Epic Games Settles Class Action Lawsuit, Offers Benefits to Fortnite and Rocket League Players
What's inside
In a groundbreaking development, Epic Games, Inc. has reached a class action settlement, providing relief to players of Fortnite: Save the World and Rocket League. The settlement, part of the case Zanca, et al. v. Epic Games, Inc., Case No. 21-CVS-534, currently pending in the Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina, addresses claims stemming from purchases of random item loot boxes in the mentioned games.
Under the terms of the settlement, U.S.-based players who bought random item loot boxes before Epic Games discontinued the practice will receive immediate benefits. Each Fortnite: Save the World account that acquired a "Loot Llama" loot box will be credited with 1,000 Fortnite V-Bucks, while each Rocket League account that obtained a "Crate" loot box will receive 1,000 Rocket League Credits.
Furthermore, the settlement allocates up to $26.5 million in cash and other benefits to eligible U.S. players, offering them the option to choose between a cash benefit or additional V-Bucks/Credits by submitting a Claim Form.
However, eligibility is restricted to individuals residing in the United States or its territories during the period between July 1, 2015, and February 25, 2021. Those outside this scope are not eligible to participate.
This settlement marks a significant step in addressing player concerns and resolving the legal dispute between Epic Games and its customers. The Court's preliminary approval underscores the importance of this resolution in providing fair compensation to affected parties.
For more information on the settlement and participation details, individuals are encouraged to review the official Settlement Agreement and visit the dedicated website.
Epic Games Settlement
This is a United States based action. If you did not reside in the United States or its territories at the time you made the purchases at issue, you are not eligible to participate in this Settlement.
A class action settlement with Epic Games, Inc. (“Defendant” or “Epic Games”) has been reached. Under the Settlement, all U.S. players of Fortnite: Save the World and Rocket League who bought a random item loot box in either game before Epic Games discontinued random loot boxes will receive certain benefits immediately and automatically. The Settlement also provides up to $26.5 million in cash and other benefits to U.S.-based Fortnite and Rocket League players to resolve claims arising from players’ purchases of Fortnite and Rocket League in-game items. The case is Zanca, et al. v. Epic Games, Inc., Case No. 21-CVS-534, currently pending in the Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina before the Honorable Keith Gregory, General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division (the “Action”). The proposed Settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing by Epic Games, and it denies that it violated the law. The Court has not decided who is right or wrong. Rather, to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of litigation, the Parties have agreed to settle the lawsuit. The Court has granted preliminary approval of the Settlement and has conditionally certified the Settlement Class for purposes of settlement only.
Settlement Class means all persons in the United States who, at any time between July 1, 2015, and February 25, 2021, had a Fortnite or Rocket League account that they used to play either game on any device and in any mode, and (a) exchanged in game virtual currency for any in-game benefit, or (b) made a purchase of virtual currency or other in-game benefit for use within Fortnite or Rocket League.
As part of the Settlement, Epic Games will automatically add 1,000 Fortnite V-Bucks to each Fortnite: Save the World account that was used to acquire a random-item "Loot Llama" loot box, and 1,000 Rocket League Credits to each Rocket League account that was used to acquire a random item "Crate" loot box. Additionally, you may submit a Claim Form to receive your choice of a cash benefit or additional V-Bucks/Credits, as set forth in more detail in this website and in the Settlement Agreement.
Your Legal Rights and Options in This Settlement
Submit a Claim Form
As part of this Settlement, Epic Games will send 1,000 Fortnite V-Bucks to each Fortnite account that was used to acquire a random item “Loot Llama” loot box, and 1,000 Rocket League Credits to each Rocket League account that was used to acquire a random item “Crate” loot box, the contents of which were not known before opening. You may also submit a Claim Form for additional benefits for real money in-game purchase(s) if you believe the purchase gives rise to a claim of consumer fraud, breach of contract, or other claim for damages, or if you wish to obtain a partial refund for a purchase you made as a minor with your own money and without parental permission. Submitting a timely, valid Claim Form is the only way you can receive cash payments or additional V-Bucks/Credits, or if you wish to make a claim for minor disaffirmance. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for more details. The deadline to submit a claim is April 26, 2021.
Do Nothing
If you acquired a random item “Loot Llama” or a random item “Crate” loot box, the contents of which were not known before opening, you will still automatically receive the 1,000 Fortnite V-Bucks or the 1,000 Rocket League Credits. However, you will receive no cash payments and no additional V-Bucks or Credits under the Settlement, and you will give up your rights to sue Epic Games about the issues in this case (See the Settlement Agreement for a full description of what legal claims you will be releasing).
Exclude Yourself
You will not be entitled to submit a Claim Form for additional cash payments or V-Bucks/Credits, but you will retain any rights you currently have to sue Epic Games about the issues in this case. If you acquired a random item "Loot Llama" or random item "Crate" loot box, you will still automatically receive the 1,000 Fortnite V-Bucks or the 1,000 Rocket League Credits. The deadline to exclude yourself is April 12, 2021.
Object
Write to the Court explaining why you don’t like the Settlement. The deadline to object is April 12, 2021.
Attend a Hearing
Ask to speak in Court about the fairness of the Settlement. The Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2021.
These rights and options—and the deadlines to exercise them—are explained further on the FAQs page. Please review this website carefully.
