MASSIVE FINE FOR EPIC GAMES

If you’ve noticed the Fortnite Item Shop looking a bit different lately, it isn’t just a random UI update - it’s the result of a major legal ruling. The Rotterdam District Court (in The Netherlands) recently upheld a €1.1 million fine against Epic Games, following a crackdown by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) on how the game handles purchases.

​The case focused on how the Item Shop interacts with younger players. Here’s a breakdown of what the court found and how it changes the game for the community.

Why the Fine?

​The court identified three main "unfair practices" that pressured players -especially kids- into spending V-Bucks:

Fake Timers:

The ACM found that some countdown timers in the shop were inaccurate. They created a false sense of urgency, making players think an item was leaving sooner than it actually was.

​The "Get It Now" Pressure:

The court pointed out that the shop used aggressive design tactics. For example, buttons like "Get it now" or "Grab it" were brightly colored and pre-selected, while "Back" or "Close" buttons were small and hidden at the bottom of the screen.

Artificial Scarcity:

The 24-hour rotating shop cycle was ruled to be a form of "artificial scarcity," forcing players to make snap decisions on items without knowing when they might return.

What Changed?

​To comply with the ruling (and the "binding instruction" from the ACM), Epic has already rolled out several changes you’ll see in the shop today:

1. No More Shop Timers: The ticking countdowns on individual items have been removed worldwide to reduce FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

2. Clear Exit Dates: Instead of a vague timer, the product page for an item now shows the specific date it is scheduled to leave the shop.

3. Removal of Rarity Labels: The color-coded borders and labels (like those used for rarity) are being phased out globally to simplify the shop's appearance.

   
   

4. The "48-Hour Rule" (Netherlands Only): For players in the Netherlands under the age of 18, Epic now only shows items that will be available for at least 48 hours. This is designed to give minors more time to think before they buy.

The court cited research from UNICEF and scientific studies showing that younger players are more susceptible to these "scarcity claims" and often experience "purchase regret."

Because of this, the court ruled that Epic cannot roll back these changes and must pay the full fine of.... €1.1 MLILION!!!