Xbox Lawsuit for Video Game Addiction – March 2025 Update

The Xbox Lawsuit Is An Active Lawsuit

See If You Qualify!

Children and young people are becoming addicted to Xbox video games, including popular titles like the Call of Duty franchise, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), Minecraft, and Roblox. Growing evidence shows the structure and features of these games are very addictive to adolescent minds, leading to depression, increased anxiety, gamer’s rage, seizures, and other addiction-related symptoms.

Parents and guardians are filing lawsuits alleging that the makers of Xbox (Microsoft) knew about or ignored the risks of the console’s games to young children but chose to focus on maximizing its profits instead. These lawsuits may connect harmed individuals and families with compensation and spur necessary change in how companies design and market video games.

Xbox Lawsuit for Video Game Addiction – 2025 Updates

March 6, 2025: Lawsuit Filed Against Xbox and Others Over Addiction Headed to Arbitration

A mother in Illinois filed a lawsuit against Xbox and other developers after her child (D.G.) became addicted to several games on the platform. After becoming addicted, Jaclyn Angelilli’s child (D.G.) needed in-patient therapy, specialized education plans, and other treatments. Angelilli sued Xbox and several other entities for designing addictive platforms and harming minors. Her case has been sent to arbitration, by way of an opinion issued in Illinois federal court. If the arbitration does not prove successful, she will have other legal options. More parents are filing lawsuits against Xbox because of harm to their children.

February 7, 2025: About 62 Percent of Children Under 18 Play Video Games, Increasing Risk of Addiction

According to data issued by the Entertainment Software Association, about 62 percent of people aged zero to 17 play video games in the United States. Recent research warns of the addictive nature of video games, especially for young people and adolescents who struggle with impulse control and are driven by rewards and social approval. Parents, guardians, and affected young adults are filing lawsuits against video game manufacturers for causing gaming addictions that harm their mental or physical health.

December 31, 2024: Study Suggests Link Between Children Playing Violent Video Games and Being Aggressive

A December 2024 research paper confirmed a possible link between children being exposed to violent video games and acting aggressively off-game. The study surveyed 154 Moroccan students between 15 and 19 to learn about their gaming habits and aggression levels. The results showed that gaming addiction and exposure to violent games moderately increased the person’s aggressive tendencies. Boys’ aggression and video game addiction levels were higher than for girls; however, violent video game usage increased someone’s aggression levels regardless of gender.

December 13, 2024: California Parent Files Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Against Roblox, Epic Games, and Others

On December 13, 2024, Evette Gibson filed a lawsuit against several video game manufacturers. Her child, known by the initials of IHG, developed an addiction to Roblox, Fortnite, and other video games that Evette says are designed to draw children in and encourage problematic usage. Because of IHG’s gaming addiction, IHG, who is now 12 years old, experiences significant emotional and behavioral disturbances and uncharacteristic outbursts and requires an individualized educational plan. Evette believes video game manufacturers intentionally created addictive platforms and failed to warn parents of the dangers of excessive play.

July 1, 2024: American Psychological Association Encourages Targeted Treatment for Children and Young People Addicted to Video Games

With the rapid increase in video game addictions in America’s youth, the American Psychological Association is exploring targeted treatments to help children and their families. Professionals who write for the APA have advocated for cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, which can help users understand the connection between their thoughts and actions. Meanwhile, parents and guardians are taking a stand against and seeking compensation from those who created the addictive Xbox games in the first place.

August 4, 2023: Research Shows Gaming Addictions May Increase Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD Symptoms in Children and Adolescents

A study published in 2023 looked at the gaming habits of 393 Saudi Arabian students who were 12 to 16 years old. The authors discovered that someone with a gaming disorder was more likely to also experience ADHD symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, the researchers noted that males who played video games with an “increased rate of regular game time” were more likely to become addicted to internet games than others.

About the Xbox Video Game Addiction Lawsuit:

Xbox Video Game Addiction Epidemic Overview

More of America’s youth are developing addictions to games hosted by Xbox consoles, including those on the 360, One, and Series X/S editions. More parents and professionals are becoming aware of and speaking out about the negative impacts of excessive screen time and video games on the mental and behavioral health of children and teenagers.

What Is Video Game Addiction?

Video game addictions have gained attention and recognition from the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association. The WHO defines gaming disorder as a problematic, uncontrollable pattern of playing video games the person continues to engage in and prioritize even though it causes other areas of their life to suffer. The person’s gaming habits need to significantly impair parts of their life for at least 12 months for them to have a disorder.

Like the WHO, the American Psychological Association recently recognized internet gaming disorder, including similar diagnostic criteria, and encouraged further study of this disorder. Some symptoms include constantly thinking or worrying about playing the game and ignoring pastimes or obligations—like eating, school, hobbies, or friends—to increase someone’s available game time.

Impact on Mental and Physical Health

Video game addictions significantly impact children’s mental and physical well-being. Researchers have documented physiological changes in the brain of someone addicted to video games, which are similar to someone with a gambling addiction. Studies also show that children with gaming addiction tend to have a hard time staying on track at school, regulating their behavior, sleeping, and maintaining real-life relationships with friends and family. Children who game excessively may also struggle with their weight, become obese, develop orthopedic injuries, and have poor posture.

Demographics and Vulnerable Populations

Young children, adolescents, and other vulnerable groups are most at risk of developing a gaming addiction. For example, people who identify as male, have depression, have social anxiety, and have trouble with impulse control tend to experience internet gaming disorder at a higher rate than others. However, people—including children—with a higher satisfaction overall with their life and healthy self-image may be at a lower risk.

The presence or absence of parental supervision and peer pressure can also affect someone’s gaming habits. People with ADHD and autism also appear to be at an increased risk of gaming addiction, as are people who play video games excessively.

Xbox Class Action Lawsuit vs Multi-District Litigation

Class action and multidistrict litigation are two ways a collective group of parents and gamers might band together against Microsoft—the company that made Xbox—and other video game manufacturers. In a class action, a large group of plaintiffs can sue Xbox game designers together and seek a collective settlement. The plaintiffs’ claims would merge, and they would all share in the settlement.

In multidistrict litigation, each plaintiff files their state court lawsuit against Microsoft but completes pre-trial stages in a federal grouping. For example, they would complete the fact-gathering (discovery) process as a group. After holding test trials of a few cases, the parties would try to reach a settlement or send each lawsuit back for its own trial.

Specific Games Implicated in the Xbox Video Game Lawsuits

The Xbox platform contains thousands of titles, any of which may cause someone to become addicted. However, the Call of Duty franchise, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft, and Roblox are the Xbox titles that people say carry the highest risk for children and adolescents.

Call of Duty (CoD) Franchise

The Call of Duty series uses an addictive combination of game mechanics to keep users on the screen. For example, it uses a variable reward system with rankings and points for watching or playing campaigns or completing challenges.

The CoD team regularly publishes updates—which keeps the content fresh and engaging—and releases limited-edition gear and challenges. Lawsuits allege that people are falling victim to these addictive game mechanics and developing addictions or experiencing seizures or orthopedic injuries because of compulsive gameplay.

Fortnite

Epic Games’ Fortnite is a popular, free-to-play online multiplayer game that provides a suite of mini-games, matches, and limited-edition worlds and quests. Users can customize their avatars and game experiences or use pre-made or user-generated material. The Fortnite world also hosts concerts, live streams, and seasonal events featuring celebrities like Mariah Carey and Snoop Dogg.

In-game rankings, rewards, and various ways to connect with other users, family, and friends foster an immersive and addictive gaming experience. Parents, users, and guardians accuse Epic Games of exploiting the vulnerabilities of young people and causing users to become addicted and suffer mental and physical consequences.

Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)

In Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)—made by Rockstar Games—players are characters in Los Santos and Blaine County who participate in various heists to survive and move up the ranks. Players can go solo or join others as they explore an expansive world that is routinely updated to enhance their experiences.

Users can also purchase customizations, items, and add-ons using the in-game currency. Injured players and concerned parental figures allege that Rockstar Games intentionally created GTA to be addictive and did not warn the public about the risks.

Minecraft

Minecraftwas created by Mojang Studios and has become an unprecedented success as a sandbox game where users can create their own experience in an endless game. The Minecraft universe features over 60 unique biomes, dozens of creatures—called mobs—and different gameplay modes. Players are drawn by the ability to endlessly create their own universe, engage with user-created worlds, and customize their avatars with friends or alone.

Parents and guardians believe these and other Minecraft features are especially addictive to adolescents, young children, and teens. They blame Microsoft and Mojang Studios for not warning them about the risks to young people.

Roblox

Roblox, created by Roblox Corporation, simulates real life by allowing users to engage in endless play with others or alone. Roblox users can play in pre-made worlds, create their own, or use ones made by others in the Roblox community.

The game features engagement loops and in-game spending incentives—through the in-game currency Robux—to keep kids on the platform longer. Parents and guardians believe Roblox leveraged these addictive game mechanics without warning people of the documented risks to children and teens.

Role of Xbox Consoles in the Allegations

The Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S are included in the allegations against Microsoft and the other video game manufacturers. Players have used these platforms to play addictive video games like Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 was released in 2005 and was Microsoft’s second gaming console. Around the time Xbox 360 was released, so was Xbox Live, which allowed players to play online and engage with other users.

The Xbox 360 console enabled users to access early titles in the Call of Duty franchise and the first versions of Minecraft. Both titles are the subject of many video game addiction lawsuits.

Xbox One

The Xbox One was released in November 2013 and remains popular among gamers today. Xbox One users enjoyed advanced updates to the system’s graphics compared to previous Xbox versions and a more comfortable gaming experience through the release of modernized controllers.

On the Xbox One, players could find popular titles like later versions of Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Grand Theft Auto V. These titles are at the center of many allegations against video game manufacturers for causing children to develop gaming addictions.

Xbox Series X/S

The Xbox Series X/S was released in 2020 and is the most recent new iteration of Microsoft Xbox consoles. Users experience “unparalleled” load times, impressive graphics and visuals, and other enhancements that create a “heightened level of realism.” Like the other Xbox consoles, the Series X/S hosts new versions of Fortnite, Roblox, and Call of Duty, which parents say are designed to be addictive to young children and adolescents.

Allegations Against Xbox Video Game Developers

Parents, guardians, and young people allege that the companies that made many Xbox games intentionally made them addictive. They claim the companies were aware of or should have been aware of the risk to children, but they ignored these risks to maximize profits.

Allegation #1: Intentional Design for Addictiveness

Parents and guardians allege that the Xbox game creators intentionally designed their games to be addictive. For example, parents believe alluring features like loot boxes, microtransactions, and variable rewards exploit young, impressionable minds.

Research has shown that rewards that are inconsistent, random, and have a social component—like rankings or peer confirmation—can encourage problematic gaming habits in young people. The games at issue all utilize these features, such as Fortnite’s endless lineup of matches where the user often comes in a very close second place, making them feel like they will win the next game or the next.

Allegation #2: Failure to Warn Consumers

Those filing video game addiction lawsuits believe companies like Microsoft, Epic Games, Roblox, and Rockstar Games knew these games were addictive and could cause children to develop harmful gaming habits. Moreover, parents and guardians feel blindsided and accuse video game makers of failing to warn the public about the serious risks of the platforms. Because the companies failed to warn or implement adequate safeguards, parents and guardians believe these companies should pay compensation.

Allegation #3: Marketing Practices Targeting Minors

Parents, advocates, guardians, and young adults believe Xbox video game designers intentionally used deceptive and targeted market practices to lure young children, adolescents, and teens. For example, they claim these companies purposely included features—like social networks, reinforcement mechanisms, and microtransactions—that are especially attractive to those age groups. As a result, these entities failed to protect young people from the dangers of the products, going a step further and drawing them into a harmful gaming environment.

Xbox Video Game Addiction in Children, Teenagers, and Young Adults

Video game addictions have increased in recent years with the advent of more advanced gaming technologies and remote practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. People of all ages and from all walks of life may experience a gaming addiction, and it can impact their lives in significant ways. Those who suffer from a video gaming disorder may even have to undergo intensive treatment to detox from screens.

Video Game Addiction in Children and Teenagers

About 8.5 percent of children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 18 suffer from a gaming addiction, and between 4 and 20 percent of those in the 13 to 18 age group show signs of an addiction to video games. Risk factors for developing a gaming addiction include being youthful, being male, having ADHD, and struggling with depression, anxiety, and social acceptance. Children and teenagers with gaming addictions may struggle in school, forget to eat, shower, or use the bathroom, and neglect off-game activities they previously enjoyed.

Video Game Addiction in Young Adults

Video game addictions can last well into young adulthood, impacting upwards of 20 percent of adults aged 18 to 24. About two percent of the general adult population (age 18 and over) suffers from video game addiction, highlighting the increased vulnerability of younger populations.

By some estimates, men are about 2.5 times more likely than women to develop a gaming disorder. Young adults with a video game addiction may lose out on professional opportunities and struggle to establish and keep relationships. Additionally, they may find it challenging to manage mental health symptoms like depression, ADHD, and anxiety.

Xbox Addiction Symptoms

Someone who has an addiction to Xbox games may experience the following symptoms:

• They may constantly think, talk, or worry about the game, including rehashing old plays, wondering if their current strategy worked, and planning their next in-game move
• Dysregulation, anxiety, or rage when they are not playing the game, or they have to stop suddenly
• Needing to increase their game time to satisfy the urge to play more (called dopamine tolerance and exhaustion)
• Multiple failed attempts to decrease game time despite known negative side effects of playing the game
• Neglecting other important or meaningful areas of the person’s life, including hygiene, diet, exercise, social outlets, academics, and work

According to the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, how the person’s gaming habits impact their well-being and areas of their life determines whether they have an addiction rather than the specific amount of time spent playing the video game.

Who Qualifies to File an Xbox Lawsuit?

To qualify to file a lawsuit because of an Xbox game addiction, the person needs to meet the following criteria:

• They must be 24 years old or younger.
• They must have been diagnosed with gamer’s rage, seizure disorder, anxiety, depression, or similar disorder because of their gaming habits.
• They must have played Call of Duty, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), Minecraft, or Roblox for at least 3 hours a day for 5 weeks or more.

The person with the gaming disorder may have accessed the problem game or games on consoles like the Xbox or PlayStation series, iPhones, Apple products, Android products or phones, or Oculus headsets. Additionally, the person needs to have suffered harm—such as missed school or work, a suicide attempt, a rage disorder, or attending rehabilitation or counseling—because of their gaming addiction.

Evidence to Gather in the Xbox Lawsuit for Video Game Addiction

People who are suing those who designed or published Xbox games need to have evidence to show the development of the addiction and how it impacted victims’ lives. For example, they can gather the following to help support their cases:

• Medical records that show the victim’s addiction-related mental and physical challenges, such as depression or anxiety diagnoses or orthopedic injuries
• Bank statements and receipts for in-game purchases or video game addiction treatment
• Screenshots or photographs from the console’s log showing how long the person played for

Additionally, the person can locate testimony from teachers, employers, family members, friends, and neighbors about the victim’s gaming patterns. These witnesses can also testify about how the person changed as their gaming addiction developed.

Damages You Can Recover in the Xbox Lawsuit

People suing video game manufacturers may be able to recover a range of compensation related to their addiction. For example, they may be entitled to recover economic damages such as medical and therapy costs, tutoring expenses, and financial losses from in-game purchases or lost wages.

Likewise, the victim may be eligible for a monetary settlement for their pain and suffering, the loss of their quality of life, and the emotional distress of having a gaming addiction. Sometimes, the court may impose punitive damages, which penalize businesses for egregious conduct.

How to File an Xbox Lawsuit

Filing an Xbox lawsuit begins with gathering evidence to discover and support a legal claim against video game designers. Then, the person would prepare and file a complaint or hire an attorney to help them do this. The lawyer can also represent them in settlement negotiations or at the courtroom trial.

Xbox Lawsuit Settlement and Payout Amounts

The payout for some successful Xbox lawsuit settlements may range from $100,000 to $300,000, with some extreme cases exceeding this amount. Individual settlements will be based on the facts and law for that person’s case, so the results may vary widely from one victim to the next. For example, people with severe complications from their gaming addiction may receive higher payouts. An attorney focusing on video game addiction can help the person estimate and negotiate their potential settlement effectively.

Xbox Lawsuit Statute of Limitations and Filing Deadlines

People filing Xbox addiction lawsuits must do so before the statute of limitations—e.g., filing deadline—expires. The exact amount of time someone has to file a claim depends on many factors, such as their age, the type of claim they are bringing, and the applicable state or federal law.

People who think they or their children are addicted to video games may qualify for compensation and are encouraged to talk to a lawyer. The attorney can determine what due dates apply to their case and assist them with meeting these.

Why Choose King Law to Handle Your Xbox Video Game Addiction Case

King Law is accepting Xbox gaming addiction cases. When you work with our firm, you get a team committed to providing robust legal support. Some of what we offer includes the following:

• Contingency fee arrangements, meaning you do not pay us a cent in legal fees unless we win your case for you
• Expanded access to our legal team, including flexible hours and appointments
• Diligent and personalized legal strategies that put your best interests front and center
• Proven experience working on video game lawsuits

Our internal intake team can answer many of your questions and connect you with one of our experienced attorneys.

Contact an Xbox Video Game Addiction Lawyer

Video game addictions can create a sense of imbalance and disconnection in a family unit. If you or one of your children have an addiction to Xbox games, partnering with King Law can help you find yourself again and access much-needed compensation.

Contact us today by calling (585) 496-2648 to schedule a time to talk about what we can do for you. We welcome the opportunity to give you a free case evaluation and discuss possible settlement options.

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