Video Game Addiction Lawsuit

What Are Video Game Addiction Lawsuits?

Video game addiction lawsuits have been filed by families across the country, claiming that major gaming companies have designed their games to be intentionally addictive — especially for children and teens.

These lawsuits argue that companies use certain features to keep players engaged for as long as possible, like daily rewards, time-limited events, and unpredictable prizes. For some, this can lead to emotional, physical, and financial consequences.

Video game addiction lawsuits claim companies:

• Failed to warn players and parents about the risks associated with gaming
• Intentionally designed games to be addictive to boost engagement and increase in-game purchases
• Marketed to minors without implementing safeguards to protect them from excessive play
• Promoted excessive spending in a way that mimics gambling
• Used psychological tactics like variable rewards, timed incentives, and microtransactions to encourage compulsive behavior

At Sokolove Law, we understand the toll that gaming addiction can have on a family. With over $9.8 Billion total secured for clients nationwide, we’re prepared to help you seek justice.

Video Games Named in Addiction Lawsuits

In 2024, the gaming industry generated over $176 Billion, with video game companies raking in massive profits through in-game purchases.

While these companies thrive, many players and families struggle with the negative effects of excessive gaming.

Video game addiction lawsuits have been filed against: 

• 2K Games, which has published BioShock™, Borderlands^®, and NBA 2K^®
• Activision Blizzard, which makes games like Call of Duty^®, World of Warcraft^®, and Overwatch^®
• Epic Games, which owns Fortnite^®
• Microsoft, which published Minecraft™
• Roblox Corporation, which makes Roblox™
• Take-Two Interactive, which owns Grand Theft Auto™

These games use a variety of tactics to encourage excessive play, like creating a sense of urgency with time-limited events, rewarding players for logging in daily, and not having a natural stopping point, making it difficult for younger players to know when to take a break.

Though these games may provide entertainment, they also have the potential to harm a player’s well-being. If you or your child has experienced negative effects from these games, you may be able to take legal action.

Who Can File a Lawsuit for Video Game Addiction?

You may be able to file a lawsuit if you or your child experienced video game addiction as a result of gaming before the age of 25. 

Due to the developing nature of young brains, video game addiction typically impacts children and young adults. Around 1.2% to 10% of adolescents in Western countries struggle with internet gaming disorders or addiction, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Common side effects of video game addiction include:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Anti-social disorder
• Anxiety
• Attempted suicide
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• CT/MRI brain scan changes
• Computer vision loss or syndrome
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (gamer’s thumb)
• Depression
• Dropping out of high school or college
• Hypertension
• Neck sprain or herniation
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Panic disorder
• Requiring home schooling
• Seizures
• Social phobia
• Tennis elbow
• Trigger finger

There’s only a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit for video game addiction due to laws called statutes of limitations, which vary by state. It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t miss your chance to take legal action.

Symptoms of Video Game Addiction

As players use video games, their brain often releases dopamine, creating a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment. Over time, this leads to a cycle where the brain craves more of that rewarding feeling, encouraging players to spend increasing amounts of time gaming.

The repetitive release of dopamine can cause withdrawal symptoms when access to gaming is restricted, potentially leading to disordered behavior and addiction.

Signs and symptoms of video game addiction may include: 

• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when access to games is reduced or unavailable
• Losing interest in other hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed
• Lying about the amount of time you spend playing video games
• Neglecting personal hygiene or health as a result of prolonged gaming
• Poor school or work performance due to excessive gaming
• Spending large amounts of money on in-game purchases, often beyond what was intended or affordable
• Using video games to escape stress or negative feelings

Video game addiction can impact the entire family, causing emotional strain, stress, and financial difficulties due to excessive spending.

Get Help from Our Video Game Addiction Lawyers

Countless young lives have been affected by video game addiction — and companies may have known the risks. Worse, they may have intentionally designed their games with this in mind.

Our video game addiction lawyers are prepared to help you hold the companies responsible for this suffering accountable. We can handle every step of the process if you have a case.

Find out why families put their trust in Sokolove Law:

• Over 45 years of experience
• No upfront costs or hourly fees
• Able to help victims in all 50 states
• More than $9.8 Billion secured in past results

Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to see if we can fight for your family.

Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Payout FAQs