Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Updates
Lawsuit Claims Video Games Are Addictive to Minors
A new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles accuses Roblox Corporation, Epic Games, Microsoft, and Mojang of designing video games that intentionally exploit minors, leading to addiction and severe harm. The complaint alleges that the 13-year-old plaintiff developed compulsive gaming behaviors, emotional distress, and social isolation due to manipulative game mechanics and monetization tactics. The lawsuit claims the companies failed to provide adequate warnings or parental controls despite knowing the risks. Allegations include product liability, negligence, and fraudulent misrepresentation. The family seeks damages, arguing that these gaming companies prioritized profits over children’s safety, contributing to a growing public health concern.
Study Examines Link Between Video Game Addiction and Aggression
A recent study, Video Game Addiction and Aggression in Schools: A Study of Moroccan Adolescents’ Behavioral Patterns, found a positive correlation between video game addiction and aggressive behavior among adolescents aged 15 to 19. The research suggests that teens addicted to violent video games, particularly those featuring war and combat, are more likely to display aggression in school settings. This study adds to the ongoing debate on the impact of violent video games, with prior research offering conflicting findings. A 2020 meta-analysis, for example, found no substantial evidence of a long-term link between violent video games and aggressive behavior.
Video Game Addiction and AggressionCalifornia Family Sues Roblox and Google Over Addiction
A Fresno County family has filed a lawsuit against Roblox and Google, accusing them of designing addictive games that harmed their 11-year-old child. The complaint claims that Roblox used features like operant conditioning, loot boxes, and microtransactions to exploit young users. The family alleges the companies prioritized profits over minors’ health, failing to warn parents about gaming addiction risks while marketing Roblox as educational. The child reportedly developed compulsive gaming habits, withdrawal symptoms, and cognitive and social harm. These lawsuits are filed individually, as no class action exists for personal injury claims in gaming addiction.
Lawsuit Alleges Roblox and Google Promote Gaming Addiction
A Fresno County lawsuit claims that Roblox Corporation and Google designed and distributed addictive gaming products that harmed an 11-year-old child. The complaint alleges that Roblox uses patented features like operant conditioning, loot boxes, and microtransactions to exploit young users. The family argues that these companies prioritize profits over children's well-being, failing to warn parents about addiction risks while marketing Roblox as educational. Part of a growing wave of gaming lawsuits, this case highlights concerns over tech companies’ influence on minors. Since no class action exists for personal injury claims, these lawsuits are filed individually.
About The Video Games Addiction Lawsuit
Video gaming might seem like a fun hobby, but lawsuits claim it may hide a sinister secret. Some popular games can get players hooked, leading to a condition called internet gaming disorder (IGD). Kids—especially those with impulse control disorders like ADHD and ADD—are particularly at risk. Experts say IGD affects about 8.5% of children under 18.
A serious condition that can negatively impact cognitive, emotional, and physical health, IGD’s effects are similar to those of other substance use disorders. Since many addictive games incorporate in-game purchases, a gaming addiction can also devastate family finances.
Researchers believe video games addict players by exploiting the reward center of the brain. Hours of playing and winning may create an unnatural cycle of dopamine release, pushing children to keep playing. Dopamine, also known as the “feel-good hormone,” is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure.
Disturbingly, these games’ addictive designs may not be by accident. An onslaught of lawsuits says big players in the gaming industry prioritized profits over children’s health by intentionally engineering games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, Roblox, Overwatch, and Grand Theft Auto 5 to get kids addicted.
The litigation has the potential to grow into a class action lawsuit, which could help families hold these corporations accountable for the harm they’ve done to children.
What Do The Video Games Addiction Lawsuits Allege?
The lawsuits make serious allegations against gaming industry giants, such as:
Games were intentionally engineered to be ultra-stimulative and addictive. Corporations even worked with behavioral psychologists and neuroscientists to develop games that would be difficult for minors to put down. They also employed “dark patterns” (also called “deceptive patterns”) to trick kids into making choices they typically wouldn’t make regarding gaming time, spending, and more.
Game developers preyed on kids’ impulsive tendencies by emphasizing predatory microtransactions. Many games allow players to use real money to purchase in-game items and features like “loot boxes,” which have a small chance of containing rare items. Kids often continue gambling money on loot boxes in hopes of obtaining the sought-after item, keeping them playing and spending.
Corporations failed to warn players—and their parents—of the risks of gaming addiction. Game designers knew of the dangerous elements—even purposefully building them into the games—but neglected to issue warnings that could have prevented harm to minors.
Signs of Video Gaming Addiction
A minor suffering from a video gaming addiction may display certain negative signs. These include:
- Diminished academic performance, such as poor grades, truancy, or even dropping out of school)
- Being unable to control time spent gaming
- Social withdrawal from friends and/or family
- Unhealthy sleeping, hygiene, and eating routines
- Loss of interest in former hobbies like exercise, sports, music, and more.
- Symptoms of withdrawal, including depression, anxiety, and agitation
- Difficulty at work and with keeping a job (if employed)
If you notice your child displaying these signs as a result of video gaming, you may be eligible to join the video game addiction lawsuit. Sign up today to be connected with an attorney in the OCA network.
Who Is Eligible For The Video Games Addiction Lawsuits?
Individuals who may qualify for the gaming addiction lawsuit, are those who are 18 years of age or younger and exhibit at least one of the following symptoms as a result of video gaming:
- Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)
- Emotional instability
- Depression
- Rage
- ADD/ADHD
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Seizures
- Social withdrawal
- Poor school performance
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Additional criteria for the Video Game Addiction Lawsuit are:
- Under the age of 22 for Microsoft and Minecraft, under 30 for Activision and Call of Duty. (Age under 30)
- Has a valid gamer tag
- Meets the playing time thresholds for Video Game Addiction (21 hours per week)
- Has 5/9 of the symptoms of VGA for at least 12 months (below)
Attorneys in our network primarily focus on cases involving Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto, World of Warcraft, and Call of Duty. While individual games outside these titles may still be relevant, the primary emphasis is on these platforms. Key details such as game names, dates, and total playtime are extracted directly from the user’s Gamer Tag. To proceed, we require confirmation of the correct gaming platforms and the primary games played.
Please note that Individuals must also exhibit at least 5 out of the following 9 symptoms:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to play.
- Loss of interest in other hobbies, sports, or family activities.
- Acknowledgment by the gamer that they have a problem with excessive gaming.
- Deception about playtime or stealing to support gaming habits.
- Needing to play more hours to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
- Decline in personal hygiene due to excessive gaming.
- Failed attempts to stop or reduce gaming.
- Using gaming as a way to relieve negative moods, such as guilt or depression.
- Poor performance at school or work due to gaming.
These symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions, such as addiction, depression, and PTSD, making each case unique we strongly recommend consulting with an attorney to confirm eligibility and discuss the specifics of your situation.
All cases are unique, and various factors impact eligibility. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility and learn more about your potential claims.
Can Video Gaming Addiction Be Treated?
Gaming addiction can be devastating for victims and their family members, but there is hope for treatment. Though more research is needed, patients have been effectively treated with psychotherapy. For more debilitating symptoms, medication may be suggested.
As with other substance use disorders, gaming withdrawal can cause debilitating symptoms; treatment should only be handled by trained professionals.
Which Video Games And Companies Do The Lawsuits Name?
Many popular video games and developers are named in the gaming addiction lawsuits. Among others, they include:
- Activision Blizzard: Call of Duty; Overwatch
- Blizzard Entertainment: World of Warcraft
- Epic Games: Fortnite
- Microsoft Corporation: Minecraft
- Psyonix: Rocket League
- Respawn Entertainment: Apex Legends
- Roblox Corporation: Roblox
- Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto 5
- Ubisoft: Rainbow Six: Siege
- Valve Corporation: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive; Counter-Strike 2
Do I Have to Pay for an Attorney?
In addition to the pain and suffering gaming addiction causes, it often strains finances. You may be interested in joining the video game addiction lawsuit but have concerns about associated costs.
The good news is that most attorneys working on these cases operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning no upfront payment is required. Instead, your lawyer is paid a percentage of your compensation only if your case is successful.
How Can I Receive Help For A Video Game Addiction?
If your child’s life has been upended by a video gaming addiction, you may be wondering how to pick up the pieces. Checking if you may qualify for the video game addiction lawsuit is a good first step.
Though the litigation is still in its early stages, joining the fight against negligent gaming corporations may help plaintiffs receive compensation for mental health treatment, monetary losses, and pain and suffering.
Fill out the form at the top of the page to receive a free case evaluation from an attorney. Start your journey toward justice today!
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