It’s estimated that video game consoles are present in two-thirds of American households, with 160 million adults claiming to play video games each year. While video games can be a form of entertainment and relaxation, researchers estimate that somewhere between 1.7% and 10% of the US population suffers from video game addiction. Video game developers are being held accountable for using addictive tactics that intentionally disrupt normal cognitive functions and alter a user’s daily life. Dozens of families across the country have filed video game addiction lawsuits, seeking compensation for their loved ones’ medical expenses related to addictive gaming disorders. Below, we discuss video game addiction disorder, its symptoms, treatments, and what to do if a loved one is suffering from Internet Gaming Disorder.
Is Gaming a Mental Disorder?
Yes. The American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization recognize Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as a diagnosable mental health issue. According to the APA, Internet Gaming Disorder is diagnosed when a patient experiences significant impairment or distress in their daily lives due to video game addiction. WHO defines Gaming Disorder as impaired control over gaming to the extent that it takes increased priority over daily tasks and activities, with continued increased use of gaming despite negative consequences on one’s daily life.
Symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder
Although there is no concrete set of symptoms to diagnose IGD, many gamers diagnosed with IGD experience the following symptoms:
- Preoccupation with gaming, even when engaging in other activities
- Inability to stop or reduce play time
- Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, or sadness when not playing a video game.
- Increased tolerance to gaming, where increased game time is needed to satisfy their urge to play
- Consequences such as job loss, reduced education, or relational impacts due to gaming
- Attempting to hide the amount of time spent gaming
- Using gaming to release stress or anxiety.
- Continued use of gaming despite negative behaviors and consequences
Another common symptom of IGD is Gamer Rage. Gamer Rage is characterized by extreme frustration and anger related to video game use, especially when the gamer experiences a setback in gameplay or is prohibited from playing. Examples of gamer rage include yelling, excessive crying, stomping or kicking, throwing nearby objects, or breaking items.
The APA specifies that someone could be diagnosed with IGD if they experienced at least five of the above symptoms in the last 12 months.
Video Game Addiction Lawsuits: Do You Have a Case?
Parents of minors and young adults diagnosed with IGD are suing some of the world’s largest gaming companies for intentionally creating addictive games that target children and young adults for damages and medical expenses relating to treating IGD. If you or a family member have been diagnosed with IGD, you may be eligible for compensation for medical costs associated with IGD treatments.
What are Video Game Addiction Lawsuits Worth?
How much you may be entitled to in a lawsuit depends on how drastically video game addiction impacts a gamer’s daily life. Gamers suffering life-altering consequences such as severe depression or anxiety, job loss, loss of education or long-term relationships, and suicide will receive higher settlements. Dozens of cases have been filed against gaming companies across the US. However, motions to consolidate these cases into multidistrict litigation have failed, as the symptoms of victims named in the cases vary on a large scale. For now, cases against game developers will be heard on a case-by-case basis in each state.
What Gaming Companies Have Been Sued?
Cases have been brought against some of the world’s largest video game developers in the world, such as:
- Epic Games (the creators of Fortnite)
- Activision Blizzard, Inc. (creators of Call of Duty)
- Rockstar Games, Inc. (creators of Grand Theft Auto)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment (developers of the Xbox gaming console)
- Nintendo
File a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to Video Game Addiction, legal options may be available. Call Michael Brady Lynch Firm at 888-585-5970 or email brandon@mblynchfirm.com for a free consultation.
Date: May 9, 2025
Attorney & Editor-In-Chief: Brandon Salter
