Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Updates
Study Confirms Youth Gaming Disorder Prevalence, Links to Developmental Harm
A large-scale study surveying nearly 2,000 students aged 10-14 found 1.2% met the clinical threshold for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), with an additional 2.7% reaching sub-clinical levels. A significant 9.9% demonstrated moderate to high smartphone addiction risk. Researchers note these figures may be conservative due to potential underreporting. Crucially, children exhibiting IGD or problematic phone use scored significantly higher on measures of developmental harm across emotional, social, and physical domains. These findings substantiate litigation claims that compulsive digital engagement causes tangible harm. Plaintiffs in video game addiction lawsuits cite such evidence to argue that sophisticated behavioral design deployed by developers targets minors, resulting in documented impairment to health, academics, and behavior.
Neuroscience Study Links Gaming Disorder to Altered Brain Function, Bolstering Potential Litigation Claims
A peer-reviewed study reveals individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) exhibit heightened reward dependence and reduced prefrontal cortex activity during decision-making compared to healthy controls. This neurological impairment correlates with "uncontrollable reward seeking," substantiating concerns about gaming addiction’s impact on behavioral control. The findings lend scientific credibility to lawsuits alleging video game developers exploited addictive mechanisms, particularly in cases involving minors. Reduced executive function activity may support claims that compulsive gaming causes measurable harm—a key element for negligence or product liability theories. As litigation targeting game design practices emerges, this research could inform expert testimony on causation and damages.
Researcher Daria Kuss Links Video Game Design to Youth Addiction, Urges Industry Data Sharing Amid Litigation
Researcher Daria Kuss has published findings underscoring how video games promote disordered play patterns, particularly in youth, through addictive design mechanisms. Her work asserts that game manufacturers could mitigate harm by sharing user behavior data to help researchers identify and intervene in problematic usage early. Kuss’s analysis reinforces negligence claims in lawsuits alleging developers intentionally engineer games to be addictive—despite known risks to young users’ mental health. This research may compel courts to scrutinize industry transparency and bolster plaintiffs’ arguments in ongoing gaming addiction litigation.
California Consolidates Nationwide Video Game Addiction Lawsuits Into Single Proceeding
The Judicial Council of California has centralized all pending video game addiction lawsuits into JCCP No. 5363, a coordinated proceeding presided over by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Samantha P. Jessner. This consolidation includes cases from across the U.S., mirroring the efficiency of federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) but under California’s state court system. The JCCP streamlines pretrial proceedings—reducing duplicative discovery and conflicting rulings—while addressing core allegations that certain games were designed to be addictive, particularly for minors. This move signals the judiciary’s heightened scrutiny of gaming companies’ practices and their potential harm to youth.
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!
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