Legal Battle: Arkansas Family Takes on Tech Giants Over Game Addiction
The lawsuit claims that Microsoft, EA, Activision, and others intentionally crafted addictive game experiences, leading to addiction The defendants are accused of designing games with addictive elements
A family in Arkansas is suing multiple video game companies, including Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, and Epic, alleging that they are responsible for minors becoming addicted to gaming.
As reported by Insider Gaming (via GamesIndustry.biz), the lawsuit was filed on October 30. The plaintiff, an Arkansas mother, filed the suit on behalf of her child, referred to as G.D. in the legal document. The filing states that G.D. plays games for more than twelve hours a day and has spent thousands of dollars on in-game purchases. The lawsuit seeks compensation for injuries caused by G.D.'s addiction, such as pain in his hands, shoulders, and elbow, as well as related healthcare expenses. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks statutory and punitive damages, along with coverage for legal fees.
The lawsuit alleges 14 different charges, such as negligence for failing to warn users about the addictive aspects of video games, deceit, and violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. It specifically mentions a range of tactics that video game companies supposedly employ to addict minors, including 'rubber-banding,' loot boxes, and pay-to-win transactions.
To support its claims, the suit references 16 patents that it argues demonstrate the companies' intention to profit from driving minors into addiction. Among these patents is one from Activision that utilizes player behavioral data to create personalized messages promoting microtransactions, and another from EA that enables new players to purchase in-game bonuses and protection at a lower cost than experienced players. It should be noted that holding a patent does not necessarily mean that the patented material will be directly incorporated into a product. However, the lawsuit asserts that "several patents provide insight into the innovative video game monetization strategies designed to entice users into making in-game purchases."
The suit asserts that the defendants, through their manufacturing, publishing, marketing, and sale of video games, including those played by G.D., intentionally developed and designed them to induce addiction in G.D. and other users.
Tina Bullock, a lawyer from Bullock Ward Mason representing the plaintiffs, stated in a press release that gaming addiction is a severe and life-changing disorder that is negatively impacting children's lives and disrupting families nationwide. Bullock expressed her belief that parents, including herself, often wrongly blame themselves when their child becomes addicted, but through this legal action, they aim to expose the reprehensible actions, deceit, and manipulation of these companies who prioritize their own financial gain over the well-being of children.
The press release also claims this is the first suit of its kind and that "more will be filed in the coming weeks."
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of video games, I have mixed feelings about this lawsuit. On the one hand, I understand the parents' concern about their child's addiction to video games. Video games can be addictive, and some companies employ tactics to keep players engaged, such as loot boxes and microtransactions. On the other hand, I worry that this lawsuit could set a dangerous precedent and lead to censorship or regulation of video games.
I believe that video games are a form of art and entertainment and should be treated as such. Parents should monitor their children's video game playing habits and talk to them about the potential risks of addiction. However, I do not think it is fair to blame video game companies for the actions of a few addicted individuals.
