Hold Gaming Companies Accountable
Lawsuits are currently being filed against major video game developers and publishers, alleging that they intentionally designed their games to be addictive, particularly for minors. These lawsuits claim that companies like Microsoft, Epic Games (Fortnite), Roblox Corporation, and Activision Blizzard prioritized profits over user safety by employing psychological tactics to keep young players hooked.
Similar to lawsuits against social media companies, these claims argue that gaming companies failed to warn parents and users about the risks of addiction and the potential for severe mental and physical harm. If you or your child has suffered due to excessive gaming, you may be entitled to compensation.
Video game addiction, or Internet Gaming Disorder, can manifest in various behavioral, emotional, and physical ways. Common symptoms include:
- Extreme irritability, anger, or "gamer rage" when unable to play
- Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and depression
- Lying about time spent gaming
- Loss of interest in other hobbies and social isolation
- Decline in academic or work performance
- Sleep deprivation and chronic fatigue
- Poor personal hygiene and eating habits
- Carpal tunnel syndrome or "gamer's thumb"
- Eye strain, migraines, or seizures
- Drastic weight changes
You may be eligible to join the litigation if the following criteria are met:
- Age: The addicted individual started gaming as a minor (typically under 18) and is currently under 25 years old.
- Diagnosis: A formal diagnosis of Gaming Disorder, or related conditions like severe anxiety, depression, or ADHD exacerbated by gaming.
- Excessive Use: A history of playing specific addictive games for extended periods (e.g., multiple hours daily) for at least several months.
- Harm: Demonstrable negative impact, such as dropping out of school, loss of employment, hospitalization, or significant financial loss due to microtransactions.
You may be eligible if you or your child (typically under 25) helps suffered from video game addiction or "gaming disorder" that resulted in physical, emotional, or financial harm. A formal diagnosis or evidence of addiction is often required.
Lawsuits have been filed involving popular titles such as Fortnite, Roblox, Call of Duty, Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto (GTA), and others developed by major companies like Epic Games, Roblox Corporation, Activision Blizzard, and Microsoft.
Potential compensation includes reimbursement for therapy and medical treatment costs, educational expenses (if schooling was delayed), lost wages (for parents or young adults), and damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Yes. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizes "Gaming Disorder" as a disease. It is characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other interests, and escalation of gaming despite negative consequences.
Key evidence may include medical records diagnosing gaming disorder or related conditions (ADHD, depression), proof of financial spending on games (microtransactions), logs of gaming hours, and documentation of behavioral issues or physical injuries.