The makers of Fortnite have taken legal action against the organisers of a disastrous live event based on the computer game.

Hundreds of people demanded refunds after spending hours queueing to enter the site and collect wristbands at the Fortnite Live event on Saturday in Norfolk.

Attendees also complained that attractions were underwhelming and ticket prices were too high. Some were given refunds on the day by the organisers, Exciting Events, but the festival’s Facebook page has disappeared.

An estimated 2,800 people turned up at Norfolk showground near Norwich but there was only space for four children to practise archery at the same time and one climbing wall tower, which could accommodate three climbers.

A spokesperson for Epic Games said: “The quality of our player experience is incredibly important to us, whether it’s inside the game or at official public events like last year’s Fortnite Pro-Am. Epic Games was not in any way associated with the event that took place in Norwich and we’ve issued a claim against the organisers in the high court of London.”

Fortnite is a “battle royale” free online game that allows up to 100 characters to fight for survival on a dystopian island. In November, it was reported to be the world’s biggest video game, with 200 million registered users worldwide.

Despite the event’s poor reception, Shaun Lord, the owner of Exciting Games, suggested it would bring the festival back next year.

On Sunday, Lord said eight of his 19 staff had not turned up on Saturday, leading to problems with queues. He said he had given a refund to everyone who had asked but refused to say how many people had claimed one. “We are dealing with people on an individual basis,” he said.

“There are a lot of people who have told me they have had a fantastic time and their kids have thoroughly enjoyed it. We will take everybody’s feedback into consideration and we will act on it.”

Since its release in 2017, the popularity of Fortnite has exploded. Victory dances featured in the game – including the “floss” – have been banned in some school playgrounds after they became a craze among children.

Earlier this month, the electronic music producer and DJ Marshmello gave the first ever concert inside the game.