Video game addiction has  emerged as one of the most impactful mass torts today, falling under the rapidly growing mass tort category of Social Causes and Technology.

What are the Video Game Addiction Lawsuits?

The Video Game Addiction lawsuits allege that video game developers and publishers intentionally created addictive games to exploit vulnerable users, primarily children and teens, for profit. Key legal claims for the plaintiffs include:

  • Deceptive design: Using algorithms and features that mimic gambling mechanics, such as loot boxes, to drive compulsive spending.
  • Failure to warn: Neglecting to disclose risks of addiction or provide tools to limit playtime and in-game purchases, or “microtransactions.”
  • Targeted marketing: Using psychologically manipulative content directed towards minors.

The plaintiffs seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial harm, as well as stricter regulations on game design and monetization practices.

What is video game addiction?

Video game addiction, clinically termed “gaming disorder” by the World Health Organization (WHO), is characterized by:

  • Impaired control over gaming habits
  • Prioritization of gaming over other interests and daily activities
  • Continuing to play despite negative physical, mental, or social consequences

A formal diagnosis requires the behavior to cause substantial disruption to an individual’s ability to function in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas, for a minimum of one year.

Who are the defendants?

The defendants are composed of major video game developers, including:

  • Epic Games: Developers of the Fortnite series.
  • Roblox Corporation: Developers of the Roblox series.
  • Activision Blizzard: Developers of the Call of Duty series.
  • Electronic Arts: Developers of popular games such as the FIFA and Madden NFL series.

What injuries and harm have been linked to Video Game Addiction?

The following injuries have been linked to Video Game Addiction:

  • Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI): Injuries in the wrists and hands due to repetitive movements
  • Psychological harm: Anxiety, depression, aggression, and social isolation
  • Academic Issues: Declining grades, loss of interest in extracurriculars, and strained family relationships
  • Financial harm: Minors racking up thousands of dollars in unauthorized microtransactions; families facing drained savings and/or credit card debt

What are the latest updates on the Video Game Addiction MDL?

In 2024, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) determined that there were too many different video games and developers involved in the video game addiction claims to benefit from consolidation as part of one MDL (multidistrict litigation).

However, in May 2025, over 100 video game addiction lawsuits were consolidated into a Judicial Council Coordinated Proceeding (JCCP No. 5363) in California. This JCCP is overseen by Judge Samantha P. Jessner in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Similar to an MDL, this consolidation streamlines pretrial processes, allowing plaintiffs to pool resources and share expert testimony, while signaling judicial recognition of the litigation’s legitimacy.

In light of the recent JCCP consolidation and new cases filed since the last JPML,  experts expect that there will be MDL coordination with the JPML.

Unfamiliar with terms like multidistrict litigation or JPML? Check out our guide on common mass tort terms for attorneys here.

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