A group of parents in the United States has sued Epic Games for misleading advertising related to the dreaded FOMO (fear of missing out), which is used in the popular game Fortnite through timers in the store that create artificial pressure to buy. This phenomenon has raised concerns especially among families, as younger users are considered a vulnerable group to such tactics. Although the feeling similar to FOMO has always been there, we are now able to name it.
Surely you have experienced this fear of missing out on something
According to the lawsuit, the countdown timers for certain in-game items induce a sense of urgency, creating a false pressure that could negatively influence young players. The plaintiffs argue that, although Epic Games claims to be transparent by showing the remaining time for the purchase of skins and other items, many of these products return to being available days later or remain on sale for weeks at the same price, thus contradicting the premise of limited-time offers.
The parents’ allegations resonate with previous events, such as the fine imposed on Epic Games in the Netherlands in 2024, where the company was sanctioned with over 1.1 million euros for displaying false timers that gave the impression of discounts that never existed. This practice is considered illegal, as it violates misleading advertising laws in several U.S. states.
Epic Games has responded to the lawsuit stating that the accusations are incorrect and highlighting that they have removed timers and improved protections to prevent unwanted purchases, as well as implemented parental controls for minors. The company emphasizes that these new measures reinforce its commitment to responsibility towards its player base.
The San Francisco court will have to decide whether to allow the lawsuit to become a class action, which could have significant implications for millions of Fortnite players, as the video game industry faces increasing scrutiny over its business and monetization practices.