Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Updates
Federal Judges Decline to Create Video Game Addiction Multidistrict Litigation
On December 12, 2025, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation denied a motion to centralize lawsuits against video game companies like Mojang (Minecraft), Roblox, and Epic Games (Fortnite). The plaintiffs alleged the games caused addictive disorders leading to significant life impairments. The JPML ruled consolidation was impractical because claims would inevitably involve a very large number of other game titles and developers, making common facts insufficient. The panel instead encouraged informal coordination among plaintiffs. Individuals may still pursue their claims separately in various state and federal courts.
Federal Judges Consider Creating First Video Game Addiction Multidistrict Litigation
On December 4, 2025, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) held a hearing to decide whether to consolidate the first federal MDL for video game addiction lawsuits. The initial request seeks to centralize 17 lawsuits currently pending in five different states against companies including Roblox Corporation and Epic Games. The plaintiffs allege that the games' design caused addictive behaviors and resultant injuries. If the JPML grants the motion, the cases will be transferred to a single federal court for coordinated pretrial proceedings, creating a formal pathway for future similar claims. A decision is expected soon.
Study Links Gaming Addiction to Loneliness and Social Harm
A study published in the World Journal of Psychology found that individuals with video game addiction report significantly higher levels of loneliness. Survey results showed participants with gaming disorder struggled with real-world social interaction and were less satisfied with personal relationships compared to non-addicted peers. Video game manufacturers are now facing lawsuits alleging certain games were deliberately designed to exploit psychological vulnerabilities, making it difficult for players to disengage. Reports indicate that children and young adults are experiencing developmental and mental health setbacks associated with excessive gaming and addiction-related behaviors.
Federal Panel to Consider Consolidation of Video Game Addiction Lawsuits
On December 2, 2025, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) will hold a hearing to decide whether to consolidate numerous video game addiction lawsuits into a single federal proceeding. The proposed MDL (No. 3168) would centralize claims against the makers of popular titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite. Plaintiffs allege these companies designed addictive games marketed to young people, causing harm. If approved, this consolidation would streamline the litigation, allowing thousands of affected children and families to seek compensation more efficiently.
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 Game 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!
Add Comment