Parents have filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Fortnite maker Epic Games for allegedly creating “the illusion of scarcity” and “FOMO” with its store items.
As reported by Polygon, two parents have filed a claim with a San Francisco court on behalf of their children, citing “deceptive practices employed on a massive scale in one of the world’s most popular video games [Fortnite]”.
“Some items, such as the ultra-rare Renegade Raider outfit, were offered briefly and have not been offered in more than six years,” lawyers wrote. “Others disappear only to reappear weeks later. These offerings and their schedules are subjects of intense interest to Fortnite players.”
Taking issue with how the Fortnite Store rotates items on its digital storefront, the complaint reads:
“But, when their countdown timers expired, Fortnite’s Item Shop products did not disappear or return to full price. They remained available for purchase, often at the same purportedly discounted rate, for many days or even weeks at a time. This was an unlawful scheme.