By Steve Levine
Status
Active Litigation
federal MDL rejected, but individual video game addiction lawsuits are still moving through the courts
Claim Form
None
no settlement or public claim form at this time
New Cases
Under review
some law firms are still reviewing potential individual cases involving serious, documented harm
Video game companies were accused of designing their products to be addictive and damaging, both psychologically and financially, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition.
Major gaming companies, including the makers of Minecraft, were accused of using manipulative tactics to keep players, especially children and young adults, engaged on their games.
Video game makers use tactics that are known to allegedly hook children psychologically:
• Reward systems designed to trigger compulsive play
• In-game purchases and loot boxes that encourage spending
• Lack of clear warnings about the risks of addiction
• Minimal parental controls and time limits
• These practices can lead to real, serious harm-both mental and physical.
Addiction isn't just “playing too much” - It can disrupt every part of you or your child's life:
• Social isolation: Withdrawing from friends and family
• Mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, emotional outbursts
• Physical injuries: Eye strain, repetitive stress injuries, sleep problems
• Academic/work problems: Falling behind in school or at work
• Financial strain: Excessive spending on in-game purchases
Video game addiction lawsuits are still active. Families have filed individual lawsuits alleging that companies behind games such as Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft intentionally used addictive design features to keep children playing and spending money. Lawyers tried to combine many of the federal lawsuits into one multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceeding, but the federal Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation rejected that request — first as MDL No. 3109 in June 2024, then as MDL No. 3168 in December 2025. The rejection did not dismiss the lawsuits; it only means the cases will not all be placed before one federal MDL judge. Individual cases continue in their original courts, related Northern District of California cases are being coordinated for discovery, and California state cases are coordinated as JCCP No. 5363 (Videogame Addiction Cases). There is currently no settlement, compensation fund or public claim form. Some law firms are still evaluating potential individual cases involving serious harm.
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Video game addiction cases are still being reviewed
There is no settlement claim form or federal MDL
Some law firms are still reviewing potential individual cases involving serious, documented harm. To find out whether you may have an individual case, you would generally speak with a licensed attorney who handles this litigation. Submitting information does not guarantee representation, eligibility, compensation or the filing of a lawsuit.
Separately, social media addiction lawsuits (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook) are a different, ongoing litigation — not a replacement for the video game cases.
• WHO - World Health Organization - Gaming Disorders
• Cleveland Clinic - Video Game Addiction
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