Video Game Addiction Lawsuit

Video game addiction lawsuits allege that gaming companies designed their products to be addictive, causing users to suffer physical and emotional injuries. By taking legal action, families may be able to seek compensation and hold negligent companies accountable. See if a top video game addiction lawyer may be able to fight for you.

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Why Take Legal Action?

By filing a lawsuit, you can pursue financial compensation and justice from those who caused you or a loved one harm.

Rae Theodore

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore

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Understanding Video Game Addiction Lawsuits

Video game addiction is a real problem that has become a greater concern in recent years, with unhealthy gaming habits commonly affecting children and teens. The World Health Organization even recognizes Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as a mental health issue.

Video game addiction lawsuits claim companies intentionally make their games addictive to keep players engaged for as long as possible and increase their profits. This can cause users to experience physical, emotional, and financial harm.

Video game addiction lawsuits allege that companies:

  • Employed unpredictable reward systems like loot boxes to encourage players to spend money
  • Failed to warn players and parents about the potential risks of gaming
  • Included addictive features to keep users engaged and boost in-game purchases
  • Marketed their games toward minors without including protections
  • Used variable rewards, timed incentives, and microtransactions to encourage continuous gameplay

A video game addiction lawsuit allows those who’ve been harmed to fight back and hold negligent companies accountable.

The personal injury attorneys in the LawFirm.com network have secured over $9.8 billion for those injured through no fault of their own. Our legal partners don’t charge any upfront costs and can help victims in all 50 states.

Get a free case review now to see if a top video game addiction lawyer may be able to pursue compensation for you.

Developers of Video Games Sued in Addiction Lawsuits

In 2024, video game companies took in over $176 billion from sources including game sales, in-game purchases, and subscription fees. Even free-to-play games often make money from microtransactions and advertising.

As video game developers make massive profits, many who have suffered mental health issues and other negative impacts due to the addictive nature of gaming have taken legal action to hold them accountable.

Video game addiction lawsuits have been filed against: 

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

While video games can be an enjoyable activity, they can also result in addictive behaviors. Young players are especially at risk since they may be impulsive and easily manipulated by the tactics gaming companies use to keep players hooked.

For some, gaming can cause a rush of dopamine that mimics feelings associated with drug or alcohol use. Due to the tactics used by game developers, players need to play more and more in order to feel the same rush.

Eligibility to File a Lawsuit for Video Game Addiction

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

Young brains are still developing, so they’re susceptible to harm from addictive gaming behavior. An estimated 45.7 million children in the U.S. play video games, or over 80% of all children 5 to 18 years old, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Video game addiction side effects may include:

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

Victims only have a limited period of time to file a legal claim due to laws called statutes of limitations. A personal injury lawyer can explain the deadline in your case and act quickly to ensure your lawsuit for video game addiction is filed in time.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or chat with a case manager to see if a video game addiction attorney may be able to help you or a loved one file a lawsuit.

Video Game Addiction Symptoms

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a person who has a healthy love of video games and someone who is addicted to them. Those affected may exhibit physical health issues, as well as mental health conditions.

It’s important to recognize possible signs of gaming addiction, especially if you’re concerned about the well-being of a young person in your life.

Signs of video game addiction include:

  • A preoccupation with gaming that is interfering with academic performance or daily life
  • Continuing to game excessively despite negative consequences
  • Decreased social interactions outside of video games
  • Experiencing sleep deprivation or other changes in sleep habits
  • Having withdrawal symptoms like aggressive behavior or rage when unable to play
  • Losing interest in activities and hobbies that aren’t gaming
  • Lying to loved ones about the amount of time spent gaming
  • Neglecting physical health and personal hygiene

“Video game addiction, also called internet gaming disorder, is a condition characterized by severely reduced control over gaming habits, resulting in negative consequences in many aspects of your life, including self-care, relationships, school and work.”

– Cleveland Clinic

How to File a Video Games Addiction Lawsuit

LawFirm.com works with video game addiction law firms who understand how excessive gaming can affect your entire family. They’ll handle every step of the legal process so you can focus on your child’s healing.

Our trusted legal partners can help you file a video game addiction claim by:

  1. Providing a free case review to determine if you may be able to take legal action
  2. Collecting evidence like medical records and therapist reports to build a strong case
  3. Filing a lawsuit in the proper court before any legal deadlines
  4. Negotiating a settlement that provides as much compensation as quickly as possible
  5. Representing you in court and fighting for a video game addiction lawsuit payout from a trial verdict, if necessary

Video game addiction lawsuit settlement amounts may vary based on factors like the severity of the injury, the amount of damages, and more.

A lawyer for video game addiction will work to secure enough compensation for your medical bills, emotional distress, and any other expenses.

Get Help From a Video Game Addiction Lawyer

Video games may seem harmless, but technology companies have purposefully designed them to be addictive and make them massive profits.

LawFirm.com has partnered with experienced lawyers who have a proven track record of holding powerful companies accountable for harming everyday people. They’ve recovered over $9.8 billion for victims of injustice nationwide.

Our video game addiction lawyers never charge any upfront costs or hourly fees and can help families in all 50 states.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or get a free case review to see if they may be able to help your family.

Addicted to Video Games Lawsuit FAQs

Is the video game addiction lawsuit real?

Yes, video game addiction lawsuits are legitimate. Major gaming companies have been accused of using addictive game designs to get children and adolescents to keep playing and make in-game purchases.

One lawsuit alleged that a now 14-year-old child became addicted to video games like Minecraft and Fortnite at age 7 due to the way the games were designed. The child allegedly suffers “gamer’s rage” when unable to play and now requires medication and counseling.

Get a free case review to see if we may be able to help you file a video game addiction lawsuit.

Is there a video game addiction class action lawsuit?

As of March 2025, a video game addiction class action lawsuit hasn’t been formed. A proposed class action lawsuit for video game addiction was denied as it involved too many different games, injuries, and technology companies.

However, those who have been harmed or their families may be able to file an individual addiction case and seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or speak with a case manager to get started.

What’s the video game addiction lawsuit payout?

Video game addiction lawsuit payouts may vary depending on the specific factors of each case.

Video game addiction lawsuit settlements may be affected by:

  • The age of the victim
  • How many different games they played
  • The specific injury and its long-term effects
  • Medical expenses and therapy costs

A video game addiction attorney can gather strong evidence to help negotiate a substantial lawsuit payout.

What’s the video game addiction lawsuit update?

Dozens of families have filed video game addiction lawsuits, seeking to hold developers of popular games that allegedly used psychological tactics to encourage compulsive playing and spending accountable.

Plaintiffs who file these personal injury lawsuits generally claim that gaming developers targeted children and young adults, while failing to warn parents of the risks or provide parental controls.

One of the latest lawsuits filed in March 2025 involves a 13-year-old child who allegedly became addicted to Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox at age 5. They reportedly experience emotional distress, social isolation, and withdrawal symptoms.

How much do video game addiction lawyers charge?

Video game addiction lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t charge any upfront costs or hourly fees. This allows victims to take legal action without any risk and regardless of their financial situation.

Get a free case review to see if we can connect you with a top lawyer.

Rae Theodore

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore

Rae Theodore is a writer and editor with more than 30 years of experience in legal publishing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Pennsylvania State University.

  1. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 27). “Video Game Addiction.” Retrieved March 28, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23124-video-game-addiction
  2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2024, August 28). “Consumer Advisory: Video games are targeting your children to get into your wallet.” Retrieved March 28, 2025, from https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/consumer-advisory-video-games-are-targeting-your-children-to-get-into-your-wallet/#
  3. National Library of Medicine. (2020, May 6). “An Investigation into Video Game Addiction in Pre-Adolescents and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Retrieved March 28, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7279472/
  4. PC Gamer. (2024, March 27). “You can’t sue us for making games ‘too entertaining,’ say major game developers in response to addiction lawsuits.” Retrieved March 28, 2025, from https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/video-game-addiction-lawsuit-motion-to-dismiss/
  5. Reuters. (2024, June 21). “The first video game addiction lawsuit got knocked out. Will others follow?” Retrieved March 28, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/column-first-video-game-addiction-lawsuit-got-knocked-out-will-others-follow-2024-06-21/#
  6. Sokolove Law. (2025, March 13). “Video Game Addiction Lawsuit.” Retrieved March 28, 2025, from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/personal-injury/video-game-addiction/
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