Like any childhood and youth pastime, video games should be under the supervision of parents or guardians, as it's easy to get lost for hours and lose track of time. When this becomes a problem, it needs to be addressed immediately. In fact, there is a medical and health sector debate about "video game addiction," recognized by the World Health Organization. However, some prefer to capitalize on it by seizing an opportunity.
Parents accuse gaming companies of making their son addicted
According to information from Insider-Gaming, Microsoft, Activision, Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft have been accused in a lawsuit filed by parents in a court in the Eastern District of Arkansas, United States. According to the couple, their 13-year-old son, referred to in documents as G.D., became addicted to video games, something they attribute to his daily gaming sessions lasting between 12 and 14 hours, as well as the over $3000 USD he has spent on microtransactions, excluding costs for consoles, accessories, and subscriptions to services like Xbox Game Pass.
Which video games are considered addictive in the lawsuit?
The couple claims that the aforementioned video game companies design their titles and online components to create addiction in minors. They state: "Defendants manufactured, published, marketed, and sold video games, including those played by G.D., that were developed and designed specifically to cause the addiction experienced by G.D. and other users."
Regarding the accusations and requests in the lawsuit, they seek to declare Microsoft, Activision, Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft guilty of 14 charges, some related to deceptive advertising. At the same time, the companies are accused of allegedly not being clear about the addictive potential of their video games for minors.
Finally, the couple seeks damages for the physical problems G.D. faces due to his addiction, such as limb pain, as well as for the impact gaming has had on the family's finances.
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