Roblox and Fortnite Lawsuit Over Addictive Design

A Florida resident filed a lawsuit against Roblox Corporation and Epic Games Inc., alleging that their video game products were engineered with features that promote prolonged and addictive gameplay among minors. The plaintiff stated that his own use of these games became increasingly compulsive and uncontrollable, leading to various personal difficulties.

The lawsuit claims that both companies were aware of research regarding video game addiction and that features such as achievement systems, season passes, and microtransactions utilized psychological techniques, like operant conditioning, to maximize playtime and spending. The legal claims asserted include strict product liability, negligence, intentional and negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law.

The lawsuit is currently filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Affected individuals who believe their child suffered harm linked to excessive use of these games may consider consulting with an attorney, as the plaintiff was represented by Kiley Lynn Grombacher of Bradley Grombacher LLP and Bryan Aylstock of Aylstock Witkin Kreis & Overholtz PLC.