UPDATE: A gamer is taking legal action against the creators of Fortnite and Minecraft, along with Microsoft, claiming they fueled his video game addiction. Cayden Breeden filed a 56-page lawsuit in the New York Southern District Court on January 23, 2023, asserting that the companies failed to implement necessary safeguards to prevent addiction.
Breeden’s lawsuit highlights serious concerns regarding the gaming industry’s responsibility towards player well-being. He states, “There are some video games that pose serious, known risks to players,” urging a reevaluation of gaming practices that may exacerbate compulsive behaviors. Breeden accuses the defendants of negligence and fraud, labeling their business strategies as “deceptive, unfair, immoral, and reckless.”
The complaint details Breeden’s personal struggles with gaming, describing his habits as “compulsive and disordered.” He reports experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, including “anger, destruction of property, compulsive and antisocial behavior,” and sleep disturbances when he is unable to play. Breeden claims that his addiction has significantly impacted his life, stating, “Plaintiff’s gaming addiction has had an ongoing and significant impact on his life and well-being.”
He is seeking compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and medical expenses, as well as attorney’s fees and damages for what he describes as “severe injuries sustained because of Plaintiff’s use of Defendant’s video game products.”
This lawsuit is part of a growing trend, with similar complaints emerging against game developers over practices that allegedly encourage addictive gaming behaviors. Last year, another case involved a parent suing Microsoft, Epic Games, Mojang, and the Roblox Corporation, alleging that their products are designed to captivate children and teens for extended periods.
In that case, the parent reported that her child began playing video games at the age of three and continued to develop an addiction that affected social behavior, academics, and sleep. “Since that time, C.W.B. has used and/or continues to use video games at an increasing, uncontrollable, compulsive, and/or addictive pace,” the lawsuit claimed.
As these legal challenges mount, concerns are rising about the ethical implications of game design and its effects on players, particularly vulnerable youth. The Independent has reached out to the defendants for comment but has yet to receive a response.
This ongoing litigation raises critical questions about accountability in the gaming industry and the need for effective regulatory measures to protect players from potential addiction. The outcome of Breeden’s case could have significant implications for how video games are developed and marketed moving forward.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as gaming addiction continues to garner attention in courts across the United States.
