Epic’s objection against fines and binding instruction in connection with Fortnite declared unfounded

In its decision on objection of 27 November 2024, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has upheld the fines and binding instruction that it had imposed on Epic for violations of consumer law in its Fortnite game.

In the Fortnite game, children were pressured into making purchases by taking advantage of their vulnerabilities, particularly their impulsivity. In the game’s Item Shop, misleading timers were used, children were directly exhorted to make purchases in advertisements, and they had to make decisions on unclear and complex offers under time pressure.
When offering products to children, businesses must take extra care when doing so. That is why ACM had imposed fines totaling 1,125,000 euros on Epic for two violations. For the third violation, ACM had imposed a binding instruction on Epic to have it ended.

Epic has filed an appeal with the District Court of Rotterdam against the decision on objection.