Video game addiction lawsuits are gaining significant traction in 2025, with new cases, early rulings, and important procedural developments making headlines. Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers continues to actively investigate claims of addictive gaming practices involving titles like Call of Duty, Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, and Grand Theft Auto.
If you or a loved one has suffered potentially due to video game addiction involving one of the above games, please contact us or call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. Our video game addiction lawsuit attorneys will review your case and advise you on your best available legal options for pursuing compensation.
Recent Developments in Video Game Addiction Litigation
As of May 2025, recently, several lawsuits have been filed across the country, each accusing major gaming companies of knowingly designing their games to encourage addictive behaviors, particularly in minors. Courts are starting to recognize the potential harm caused by these practices, with some judges allowing cases to move forward past preliminary challenges.
Notably, parents of minors who allegedly became severely addicted to games such as "Fortnite" and "Call of Duty" have filed lawsuits in California, New York, and Illinois. Many of these complaints allege that the companies manipulated psychological responses through tactics like "variable reward schedules" and "limited-time events" that potentially create compulsive playing habits.
Some lawsuits have also sought class action or multidistrict litigation (MDL) status, citing potential, widespread harm among large groups of minors nationwide.
IMPORTANT: Video game manufacturers involved in these claims have strongly denied any liability and/or wrongdoing.
Progress Toward a Potential Video Game Addiction MDL
As of May 2025, efforts to consolidate video game addiction lawsuits into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) have not been successful. In June 2024, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) denied a motion to centralize these cases, citing significant differences among the lawsuits. The panel noted that the claims involved various games and developers, leading to distinct factual and legal issues that would complicate a unified MDL approach.
Despite this, individual lawsuits continue to progress in courts across the country. For instance, in March 2025, a family in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit against Roblox Corporation, Epic Games, Microsoft, and Mojang. The suit alleges that these companies designed games like Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft to be addictive for minors, resulting in severe emotional distress and social isolation for the child involved.
While the JPML's decision currently stands, the evolving nature of these cases means that future consolidation efforts could arise if more uniformity among the lawsuits is established.
Recent Trials and Early Verdicts
While no major national verdicts have been issued yet, a few individual trials are underway. In California, a case involving "Fortnite" entered the discovery phase in early 2025, with a trial date tentatively set for early 2026. In New York, a judge recently ruled that claims against Roblox Corporation alleging failure to warn about addiction risks could proceed to trial.
These early court decisions suggest that judges are increasingly receptive to arguments that gaming companies may bear legal responsibility for the design of allegedly addictive gameplay features.
Key Games at the Center of Addiction Lawsuits
Call of Duty
Plaintiffs allege that Call of Duty's reward structures and fast-paced "level-up" incentives foster dependency among users, especially younger players.
Minecraft
While Minecraft is educational for some users, the infinite world-building and heavy monetization through add-ons and marketplace purchases are cited as factors potentially contributing to compulsive gaming.
Roblox
Roblox faces criticism for allowing user-generated content combined with a complex virtual economy, which allegedly intensify compulsive behaviors, particularly among minors.
Fortnite
Fortnite’s "battle passes," seasonal content drops, and "live events" allegedly encourage prolonged daily engagement to avoid missing exclusive rewards.
Grand Theft Auto
GTA Online continues to be scrutinized for its endless missions, loot-based economy, and microtransactions, all of which allegedly drive extended, addictive gameplay loops.
The Impact of Video Game Addiction
Victims of gaming addiction often experience:
- Severe academic decline
- Social isolation
- Anxiety and depression
- Large financial losses due to in-game spending
- Sleep deprivation and other physical health problems
Families are frequently left struggling to address the alleged emotional, financial, and psychological damage.
If your loved one has suffered from video game addiction and potentially linked impacts, call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review with an experienced addictive video game lawsuit attorney at Riddle & Riddle.
What Families Should Do Now
If your child or loved one has been impacted by video game addiction involving Call of Duty, Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, or Grand Theft Auto, you may have legal options and qualify for a video game addiction lawsuit. It is important to act quickly, as statutes of limitations may apply.
Recommended steps:
- Gather documentation of gaming habits and in-game purchases
- Secure medical or mental health treatment records
- Save communications with gaming companies if applicable
- Contact Riddle & Riddle at 1-800-525-7111 for a free, no-obligation case review
Do You Qualify for a Claim?
You may qualify for a video game addiction lawsuit if your child meets the following criteria:
- The injured party was a minor at the time of injury
- The injured minor spent 15 or more hours of gameplay per week
- The injured minor played / plays one or more of the following
- Minecraft
- Roblox
- Fortnite
- Call of Duty
- Grand Theft Auto
- The minor child suffered one or more of the following injuries:
- Formal diagnosis of video game addiction
- Educational impacts (e.g., IEP, school dropout, private tutoring, etc.)
- Suicide
- Suicide attempt(s)
- ADHD
Why Riddle & Riddle for Video Game Addiction Claims?
With more than 190 years of combined experience and over $850 million recovered for clients since 2000 (see disclaimer below), Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers has the dedication, resources, and expertise needed to pursue justice in these claims. We are proud to stand up against powerful gaming corporations and fight for families harmed by alleged manipulative business practices.
For a FREE, no-obligation case review, please call 1-800-525-7111. There are no upfront costs and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
Call Today for a Free Case Review
If you suspect that a loved one has been harmed by video game addiction, call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. Let us help you understand your options and, if you qualify and decide to hire us, advocate for your family's rights.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have five convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
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