What is the Epic Games Launcher Scandal?
Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding its launcher and the tactics used to encourage players to make in-game purchases. In December 2020, the company agreed to pay a total of $520 million to settle US government allegations that it had violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the FTC Act.
What did Epic Games do wrong?
Epic Games’ Epic Games Store, a digital distribution platform for PC games, was accused of deploying design tricks, known as "dark patterns," to manipulate users into making unintended purchases. These dark patterns included:
• Bundling: Epic Games bundled smaller games with larger games, making it difficult for users to opt-out of the bundled games.
• Fine print: The company used fine print in the game’s description and reviews to make it hard for users to understand the in-game purchases.
• Tricky language: Epic Games used ambiguous and unclear language in its terms and conditions, making it difficult for users to understand the nature of the purchases.
• Unskippable ads: The company displayed unskippable ads in the game, making it difficult for users to avoid watching the ads.
What is COPPA?
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law in the United States that protects the privacy of children online. The law requires operators of websites and online services that collect personal information from children under the age of 13 to:
• Obtain verifiable consent: Obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children.
• Be transparent: Clearly explain their information collection practices.
• Keep information secure: Keep the collected information secure and only use it for the purpose for which it was collected.
Epic Games was accused of violating COPPA by collecting personal information from children without obtaining verifiable consent from their parents.
What was the settlement?
In December 2020, Epic Games agreed to settle the allegations by paying $275 million to the FTC. Additionally, the company agreed to:
• Disable dark patterns: Remove the dark patterns from its game and launcher.
• Improve transparency: Provide clear and transparent information to users about in-game purchases.
• Maintain secure data: Ensure the security and confidentiality of the collected information.
Has Epic Games changed its ways?
While the company has made efforts to improve its practices, it’s unclear whether Epic Games has completely changed its ways. The company still bundles smaller games with larger games and uses fine print and ambiguous language in its terms and conditions.
Are other games affected?
Other games and game developers may also be affected by Epic Games’ practices. However, it’s worth noting that the settlement specifically addressed Epic Games’ alleged violations and did not generalize the practices to other companies.
What can gamers do?
Gamers can take steps to protect themselves from similar practices by:
• Reading fine print: Carefully reading the game’s description, terms, and conditions.
• Being cautious with bundles: Being cautious when a game is bundled with another game.
• Avoiding unskippable ads: Avoiding games with unskippable ads.
By being aware of these tactics, gamers can take control of their gaming experience and avoid falling prey to manipulative practices.
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