Predatory Platforms: Profits Over Protection

For millions of children and teens, online gaming is more than a pastime — it’s a social hub, a creative outlet, and a daily routine. Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite market themselves as safe, fun, and communitydriven. But beneath the bright graphics and playful branding lies a troubling reality: these platforms can expose children to predatory behavior and addictive design features that put profits ahead of safety.

We’ve seen firsthand how the gaming industry’s choices can harm young people. Our firm has been at the forefront of video game addiction litigation, investigating how manipulative design features — from endless reward loops to ingame purchases — keep children online longer than ever before. Now, we are expanding that work to address the equally urgent issue of child exploitation in gaming environments.

How Predators Exploit Gaming Platforms

Predators take advantage of features that were never designed with child safety in mind:

• Open chat systems that allow strangers to contact minors directly
• Private messaging that bypasses parental oversight
• Anonymity of avatars, which shields predators from accountability

What should be a safe space for play and creativity can quickly turn into a dangerous environment where children are exposed to inappropriate content, manipulation, and abuse.

The Role of Predatory Game Design

The problem isn’t just predators — it’s the way games are built. Many of the same design elements we’ve challenged in video game addiction lawsuits also make children more vulnerable to exploitation. Features like:

• Reward systems that encourage prolonged play
• Ingame purchases that create dependency
• Social mechanics that blur the line between safe play and unsafe contact

These design choices keep kids engaged for longer periods, increasing their exposure to risks.

Moving Forward

Our attorneys are committed to holding gaming companies accountable — not only for the harm caused by predatory gaming practices, but also for the broader issue of video game addiction.

Children deserve safe spaces to play, learn, and connect. At Beasley Allen, we are proud to stand with families in the fight against both predatory gaming exploitation and video game addiction.

If you believe your child has been harmed by an online gaming platform, our team is here to listen, investigate, and fight for justice.