A video game player has initiated legal action against the creators of Fortnite and Minecraft, as well as Microsoft, claiming that he has developed an addiction to these popular games. Cayden Breeden’s lawsuit, a detailed 56-page document filed in the New York Southern District Court on January 23, alleges that the companies have neglected to implement necessary “safeguards” to prevent gaming addiction.
Allegations of Negligence and Fraud
In his complaint, Breeden asserts that certain video games pose significant, recognized risks to players. He seeks to hold the defendants accountable for their failure to provide warnings and safeguards against the dangers associated with excessive gameplay. The lawsuit contends that the programming choices made by the companies not only failed to mitigate these risks but actively exacerbated them, all in pursuit of increased profits.
Breeden’s claims extend to accusations of negligence and fraud, characterizing the business practices of the companies involved as “deceptive, unfair, immoral, and reckless.” He describes his own gaming habits as “compulsive and disordered,” arguing that he is unable to control his gaming usage.
Impact of Gaming Addiction
The lawsuit outlines the withdrawal-like symptoms Breeden experiences when he refrains from playing the games to which he is addicted. He describes these withdrawal symptoms as manifesting in various forms, including “anger, destruction of property, compulsive and antisocial behavior,” and difficulties with sleep. According to the lawsuit, Breeden’s gaming addiction has significantly affected his overall life and well-being.
Breeden is seeking compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and attorney’s fees, as well as damages for the “severe injuries” he claims to have sustained due to his use of the defendants’ video game products.
Growing Trend of Legal Action
The trend of suing game developers over practices perceived to encourage addictive gaming behaviors has gained traction in recent years. Recent lawsuits have focused on features such as loot boxes and other mechanics designed to incentivize prolonged play. For instance, last year, Shirley Baggaley filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, naming Microsoft, Epic Games, Mojang, and the Roblox Corporation as defendants. Her case highlights concerns regarding the increasing addiction rates among children and teenagers, attributing this to the design of games that are engineered to capture and hold attention for extended periods.
Baggaley’s lawsuit alleges that her son, who began playing video games at the age of three, has become increasingly addicted as he entered his teenage years. She reports that his gaming habits have led to social withdrawal, poor academic performance, and disrupted sleep patterns.
As the dialogue surrounding gaming addiction continues to evolve, The Independent has reached out to the defendants for comment on these allegations.
