Beasley Allen has filed a lawsuit in California alleging that a video game developer is responsible for fostering addictive gaming habits in children. The case centers on a nine-year-old who began playing video games at age seven and developed compulsive behaviors. The lawsuit claims the developer intentionally designed the game to be highly engaging, especially for children, and failed to implement appropriate safeguards.
The legal complaint accuses the company of negligence, fraud, and misrepresentation. It states that despite being aware of the risks associated with their product, the company continued aggressive marketing toward young users.
The law firm is seeking to have the case transferred to JCCP No. 5363, a coordinated legal action involving major gaming companies such as Epic Games, Roblox Corporation, Microsoft, and Mojang. This effort aims to streamline pretrial proceedings for similar cases under Judge Lawrence P. Riff in Los Angeles Superior Court.
A study published in May 2025 from Australia found that four percent of children aged 10–14 meet clinical or subclinical criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), while nearly ten percent exhibit problematic smartphone use. These behaviors are associated with both emotional and physical developmental issues among youth.
"Video games can be fun and even educational—but when play turns into obsession, it can take a serious toll on a child’s health and development. Here are some of the ways excessive gaming can impact young players:
Effects Of Addiction
Brain Development: Too much screen time can interfere with how a child’s brain grows and processes information.
Social Withdrawal: Kids may pull away from friends and family, missing out on important social experiences.
Mental Health Struggles: Gaming addiction has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and emotional instability.
Physical Injuries: Repetitive use of controllers and devices can lead to hand and wrist pain, known as repetitive stress injuries.
Sleep Problems: Late-night gaming often disrupts sleep, which affects mood, focus, and overall health.
Aggressive Behavior: Some children experience intense frustration or anger—often called “gamer’s rage”—that can spill into everyday life.
School and Work Issues: Addiction can lead to poor grades, missed assignments, and trouble staying focused in class or at work.
Understanding these risks is key to helping families set healthy boundaries and protect their children’s well-being in today’s digital world."
"At Beasley Allen, we are dedicated to holding these companies accountable and seeking justice for our clients."