Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Filed by Parent Against Makers of Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite

Lawsuit alleges video game manufacturers intentionally designed their platforms to encourage compulsive play, resulting in a debilitating gaming addiction that has disrupted a 14-year-old child’s life.

A Florida father has filed a video game addiction lawsuit against the companies behind Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite, alleging they intentionally designed the games to keep children playing for excessive periods of time.

The complaint (PDF) was brought on August 4 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by Samuel Lucha Menendez, acting as guardian ad litem for his minor child, who is identified with the initials “M.L.H.” It names Roblox Corporation, Epic Games Inc., Microsoft Corporation and Mojang AB as defendants.

Menendez claims the defendants’ actions caused his 14-year-old child to develop a severe gaming addiction that has disrupted nearly every aspect of daily life.

Gaming Addiction Concerns

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a behavioral condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable video game use that interferes with everyday life, disrupting personal relationships, hobbies, school or work, and other important responsibilities. The condition is recognized by both the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a legitimate mental health disorder.

People with gaming addiction frequently find it difficult to reduce the amount of time they spend gaming, become increasingly preoccupied with video games, lose interest in other activities, hide the extent of their play from family members and friends, and continue despite experiencing negative consequences. Left untreated, the condition can contribute to academic struggles, social isolation, damaged relationships, emotional distress and an inability to function independently.

Growing recognition of these concerns has fueled a wave of video game addiction lawsuits against major game developers. Families allege companies behind popular titles such as Fortnite, Roblox and Minecraft intentionally incorporated psychological features designed to maximize player engagement, encouraging children and teenagers to spend more time gaming while increasing in-game spending at the expense of their mental health and well-being.

Internet Gaming Disorder Allegations

According to the complaint, M.L.H. began playing Minecraft and Roblox at about 6 years old and later started playing Fortnite at approximately age 13. The lawsuit claims the child quickly developed a compulsive relationship with the games because of their allegedly addictive design features.

The family alleges the child now spends about 12 to 15 hours per day playing video games on non-school days and four to five hours per day on school days. Attempts to limit access allegedly result in severe withdrawal symptoms, including anger, physical and verbal aggression, deception, refusal to maintain hygiene, disrupted sleep and other behavioral problems.

The complaint also alleges the addiction has resulted in diminished social interaction, loss of interest in hobbies, changes in eating habits, emotional distress and an inability to control gaming behavior despite repeated attempts to stop.

Menendez argues that each game incorporates design elements intended to keep children engaged for longer periods rather than simply providing entertainment.

“Defendants have engaged in deceptive, unfair, immoral, and reckless behavior that damaged and continues to harm M.L.H. and countless other Americans. For this, they should be punished, and punitive damages should be assessed against Defendants for its misdeeds and unlawful conduct.”

— Samuel Lucha Menendez v. Roblox Corporation et al.

Among other allegations, the lawsuit claims the games employ variable reward systems, randomized progression, social interaction features, in-game currencies, recurring content updates and other mechanics that trigger repeated dopamine release and reinforce compulsive play. It alleges those features are particularly harmful for children whose brains are still developing.

The complaint specifically states Minecraft uses randomized algorithms that make certain in-game items more difficult to obtain, encouraging players to spend additional time searching for rewards, while simultaneously marketing the game as educational and safe for children without warning about alleged addiction risks.

Menendez raises allegations of strict product liability, design defect, failure to warn, negligence, statutory negligence, intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation and fraud. He is seeking damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress and medical expenses. 

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