Fortnite, Minecraft lawsuit claims games cause addiction, harm to minors

Fortnite, Minecraft class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Jennifer Sawyer filed a lawsuit against Epic Games and Microsoft.
• Why: Sawyer claims the companies’ video games are harmful to minors.
• Where: The Fortnite, Minecraft lawsuit was filed in California state court.
• How to get help: If your child suffered harm as a result of video game addiction, you may be eligible to seek compensation. 

A California mother claims in a new class action lawsuit that popular video games Fortnite and Minecraft are addictive and harmful to minors.

Plaintiff Jennifer Sawyer filed the complaint against Epic Games Inc. and Microsoft Corp. on behalf of her minor child, F.A.S., in California state court on April 8.

Sawyer accuses the companies of failing to warn about the risks of video game addiction, particularly for young players. The lawsuit claims that the games are designed with features that encourage excessive play and in-game purchases, leading to psychological and developmental harm.

The lawsuit claims that Sawyer’s child began playing the games at age 6 and has since developed a compulsive gaming habit. The child reportedly suffers from social isolation, lack of interest in other activities, and withdrawal symptoms when not playing.

Sawyer claims the games have caused severe emotional, physical, and economic injuries to her child.

Fortnite, Minecraft lawsuit: Games wrongfully target young players

The lawsuit alleges that both Fortnite and Minecraft are marketed to young players without adequate safeguards. Sawyer accuses the companies of failing to implement parental controls or warnings about the risks of prolonged gaming.

The complaint also accuses the companies of using psychological tactics and addictive features to keep players engaged.

Sawyer is suing for strict product liability, negligence and fraud, among other claims. She seeks damages for her child’s injuries and an injunction to prevent the companies from continuing to market the games without adequate warnings.

The class action lawsuit comes as concerns grow about the impact of video games on young players. A recent study, cited in the lawsuit, found that 90% of children over age 2 play video games, with many spending more than two hours a day gaming.

In January, Epic Games agreed to a $245 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations that it tricked players into making unwanted in-game purchases in Fortnite. 

In another recent video game addiction case against multiple companies and game developers, the lead plaintiff removed Nintendo of America Inc. and Epic Games Inc. from the class action lawsuit.

What do you think of the claims made in this Fortnite, Minecraft lawsuit? Let us know in the comments, and learn more about your options if your child suffered harm as a result of video game addiction.

The plaintiff is represented by Marcus J. Bradley and Kiley L. Grombacher of Bradley/Grombacher LLP and S. Mary Liu of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC.

The Fortnite, Minecraft class action lawsuit is Jennifer Sawyer v. Epic Games Inc., et al., Case No. 25STCV10619, in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles.

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