Case Info
Frequent and chronic video game playing has become a major concern for many people including parents and families with children. Addiction to video game playing may be associated with mental, emotional, or financial loss for chronic video gamers and parents or caregivers of children, adolescents and teens who become addicted to internet gaming.
Video game makers have been accused of psychological manipulation of game plaers which may result in addictive behaviors surrounding video games such as Fortnight, Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5), Minecraft and others. Digital app stores and other tech companies have also been accused of negligence and failure to adequately warn people who download the programs.
Companies who may have engaged in these practices include:
- Activision Blizzard
- Electronic Arts
- Epic Games
- Microsoft
- Nintendo
- Roblox
- Rockstar
- Sony
- Take-Two Interactive Software
- Ubisoft
- Mojang Studios
- Tencent
If you or a loved one had to seek medical treatment for video game addiction, compensation may be available.
Video Gaming May Negatively Affect Players Including Children and Families
Online gaming has become an international concern for some individuals and families of children who may have suffered social, emotional and financial damage. Teens and adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to internet video gaming addiction. Families report that children may be spending unhealthy amounts of time, up to 14 hours a day gaming.
Game makers have been accused of practices that encourage unhealthy and harmful practices including:
- Addictive features which compel players to spend hours on gaming
- In-game purchases to obtain status or advantages while playing
- Reward features to encourage frequent and continued gaming
- Negative emotional feedback which may lead to feelings of anger and loss
- Failure to warn of risks of addiction and possible consequences of long-term gaming
Thousands of individuals including children, adolescents, and teens may have been affected by video game addiction. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has stated that internet gaming addiction may increase the risk of mental harm, including serious concerns of suicidal ideation, particularly in children.
Potential Harm of Constant Video Gaming
Video game addiction, also known as “internet gaming disorder” has been recognized by respected medical institutions as a condition that may be similar to gambling addiction. Chronic video gaming may result in psychological, emotional, mental and financial harm.
PoteSome individuals report that they have spent hundreds of dollars in small, frequent in-game purchases to “power up” or purchase “boxes” which may provide unknown weapons or features during the game. This may come at a significant cost to parents or caregivers of children who have spent large amounts of money without their parents’ knowledge.
Excessive gaming may result in:
- Addictive behaviors
- Anxiety, Depression, and social withdrawal
- Exacerbation of issues like ADHD
- Loss of social and developmental interaction
- Failure to maintain grades and academic progress
- Financial loss due to in-game purchases
If you or a loved one had to seek medical treatment for video game addiction, compensation may be available.