Fortnite developer Epic Games has appealed $1.2 million in fines imposed by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). The fines were imposed for using what the investigative body described as "unfair commercial practices" via its in-game store to "exploit children's fear of missing out (FOMO)."
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In a statement released today, Epic Games suggested that the ACM made "significant factual errors" in its investigation into the battle royale and further noted that the changes would result in a "poor experience for players" in Fortnite.
While the company's appeal is still ongoing, it has already implemented changes for Dutch gamers. Starting May 24, children under 18 will not be allowed to "view or purchase items that have been in the store for less than 48 hours." This will take effect at the start of the next season.
The ACM investigation found two fundamental problems with Fortnite's item shop, for which they imposed fines. First, the marketing terms of the game, mainly the mention phrases "Get It Now" or "Buy Now", combined with timers that create a sense of scarcity in digital goods that are not really scarce, but influence the purchasing behavior of children.
