Game Over: Beasley Allen Files Video Game Addiction Lawsuit

We recently filed our first video game addiction lawsuit, spotlighting a growing concern for families and children in the digital age. The case, filed in California, involves a nine-year-old child who began gaming at age seven and quickly developed compulsive playing habits. What seemed like harmless fun turned into a serious issue—one that reflects a broader pattern seen across households nationwide.

Allegations Against the Game Developer

The lawsuit accuses the developer of designing addictive gameplay, negligence, fraud, and misrepresentation. The platform was intentionally built to maximize engagement, especially among children, without proper safeguards. Despite knowing the risks, the company continued to market aggressively to young users.

Coordinated Legal Action

Beasley Allen is seeking to transfer the case to JCCP No. 5363, a coordinated legal action involving major gaming companies like Epic Games, Roblox Corporation, Microsoft, and Mojang. This will help streamline the pre-trial process. The proceedings are overseen by Judge Lawrence P. Riff in Los Angeles Superior Court, streamlining pretrial efforts for similar claims.

Research Behind the Risk

A May 2025 study from Australia revealed that 4% of children aged 10–14 meet clinical or subclinical criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), while nearly 10% show problematic smartphone use. These behaviors are linked to emotional and physical developmental challenges, underscoring the need for stronger consumer protections.

Video games can be fun and even educational—but when play turns into obsession, it can take a serious toll on a child’s health and development. Here are some of the ways excessive gaming can impact young players:

Effects Of Addiction

• Brain Development: Too much screen time can interfere with how a child’s brain grows and processes information.
• Social Withdrawal: Kids may pull away from friends and family, missing out on important social experiences.
• Mental Health Struggles: Gaming addiction has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and emotional instability.
• Physical Injuries: Repetitive use of controllers and devices can lead to hand and wrist pain, known as repetitive stress injuries.
• Sleep Problems: Late-night gaming often disrupts sleep, which affects mood, focus, and overall health.
• Aggressive Behavior: Some children experience intense frustration or anger—often called “gamer’s rage”—that can spill into everyday life.
• School and Work Issues: Addiction can lead to poor grades, missed assignments, and trouble staying focused in class or at work.

Understanding these risks is key to helping families set healthy boundaries and protect their children’s well-being in today’s digital world.

At Beasley Allen, we are dedicated to holding these companies accountable and seeking justice for our clients.