure young players into spending real money on microtransactions. The lawsuit targets the game’s virtual currency systems and arrives on the heels of previous regulatory penalties issued against the developer in the Netherlands.
The Legal Claim and FOMO Mechanisms
Stichting Massaschade & Consument (SMC) launched the legal action demanding refunds for players under 21 who made purchases while experiencing what the group characterizes as extreme pressure to buy items quickly, or the fear of missing out (FOMO). According to Gamesindustry.biz, the organization points to design features such as countdown timers and limited-time offers as elements that create a false sense of urgency. SMC argues that these tactics disproportionately impact younger consumers, prompting the group to seek compensation that pushes the total claim past the €100 million threshold.
To substantiate the claims, SMC points to research involving more than seribu orang remaja di Belanda. The survey data indicates that six out of 10 buyers of virtual currency, such as V-Bucks, did not feel like they were spending real money during the transaction process. Roughly half of the respondents admitted to regretting purchases made under strict time constraints, providing the statistical foundation for the group's argument regarding impaired financial decision-making among minors.
Epic Games Defense and Existing Protections
Epic Games denies the allegations and maintains that Fortnite already incorporates strong safeguards for young players. The company states that the Fortnite Item Shop does not feature running timers, and players under 18 in the Netherlands cannot view or purchase items that remain available for less than 48 hours. Accounts created in the Netherlands by users under 16 are automatically designated as Cabined Accounts, which restrict real-money purchases until a parent or guardian grants explicit approval.
The developer also highlights additional security measures, including purchase PINs, two-step verification, direct purchase cancellations, a self-service item return system, and explicit choices regarding the saving of payment information. These adjustments follow Epic Games’ 2022 settlement with the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) senilai total US$520 juta, which included US$245 juta terkait sistem pembayaran/refund dan US$275 juta terkait persoalan privasi anak.
Regulatory Precedent in the Netherlands
The current litigation builds upon prior enforcement actions by Dutch consumer authorities. In 2024, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) imposed a €1,2 juta fine on Epic Games over commercial practices deemed unfair to children playing Fortnite. The Rotterdam District Court subsequently upheld that fine in January 2026, giving SMC formal administrative precedent to anchor its civil claims.
SMC has issued a formal notice to Epic Games to open settlement discussions. The consumer group indicates it will escalate the dispute to the courts if negotiations fail to yield an agreement. Meanwhile, Epic Games continues to emphasize that the platform offers extensive parental controls designed to help families manage both playtime and spending.
Worth a look