Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Attorneys

Billions of people worldwide play, socialize, and unwind through online video games; the number of users is anticipated to reach 3-billion users by 2029. This high number equates to large profit margins for video game publisher companies. It also shows the increased risk to users forming a life-altering video game addiction.

At Lerner and Rowe, we are dedicated to helping those impacted by harmful gaming practices seek justice. If you or your child has been diagnosed with a video gaming addiction and is facing significant physical or mental health issues, you might be eligible to take part in a video game addiction lawsuit.

Our legal team currently offers free case reviews and consultation for gaming addiction tort lawsuit claims.

Call us today at 844-977-1900 to schedule a free consultation so that you can learn if you may be entitled to compensation through filing a gaming addiction lawsuit. Our team is here to support you 24/7. 

Video Game Publishers Facing Lawsuits

Several video game publishers are facing lawsuits for defective design and failure to warn in connection with popular gaming series, including Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft, Fortnite, Roblox, and World of Warcraft.  

A few of these publishers include:

  • Epic Games, Inc.
  • Roblox Corporation 
  • Activision Blizzard, Inc. 
  • Infinity Ward, Inc. 
  • Treyarch Corp. 
  • Sledgehammer Games, Inc.
  • Raven Software Corporation 
  • War Drum Studios LLC d/b/a Grove Street Games
  • Rockstar North Limited 
  • Rockstar Games, Inc. 
  • Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
  • 2KGames Inc.

Free Case Review

Understanding Video Game Addiction and Gaming Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association (APS) proposed that those who suffer “significant impairment or distress” in several aspects of their life could have an Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)(1).

In turn, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified gaming disorder as a mental health condition.

This disorder can lead to serious issues in academic, professional, and personal relationships. Therefore, it’s crucial to increase awareness and push for change through lawsuits involving dangerous gaming products to help address the negative effects and provide support for those affected.

Affects of a Life-Altering Gaming Addiction

Angry gamer

Mental Illness

Anxiety, depression, mood swings, psychological distress, hyperactivity/inattention, and suicidal ideation.

Gamer Thumb

Physical Injuries

Eye strain, repetitive strain injuries, seizures, and sedentary lifestyle diseases.

Young game - Poor life quality

Poor Life Quality

Escapism, poor school performance, sleep deprivation, withdrawal symptoms, and social isolation.

Risk Factors of Gaming Addiction and How It’s Diagnosed

Gaming addiction frequently manifests as an intense preoccupation with gaming, leading to significant disruptions in personal, social, and professional aspects of life. To receive a diagnosis, an individual usually must exhibit at least five risk factors over a span of 12 months.

Here are a few health and life challenges that may be linked to video gaming addiction:

Young Caucasian gamer woman shouting into microphone while playing online, depth of field

Severe Psychological Harm

Excessive gaming can result in debilitating anxiety, depression, mood swings, hyperactivity/inattention, low self-esteem, withdrawal symptoms, and feelings of isolation. It may also exacerbate existing mental health conditions and, in some cases, potentially contribute to self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Physical Health Problems 

Spending prolonged periods gaming can cause eye strain, poor posture, repetitive strain injuries (like gamer thumb and carpal tunnel syndrome), and sleep disturbances. Seizures may also be triggered by flashing graphics and erratic player perspective movements.  

Long-term Impact 

Gamers may experience long-term health conditions, such as chronic back pain, computer vision syndrome, and other limiting conditions. 

Academic and Professional Struggles Linked to Gaming

Individuals struggling with gaming addiction often neglect school or work responsibilities, prioritizing screen time over other obligations. 

Social Disconnection 

Overindulgence in gaming can make it challenging for gamers to form meaningful relationships or engage in social activities, altering the trajectory of their current and future personal and professional growth. It can also contribute to bullying and hate speech among players.

Pop culture reference to video gaming addiction: An episode of the TV show The Big Bang Theory touches on multiple symptoms. An actor refuses to quit gaming after becoming addicted as an escape from disappointments in life. They eventually break the addiction when they agree to a quest with someone they don’t normally choose to socialize with in the real world.

Why Are There Video Game Addiction Lawsuits?

Video game addiction lawsuits seek to hold gaming companies responsible for the potential harm their products can inflict. The claims generally assert that these companies have placed profit above safety by developing games that are designed to take advantage of addictive behaviors. 

Additionally, they should have been more transparent about their marketing strategies and gameplay mechanics so that parents and guardians could better manage their children’s playtime.

Examples of the alleged harmful practices in the gaming industry include: 

  • Addictive Game Design: Using reward systems, in-game purchases, and AI-driven feedback loops to keep players constantly engaged. 
  • Microtransactions and Loot Boxes: Predatory monetization schemes that promote excessive spending that resemble gambling. 
  • Psychological Manipulation: Video game publishers hire behavioral psychologist and neuroscientists to develop games. 
  • Targeting Vulnerable Groups: Personalized marketing tactics that are specifically designed for adolescents and young adults (AYAs).

What Are Treatments Used for Video Game Addiction?

Research has shown that people who are addicted to online gaming frequently encounter various bio-psychological issues, including mood fluctuations, withdrawal symptoms, failure to adapt, and even what some refer to as “gaming hangovers.” Possible strategies for addressing gaming addiction include:

Nonetheless, the research on how effective these treatment options are is still quite limited, underscoring the necessity for more thorough studies.

Who Is Eligible to File a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit?

Our firm is currently accepting new video game addiction lawsuits for review on behalf of parents, guardians, and individuals. However, we have specific eligibility criteria for these cases that includes:

  • Plaintiff (or victim) must be aged 5–18
  • Plaintiff played video games for at least 2 hours per day, 15 hours per week, for a minimum of 5 weeks (75 hours over 5 weeks)
  • Plaintiff has been medically diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions: gamer’s rage, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), severe depression, ADD/ADHD, computer vision syndrome, debilitating anxiety, seizures, carpal tunnel syndrome, orthopedic injuries, or other injuries.
  • Plaintiff has received medical treatments for their diagnosed gaming addiction or disorder that is related to a video game addiction.

How Lerner and Rowe Can Help 

Excessive gaming can severely impact a person’s relationships, career, and overall well-being. In some instances, negligent gaming companies may be held liable, enabling families to seek compensation for the medical and psychological care of the addicted individual. Since lawsuits related to gaming addiction are less frequent than other claims, it’s essential to collaborate with an attorney experienced in this field.

At Lerner and Rowe, our committed gaming addiction attorneys are challenging the multi-billion-dollar video game industry, advocating for families whose children have become victims of gaming addiction. Our knowledgeable and compassionate legal team can:

Compensation for gaming addiction claims may cover medical treatments, mental health issues, and other difficulties stemming from the addiction. Our legal team is also actively working with clients to advocate for changes in how companies like Microsoft and Epic Games design their products, with the goal of preventing the development of intentionally addictive games.

If you or someone you know is facing challenges with gaming addiction, remember that help is available.

Get Legal Help for Your Video Game Addiction Lawsuit

If you or your child is struggling with gaming addiction, know that you’re not alone. Our legal team is committed to assisting individuals and families in their pursuit of justice by holding gaming companies responsible. 

Eligible lawsuits may be entitled to recover compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to order video game publisher companies to curb these alleged predatory practices.

At Lerner and Rowe, our team is here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate—call 844-977-1900, submit an online case review, or use LiveChat to connect with our legal team 24/7.