Parents Say Kids Are Spending $100 to $300 on Roblox and Fortnite, And Many Didn’t Realize How Fast It Adds Up

For a lot of parents, it starts small and no one notices how much is really being spent on these “free online games.”

A few dollars here. A gift card there. Maybe a quick purchase to unlock a new skin, upgrade a character, or get in-game currency for a popular title like Roblox or Fortnite.

But over time, many families are realizing those “small” purchases aren’t small at all. They’re adding up, fast.

The Real Cost of “Free” Games

Games like Fortnite and Roblox are technically free to play, which is part of why they’re so popular with kids and teens.

But what many parents don’t realize at first is how heavily these platforms rely on in-game purchases, often called microtransactions.

These include:

Character skins
Emotes and accessories
Game passes or upgrades
Virtual currency (like V-Bucks or Robux)

And once kids are engaged, the pressure to keep up — visually and socially — can be constant.

One parent described it this way:

“It’s never just one purchase. There’s always a new skin, a new drop, something their friends have that they suddenly need too.”

What Kids Are Actually Spending

While exact numbers vary, multiple surveys and industry reports suggest:

Many kids spend $10 to $25 at a time on in-game purchases
Regular players can easily reach $100 to $300 per year
Some families report totals climbing into the hundreds or even thousands over time, especially on platforms like Roblox

According to data from Statista, global spending on in-game purchases has surged in recent years, with billions of dollars coming from microtransactions alone.

And it’s not just older teens.

Younger kids are increasingly making purchases too — often without fully understanding that virtual items cost real money.

Why It Adds Up So Quickly

Part of the issue is how these systems are designed.

Instead of showing real dollar amounts, games use virtual currencies:

V-Bucks in Fortnite
Robux in Roblox

That extra step can make spending feel less real, especially for kids.

Add in:

Limited-time offers
Exclusive skins
Peer pressure from friends

And suddenly, a $10 purchase doesn’t feel like a big deal.

Until it happens again. And again.

The Social Pressure Factor

For many kids, this isn’t just about gameplay — it’s about fitting in.

Having the “right” skin or item can feel like part of their identity in the game.

Parents say this is where things get tricky.

“My son told me he felt left out because everyone else had the new skin. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just about a game anymore.”

What Experts Are Saying

Consumer experts have been raising concerns about how easily kids can spend money in these environments.

Organizations like the Federal Trade Commission have previously taken action against companies over unclear purchasing systems and unauthorized charges involving children.

The concern isn’t just the amount — it’s how effortless the spending can become.