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Record $520 Million FTC Fine for Epic Games: A Huge Decision

By Mazen "Mithrie" Turkmani
Published: December 20, 2022 at 11:42 AM GMT

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FTC have fined Epic Games $520 million, Square Enix has confirmed Moogles will appear in Final Fantasy 16, and Star Wars Dark Forces has been remastered by modders.

Final Fantasy 16 Moogles

Square Enix, the renowned video game developer and publisher, has recently unveiled exciting news for Final Fantasy fans. It has been confirmed that the beloved creatures known as Moogles will be making an appearance in Final Fantasy 16. These adorable and iconic creatures will be modeled after the Moogles that fans have come to love in Final Fantasy 14.


Moogles have been a staple in the Final Fantasy series since their first appearance in Final Fantasy III. These cute, fluffy creatures with bat-like wings and pom-poms on their heads have captured the hearts of many players worldwide. Known for their helpful nature and charming personalities, Moogles often aid players with various tasks throughout their adventures.


In Final Fantasy 16, players can expect Moogles to play a significant role in the game. While exact details are still under wraps, it is certain that Square Enix will stay true to the Moogles' essence and incorporate them in a way that fans will appreciate. Whether it be as companions, quest-givers, or adorable NPCs, Moogles are sure to bring joy and whimsy to the game.


Fans of Final Fantasy 14 will be particularly delighted to see the Moogles in Final Fantasy 16. Final Fantasy 14 is the massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. The game has garnered a loyal following over the years, thanks to its immersive world and engrossing storyline. Square Enix recently sent out a postcard to Final Fantasy 14 players, announcing the upcoming Starlight Celebration event.


The Starlight Celebration is an annual holiday event celebrated within the world of Final Fantasy 14. This festive occasion takes place between the 15th and 31st of December 2022. Players can look forward to participating in various in-game activities, such as seasonal quests, special events, and exclusive rewards. Additionally, the postcard hints at more exciting updates and content coming to Final Fantasy 14 in the following year, further enhancing the gaming experience for its dedicated community.


Square Enix's gesture of sending postcards to its players demonstrates their commitment to fostering a strong relationship with their fanbase. It serves as a gratitude-filled token for players' support and reminds them of the company's dedication to providing enjoyable and memorable gaming experiences.

Star Wars Dark Forces Mod

In other gaming news, devoted modders have been hard at work for the past three years, breathing new life into the classic 1995 video game Star Wars Dark Forces. Originally released for MS-DOS, Star Wars Dark Forces gained a cult following during its time and holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers.


The modding community, driven by a collective passion for the game, has embarked on an ambitious project to upscale and improve various aspects of Star Wars Dark Forces. This fan-made endeavor aims to revitalize the aging game by enhancing its graphics, sound design, and overall gameplay experience.


It is important to note that this modding project is not sanctioned or endorsed by the original developer of Star Wars Dark Forces. Instead, it is a labor of love created by dedicated fans of the game who wish to pay homage to its legacy and expand upon its foundations. These modders invest countless hours, applying their skills and creativity to rejuvenate the game and provide a fresh experience for both nostalgic players and newcomers alike.


The modding community has always played an integral role in the gaming industry, breathing new life into old titles and pushing the boundaries of what's possible within existing game frameworks. It serves as a testament to the passion and innovation of gamers worldwide, as they continue to create remarkable content long after a game's official release.

Epic Games $520 Million FTC Fine

In a significant development impacting the gaming industry, Epic Games, the creator of the immensely popular game Fortnite, has been ordered to pay a staggering $520,000,000 fine by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This colossal fine marks the largest penalty ever imposed by the FTC for violations related to child privacy and fraudulent microtransactions.


$275,000,000 of the fine is attributed to Epic Games' violation of child privacy laws. The FTC found that Epic Games had collected and stored personal information of minors without obtaining proper parental consent, a direct violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This violation raises serious concerns about the protection of children's privacy in the digital realm, prompting regulatory action from the FTC.


The remaining $245,000,000 of the fine is designated for refunding customers who were misled or coerced into making unwanted purchases within Fortnite. The FTC discovered that Epic Games utilized manipulative tactics, particularly targeted towards young players, to encourage excessive spending on in-game items. This exploitative behavior drew fierce criticism from consumers and advocacy groups, ultimately leading to this significant financial penalty.


The FTC's decision to levy such an astronomical fine against Epic Games serves as a strong message to the gaming industry at large. It underscores the importance of upholding ethical practices, particularly regarding child privacy and consumer protection. The magnitude of this fine highlights the severity of the violations committed by Epic Games and acts as a deterrent against future transgressions within the industry.


To gain a comprehensive understanding of the FTC's detailed findings and the rationale behind imposing this record-breaking fine, interested individuals can refer to the official website of the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC's action against Epic Games serves as a testament to the proactive measures being taken to safeguard players' interests and maintain the integrity of the gaming ecosystem.


In conclusion, the inclusion of Moogles in Final Fantasy 16 brings joy to fans of the series, as Square Enix continues to deliver captivating and nostalgic experiences. The Starlight Celebration event in Final Fantasy 14 offers players exciting festivities and hints at a promising future for the game. Modders' dedication to revamping Star Wars Dark Forces showcases the ongoing commitment of gaming enthusiasts to preserve and enhance beloved gaming classics.


On the other hand, Epic Games' hefty FTC fine serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting consumer rights and privacy in the gaming industry. Its implications reverberate throughout the gaming landscape, prompting all stakeholders to reassess their practices and prioritize the well-being of players.


As the gaming industry evolves and continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it is crucial for developers, publishers, and players to collaborate in creating an inclusive, ethical, and immersive gaming environment that celebrates innovation, creativity, and player satisfaction.

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Author Details

Photo of Mazen 'Mithrie' Turkmani

Mazen "Mithrie" Turkmani

I have been creating gaming content since August 2013, and went full-time in 2018. Since then, I have published hundreds of gaming news videos and articles. I have had a passion for gaming for more than 30 years!

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