Activision Lawsuit – January 2025 Update

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People are filing lawsuits against Activision Blizzard alleging video games like Call of Duty, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft are designed to be addictive and cause harm to some gamers. These lawsuits accuse Activision Blizzard, who owns many popular online games, of not properly disclosing potentially dangerous side effects of its products. After playing Activision Blizzard’s games, some players suffered from depression, anxiety, social isolation, orthopedic injuries, and variety of mental health conditions. Many children, teens, and young adults have become addicted to games developed by Activision Blizzard. Due to their addiction to these games, many people suffered financial, physical, and mental setbacks. In an effort to gain compensation for these losses, people are filing lawsuits nationwide.

Activision Addiction Lawsuit – 2025 Updates

December 19, 2024: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Ranked as Top-Selling Video Game in November as People File Addiction Lawsuits

Sales numbers from November of 2024 have placed Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as the best-selling video game of the month, as defined by retail sales and downloads. The game launched on October 25, 2024, and is already ranking as the second-highest-selling game of 2024. The game’s quick rise to popularity occurs as many players are filing lawsuits alleging the game is designed to be addictive. 

November 15, 2024: Additional Video Game Lawsuits Expected To Be Filed Against Activision and Other Game Makers

Due to the widespread use of video games like Call of Duty, additional lawsuits are expected to be filed nationwide. Lawsuits allege video game makers intentionally designed their games to be addictive, failed to warn consumers about the potential harm, and targeted youths.

September 25, 2024: World Health Organization Issues Warning About Problematic Gaming

The World Health Organization released data about problematic social media use and gaming among young people in Europe, Asia, and Canada. The findings show that over 1 in 5 adolescents surveyed play video games for at least four hours a day when they are gaming.

May 28, 2024: Cuyahoga Mom Files Lawsuit Alleging Video Games Are Addictive

A mom from Cuyahoga County has filed a lawsuit against multiple game makers alleging their games were intentionally designed to be addictive. The complaint named 16 different companies and says her son played 10 to 12 hours a day as a result of his addiction. 

May 8, 2024: Complaint Filed in Northern District of Georgia Alleging Video Games Are Addictive

A Complaint filed in the Northern District of Georgia alleges that game makers like Activision Blizzard, Inc., a subsidiary of Microsoft who makes games like Call of Duty, intentionally designed their games to be addictive. The plaintiff alleged that the design of the games caused him to play 12 hours a day and worsened his ADHD and anxiety. 

November 20, 2023: Arkansas Mom Files Lawsuit Against Game Makers Alleging They Were Intentionally Designed To Be Addictive

A lawsuit filed by an Arkansas mom alleges that video games like those made by Activision Blizzard are intentionally designed to be addictive. The lawsuit, considered the first of its kind, alleges that the companies failed to warn consumers about their potential to cause addiction. More lawsuits are expected to be filed in the coming weeks and months.

About the Activision Lawsuit:

Activision Blizzard and Its Role in the Gaming Industry

Activision was founded in 1979 by former Atari programmers as the first independent, third-party console. By 1982, the company had found success with Pitfall! which sold over 4 million copies. The company’s release of Call of Duty in 2003 would become the biggest game series in history.

Blizzard Entertainment, originally founded as Silicon & Synapse, gained prominence with its breakthrough hit Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994. It would go on to release Diablo and StarCraft.

In July 2008, the companies merged to become Activision Blizzard, later acquiring King, the maker of Candy Crush, and cementing their place among top game developers across multiple platforms. On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced its plan to acquire Activision Blizzard, making the gaming company a subsidiary.

Over the last several years, Activision Blizzard has faced numerous legal battles, including an SEC investigation, a $23.4 million patent infringement verdict, and lawsuits related to school shootings due to the violence of games like Call of Duty. 

Now, Activision Blizzard faces video game addiction lawsuits filed by young adults and their parents. The lawsuits say many of the company’s most-popular games are designed to be addictive.

Most Popular Activision Video Games

Activision Blizzard, a major player in the video game industry, has published a diverse range of titles, from franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft to popular mobile games like Candy Crush. 

It is important to note that Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch have been implicated in video game addiction lawsuits, highlighting the potential for gaming to become a compulsive behavior. However, Activision Blizzard currently develops the following games:

• Call of Duty*
• World of Warcraft*
• Overwatch*
• Diablo
• Crash Bandicoot
• Candy Crush
• Hearthstone
• Spyro Reignited Trilogy
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
• Tony Hawk
• StarCraft
• Bubble Witch Saga
• Farm Heroes Saga
• Diamond Diaries Saga
• Pet Rescue

*Denotes eligibility for video game addiction lawsuits with our firm or partner firms.

Understanding the Activision Lawsuit

Lawsuits have been filed nationwide accusing Activision Blizzard of intentionally designing their products to be addictive, particularly targeting vulnerable youth populations. If successful, it is believed these lawsuits may help bring additional regulatory oversight to the gaming industry to help deter predatory practices and addictive design features such as microtransactions and variable reward systems..  

Legal Grounds in the Activision Lawsuit

In complaints filed across the country, plaintiffs allege Activision Blizzard was negligent, defectively designed their products, failed to warn consumers about the risk of addiction, and engaged in deceptive trade practices. An early attempt was made to consolidate similar video game addiction cases through the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, but the attempt was unsuccessful. It is believed, however, that as more plaintiffs file lawsuits, a federal lawsuit consolidation will occur based on manufacturer. This means many people who suffered the harms of addiction would be able to file lawsuits as part of a consolidated litigation. 

Accusations Against Activision in Video Game Addiction Lawsuits

People who file video game lawsuits in civil court make a number of accusations against Activision. Those accusations include that Activision failed consumers by designing games that were inherently addictive and then failing to warn consumers about the potential for addiction. Specific accusations in Activision lawsuits include:

• Negligence: Legal documents assert the company breached their duty owed to consumers when they designed video games with intentionally addictive features and failed to warn consumers about their potential harm.
• Defective Design (Product Liability): Plaintiffs allege games were designed defectively in that they were intentionally created to be addictive and thereby cause harm. Specific allegations include that games like Call of Duty were designed to take advantage of a minor’s chemical reward system (dopamine release).
• Fraudulent Misrepresentation: Complaints further allege the company misrepresented the safety of their games and downplayed the potential risk of harm to vulnerable populations, including minors and neurodivergent individuals.
• Failure to Warn: The company reportedly failed to warn consumers about the potential for addiction associated with the use of their games and exploited the vulnerabilities of certain populations, including youths and neurodivergent individuals.
• Deceptive Trade Practices: According to legal documents, the company is accused of violating state and federal laws, including the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, by designing video games that exploit minors, encouraging excessive gaming, and implementing strategies that promote unnecessary spending.

Legal Framework Surrounding the Case

Several state and federal laws are designed to help protect consumers from deceptive practices. It is alleged in legal documents filed across the country that Activision Blizzard violated these laws in an effort to enhance profits. Individuals who have been affected by video game addiction and experienced an inability to quit playing games like Call of Duty, may have legal recourse. It is important to consult with an attorney to determine whether they qualify to file a claim.

Laws Protecting Consumers in Activision Video Game Addiction Lawsuits

There are many state and federal laws that aim to protect consumers from dangerous or defective products and deceptive marketing practices. Some of those protections include:

• Federal Trade Commission Act: Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in commerce. Legal documents accuse gaming companies like Activision of violating this Act by intentionally designing video games to be addictive and targeting vulnerable populations such as minors.
• State Protections: State laws such as the Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) Statutes prohibit businesses from engaging in deceptive practices. Complaints allege that Activision and other companies violated these acts by designing their products to be addictive and failing to warn consumers about the potential harm.
• Prior Cases: Dunn v. Activision Blizzard et al. (2023) Currently in arbitration. Parents filed the lawsuit on behalf of minor children alleging that games like Call of Duty were designed with intentionally addictive features and targeted vulnerable populations including minors. 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also expressed concern over in-game purchases, microtransactions, and “pay-to-win” models in gaming, suggesting that the practices may be unfair, particularly to minors.

In addition to state and federal guidelines protecting consumers, the international community has also weighed in on the harm that can be caused by video games. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) filed a complaint with the European Union denouncing the manipulative spending tactics of companies like Activision.

Addictive Activision Game Design Elements

Legal documents allege that there are a number of addictive elements in games like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch. In particular, it is suggested the microtransactions and variable reward systems encourage excessive gameplay. 

Addictive Features of Activision Blizzard Games: 

• Variable Reward Systems: Aspects of games like Call of Duty, including their supply drops/reserve crates and progression systems with intermittent rewards, are said to encourage excessive gaming, particularly in youth with impulsivity challenges or struggles with self-regulation. 
• Microtransactions: Another aspect of Activision games that reportedly makes them more addictive are in-game purchases, microtransactions, and pay-to-win models. These elements encourage spending and have the potential to encourage overspending, particularly in youth. 
• Dopamine Release: Video games, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch trigger a dopamine release that users then try to recreate.
• Lack of Warnings: Another allegation lodged in the complaints is that the games lacked adequate warnings about their potential addictive effect.

Activision Addiction Signs and Symptoms in Gamers

Considering the widespread use of video games, individuals and parents of minor children should be aware of the signs and symptoms of video game addiction. In severe cases, addiction to games like Activision’s Call of Duty can have long-term impacts on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Obtaining an early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help deter the lasting effects of addiction. 

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction to Video Game Like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch

As children, teens, and young people become addicted to video games, there are a number of warning signs to watch for. Changes in mood, behavior, and appearance often signal addiction. Here are signs parents and concerned parties can watch for if they suspect video game addiction:

• Inability to stop playing or limit time spent gaming
• Neglecting personal, academic, or professional responsibilities
• Loss of interest in activities other than gaming
• Preoccupation with gaming or the inability to stop thinking about gaming
• Prioritizing gaming over other obligations despite consequences
• Lying about gaming
• Spending 2 hours or more per day gaming
• Academic decline
• Missed work or school
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Irritability
• Anger
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Poor hygiene
• Physical problems such as eye-strain and repetitive stress injuries
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

Activision Blizzard’s Response to the Lawsuit

Activision Blizzard, along with other game makers listed as defendants in video game addiction lawsuits, have denied that their products cause addiction. They assert a First Amendment right to design games that are entertaining. In some instances, the company has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuits arguing that the complaints lack sufficient legal basis. 

Actions Taken by Activision Blizzard in Response to Video Game Addiction Lawsuits

Activision Blizzard has fought back on video game addiction lawsuits filed against them. They have cited legal arguments and actions, including:

• Motions to Dismiss: On several occasions, the gamemaker has filed motions to dismiss the lawsuits arguing the complaints lacked sufficient legal basis and did not demonstrate a link between the design of the game and addiction. 
• First Amendment Right: Relying on the decision in  Brown v. Ent. Merchants Ass’n, Activision has argued that they have a First Amendment right to make games entertaining. The case notes that video games are a protected form of communication under the First Amendment. 

The video game industry as a whole has adopted these stances, noting that their products are designed to be entertaining. In response to the allegations, Activision maintains that they have designed their products within the practices standard to the industry.

Eligibility Criteria for Filing an Activision Lawsuit

Video game addiction lawsuits filed against Activision Blizzard must meet certain eligibility requirements. The best way to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria necessary is to consult with an experienced attorney as early in the process as possible.

Eligibility Criteria in a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Against Activision

In order to file a lawsuit related to Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, or Overwatch addiction, people must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

• Proof of Medical Diagnosis: The person represented in the lawsuit must have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, gamer’s rage, or an orthopedic condition after they started engaging in extensive video game play.
• Proof of Play: The person must played certain games on specific consoles. They must have also engaged in play for more than 2 hours a day for 5 weeks or 70 hours over a 5-week span.
• Age: The person must have started gaming before the age of 24 and started experiencing symptoms of a mental health or orthopedic disorder before the age of 25.

Evidence Needed to File an Activision Lawsuit

Significant evidence is often needed to file a successful video game addiction lawsuit against Activision. An attorney with extensive experience in Activision addiction lawsuits can help determine what evidence should be collected to help substantiate the claim. 

Evidence Needed in an Activision Lawsuit

People wishing to file video game addiction lawsuits for themselves or on behalf of a minor may need to produce the following proof to support their lawsuits:

• Medical records
• Mental health records
• Proof of addiction-related harm (diagnosis and treatment)
• Proof of counseling, therapy, or rehabilitation
• Game usage logs
• Bank statements showing in-game purchases
• Expert testimony about the game’s addictive design features
• Pay stubs showing lost wages
• Proof of academic decline
• Witness statements

Recoverable Damages in an Activision Addiction Lawsuit

Individuals afflicted by addiction to Call of Duty or other Activision Blizzard games may be eligible for compensation. Recoverable damages in an Activision addiction lawsuit may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and more.

It is imperative to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. Factors such as the severity of the addiction-related harm and the extent of your provable losses may influence your recoverable damages. 

Recoverable Damages in an Activision Addiction Lawsuit

People who file video game addiction lawsuits are filing civil lawsuits in which they may receive compensation for costs and losses associated with their injuries. Those damages include:

• Medical Expenses: Individuals may be eligible for compensation related to their medical and mental health expenses. Past and future costs may be included depending on the case.
• Therapy Costs: Additional damages may be awarded if the addiction required treatment, such as counseling, therapy, or rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Plaintiffs may be able to recover lost wages if the video game addiction or addiction caused missed work or negatively affected their future earning capacity.
• Academic Losses: Individuals who suffered academic decline and who required tutoring or the repeating of classes may be entitled to additional compensation.
• Emotional Distress: If the addiction caused emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD, plaintiffs may be able to recover compensation for emotional distress.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases, a judge or jury may award punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish a defendant for egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

How to File an Activision Lawsuit

Video game addiction lawsuits are in the early stages of litigation. Because of this, it is important to follow the guidance of an experienced product liability attorney. An attorney can walk you through the legal process, helping to determine whether you qualify for compensation and ultimately filing the claim in the appropriate courthouse. 

Steps to File a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Against Activision

People wishing to file a lawsuit for injuries related to video game addiction can take the following steps:

1. Consult with an Attorney: The first step in a video game addiction lawsuit is to consult with an attorney. The attorney should be well-versed in product liability lawsuits and have experience holding video game makers accountable for their wrongdoing.
2. Determine Eligibility: During your initial consultation, the attorney will review your case to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria necessary to file a claim.
3. Gather Evidence: After eligibility is determined, your attorney may need you to gather evidence to help substantiate your claim. Evidence may include your (or your child’s) medical and mental health records, game usage logs, witness statements, screenshots, bank statements, pay stubs showing missed work, and academic performance records.
4. File the Lawsuit: With the necessary evidence collected, your attorney will then file the claim in the appropriate venue. Before filing, your attorney will ensure that the complaint meets all legal requirements including being filed within the statute of limitations.
5. Enter the Discovery Phase: After the case is filed, it will enter the Discovery Phase. During Discovery, both parties have the opportunity to review and exchange information. Attorneys for each side may also enter into negotiations to determine whether a fair settlement can be agreed to. If a settlement is not accepted, the matter may go to trial.
6. Go to Trial: During a trial, both parties present their cases. A judge or jury then determines the outcome of the case. If damages are awarded, your attorney will help to ensure you receive the payout as quickly as possible.

Activision Lawsuit Settlement and Payout Amounts

Due to the infancy of these lawsuits, there have been no settlements or payouts in video game addiction lawsuits filed against Activision. However, it is estimated that these types of claims may settle for between $100,000 and $300,000, depending on the facts of the case. Factors such as the severity of the addiction, provable losses, and impact to the plaintiff’s daily life may affect the potential value of a case. It is believed that extreme cases may resolve for over $300,000, while some cases with minor injuries may resolve for under $100,000.

Statute of Limitations in the Activision Addiction Lawsuit

The statute of limitations, or legal deadline for filing a video game addiction lawsuit against Activision, is state-specific and may be affected by things like whether the plaintiff is a minor. 

In general, statutes of limitations for product liability and personal injury cases range between 1 and 6 years, but these could be impacted by the date the addiction was discovered and whether the public was made aware of the potential harm associated with games like Call of Duty. 

Due to the complexities involved with statutes of limitations, it is strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Contact an Activision Addiction Lawyer

Individuals who have been directly affected or had their children affected by Activision video game addiction are encouraged to seek legal counsel immediately. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may be entitled to compensation for your addiction-related losses. It is imperative to act quickly, as there may only be a limited amount of time to file a claim. Take advantage of a free consultation to determine if you meet the qualifications necessary to take legal action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)