Roblox and Fortnite lawsuit overview:
- Who: Florida resident Christopher J. Newsome filed a lawsuit against Roblox Corporation and Epic Games Inc.
- Why: Newsome alleges Roblox and Fortnite were designed with addictive features that encouraged prolonged gameplay while failing to provide warnings and safeguards for minors.
- Where: The Roblox lawsuit was filed in California federal court.
- How to get help: If your child experienced serious harm that may be linked to Roblox addiction, your family may be able to file a video game addiction lawsuit.
Roblox and Epic Games are facing a lawsuit alleging their video game products, Roblox and Fortnite, were designed to encourage addictive and prolonged use among minors while failing to adequately warn users and parents about the alleged risks.
According to the Roblox lawsuit, plaintiff Christopher J. Newsome began playing video games, such as Roblox and Fortnite, at about age 6. He is now 18 and alleges his use of the products became increasingly compulsive and uncontrollable.
Newsome alleges his video game addiction contributed to declining academic performance and the need for diagnostic testing, mandatory summer school and an individualized education plan.
Attempts to stop him from gaming caused anger, injurious behavior, threats of self-harm and refusal to maintain proper hygiene, sleep and eating habits, the lawsuit alleges. He also claims he experienced anxiety, depression and lost interest in sports and spending time with friends and family.
Lawsuit claims games designed to encourage hours of play
The Roblox lawsuit claims both companies knew minors used their platforms and were aware of research concerning video game addiction.
According to the complaint, game features like achievement systems, season passes and microtransactions used psychological techniques, such as operant conditioning, to maximize playtime and spending.
The Roblox lawsuit argues addictive features used to encourage continued gameplay include an achievement system that rewards users for maintaining consecutive-day streaks and extended play periods.
Epic Games uses a “battle pass” system that encourages players to complete challenges and earn rewards through extended gameplay, while Fortnite’s achievement system requires hundreds of hours of gameplay to qualify, the complaint alleges.
The Roblox lawsuit asserts claims for strict product liability, negligence, intentional and negligent misrepresentation, fraud and violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law. Newsome seeks damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief and other remedies.
Earlier this year, Roblox was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging that its virtual currency system exploits child labor by leaving many developers without meaningful compensation.
Did you or your child experience problems related to excessive Roblox or Fortnite use? Share your experience in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Kiley Lynn Grombacher of Bradley Grombacher LLP and Bryan Aylstock of Aylstock Witkin Kreis & Overholtz PLC.
The Roblox and Fortnite lawsuit is Newsome v. Roblox Corporation, et al., Case No. 3:26-cv-10650, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
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