Dutch consumer group sues Epic over Fortnite, seeking more than €100m in compensation

Dutch consumer group Stichting Massaschade & Consument (SMC) has filed a class action against Epic Games, alleging it misled young Fortnite players, and is seeking over €100 million in refunds and damages on behalf of Dutch players who played before age 21. SMC cited research in which six in 10 of more than 1,000 Dutch teenagers aged 16 to 19 who bought currencies such as V-Bucks said it did not feel like real money, and half said they regretted a purchase made under time pressure. The group has served Epic a formal notice of liability and offered settlement talks; the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets fined Epic €1,125,000 in 2024 over item shop design, a fine upheld by a Rotterdam court in January 2026, while Epic said it offers parental controls and that the Dutch Fortnite Item Shop has no timer.