Video Game Addiction Lawsuit

Lawsuit Updates And Recent Filings

In early 2025, the Los Angeles Superior Court consolidated over 100 cases into a single Judicial Council Coordinated Proceeding (JCCP) No. 5363. The cases involve allegations that developers intentionally designed games to be addictive, especially for minors.

Some plaintiffs are also filing individual lawsuits. A Los Angeles family sued Roblox, Epic Games, Microsoft, and Mojang in 2025. The lawsuit alleges that their child’s addiction stemmed directly from games engineered to exploit young users.

Now, attorneys representing families want to coordinate lawsuits on a federal level. They have filed a motion with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) seeking to consolidate similar cases under federal MDL rules, which would streamline cases across the nation. While the MDL decision is still pending, some Fortnite cases have entered discovery, and trial dates are being discussed for early 2026.

But not every case moves forward. Courts have dismissed some Roblox claims based on Section 230 immunity, which protects platforms from being held liable for content created by third parties.

Who Qualifies For The Video Game Addiction Lawsuit

You or your child might qualify for a lawsuit if:

• Gaming became compulsive and interferes with life.
• You have a medical diagnosis tied to excessive gaming.
• You suffered financial or academic losses due to gaming.
• The game maker continued to push features or rewards even after you raised concerns.
• The period of harm occurred while your child was within a vulnerable age (many suits focus on those 22 or younger).

Parents or guardians usually bring these cases on behalf of minors. To qualify for a video game addiction lawsuit, gaming must have caused disruption or damage.

If you’re unsure whether your situation meets the thresholds for a lawsuit, an attorney experienced in product liability or gaming addiction cases can clarify your options.

Platforms And Companies Named In Lawsuits

Litigation is targeting major gaming companies accused of building addiction into their popular games, including:

• Roblox Corporation. Roblox faces the bulk of claims now consolidated in JCCP 5363.
• Epic Games. The company is named across multiple complaints for Fortnite’s monetization tactics.
• Microsoft and Mojang. Both are being sued over Minecraft’s design features.
• Nintendo. The company appears in filings related to console ecosystems that facilitate compulsive play.

The lawsuits don’t attack gaming as such, but allege that specific design features keep players hooked and can lead to addiction.

Allegations And Design Tactics That Drive Addiction

Recent lawsuits claim that certain game developers use sophisticated psychological techniques to keep players online and spending. Some platforms mirror reward systems resembling those found in casinos.

Key issues highlighted in court filings:

• Loot boxes and chance-based rewards. These operate much like slot machines. Players pay real money for randomized virtual prizes, with unpredictable rewards designed to trigger repeat spending.
• Daily rewards and timed events. Many games punish players for taking breaks by revoking streaks or bonuses. This fear of missing out keeps players logging in every day, even when they want to stop.
• Push notifications and behavioral tracking. Games use reminders and messages to pull users back in. Algorithms monitor player activity and adjust offers to exploit individual habits.
• Compulsion loops. Each completed challenge unlocks another, which maintains a constant cycle of small wins and new goals. Some plaintiffs allege that when players spend money, the games become more challenging to encourage further spending.

Plaintiffs allege that by using these design tactics, some companies have crossed the line from entertainment into exploitation.

Evidence to Support Your Claim

To have a strong video game addiction claim, you’ll need to prove the game’s design choices caused measurable harm. For example, records of playtime and purchases can track how the problem got worse over time. Medical records from therapists or doctors diagnosing addiction or anxiety prove the psychological damage. And academic records, such as declining grades and attendance problems, can show the detrimental effect of obsessive gaming on children.

Expert testimony can also be crucial for your claim. Psychologists can explain how specific designs exploit vulnerabilities, and game designers can show how reward loops and targeted messages are designed to trap users and keep them playing.

Make sure to save all communications, such as emails and push notifications from the game encouraging play, and any messages you sent requesting limits or account closures that were ignored by the platform.

Damages You Can Seek and Potential Settlement

The damages you might recover in a video game addiction lawsuit depend on how much the addiction affected your life. Courts can award compensation for economic losses such as therapy or medical bills, missed work, or lost educational opportunities. You could also recover non-economic damages for emotional distress and mental health impacts. In cases where a company’s conduct was particularly reckless, a court may also award punitive damages.

While settlements will depend on the specific cases and damages, amounts may range from $25,000 to over $500,000, especially when a minor or someone with severe psychological harm is involved. However, these figures are estimates, and no large-scale settlement has yet been finalized. At this time, most cases are still in the litigation or negotiation stage.

Filing Steps and Legal Deadlines

A video game addiction lawsuit starts by consulting an attorney who specializes in game addiction cases. They assess whether your case has merit and help gather records like gameplay logs and medical files. If your claim qualifies, your attorney files a formal complaint in court. After filing the lawsuit, “discovery” allows both sides to request documents and expert reports. Many cases settle before trial, but some, especially if they involve high damages, continue through the court system.

The time to file a video game addiction lawsuit is limited. Meeting the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction is crucial, as it sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Most states allow one to three years from when you discovered harm.

Get The Right Lawyer For Your Video Game Addiction Lawsuit

Finding the right lawyer for a video game addiction lawsuit is crucial for success. Instead of personal injury generalists, look for attorneys with experience in complex consumer tech or mass tort and class action cases. Ask about their work with behavioral addiction or mental health-related claims. They should also be well-connected to industry experts, including game design specialists and psychologists.

With ConsumerShield, you don’t have to search for someone who fits the bill. We match you to qualified attorneys who can assess whether you have a strong case and move forward with a video game addiction lawsuit. Contact ConsumerShield now to take that first step toward justice.