Summary
Epic Games, the company behind the popular battle royale gameFortnite, has been fined over $1.2 million for violations of child consumer safety laws in the Netherlands. The ongoinglegal battles at Epic Gameshave continued to raise eyebrows, and this latest litigation has once again raised concerns about a larger topic in the video game industry.
Released in 2018,Fortnitehas become one of the most successful and profitable online multiplayer shooter games of all time. The colorful 3D builder has teamed up with multiple studios and companies for unique cross over events, including the introduction of character skins fromStar Wars, the WWE, and even Marvel. While the game is rated T for Teen, it is considered mostly family-friendly. However,Fortniteis now facing major fines in the Netherlands for alleged infractions against child safety.
First reported byCBG, Epic Games is facing legal fines of €1,125,000,or roughly $1.2 million, in the Netherlands. The European nation’s Authority for Consumers and Markets alleges that Epic Games utilized “aggressive commercial practices” in itsFortniteItem Shop, using phrases such as “buy now” and “get it now,” which are harmful to young children. According to the ACM, the timed countdowns and hard-sale ads in the Item Shop leave children susceptible to “fear of missing out,” leading to increases in impulse purchasing and consumerism among children. Epic Games has already challenged the ruling and fine, stating that changes to itsmicrotransactions in video gameswould in fact harm the consumer and not the company. Epic Games must wait until May 24 for the result of the appeal and has until June 10 to meet the ACM’s requests for change.
Microtransactions Remain A Polarizing Topic In Gaming
Audiences remain in constant discussion over the use of microtransactions in video games, with many feeling that the practice is harmful to users, regardless of age. Some believe that microtransactions are deceptive, in that they often present games as being free-to-play yet leave crucial elements behind pay walls. Others have argued that microtransactions can be used to help studios ensure a quicker return on investment, which can sometimes allow the developer to then release more content in the future. The topic remains polarizing, with players generally agreeing thatpay-to-win models with microtransactionsare inexcusable, while item shops with cosmetics for purchase are more tolerable. Many remain concerned about how video games can take advantage of players, especially children, with microtransactions being a particular focus when it comes to discussions of marketing and consumerism in gaming.
As Epic Games faces legal backlash, audiences remain skeptical of the larger impact of microtransactions and item shops in the video game industry. Multiple reports have shown the vulnerability of children in the face of aggressive marketing, and thedirect-to-consumer advertising in gamingcan easily fall into predatory territory. In spite of controversy,Fortniteremains incredibly popular among audiences young and old, though the Netherlands' ruling against Epic Games has the potential to fuel larger discussions on video game microtransactions.
Fortnite
WHERE TO PLAY
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