A gamer has sued Epic Games, Microsoft Corporation, and Mojang Studios for his addiction to Fortnite and Minecraft.
In the 56-page complaint, obtained by Complex, plaintiff Cayden Breeden blamed the three companies for failing to include “safeguards” in their games.
“There are some video games that pose serious, known risks to
players,” the complaint reads. “This litigation seeks to hold each Defendant accountable for failing to warn and failing to include available safeguards against the known risks associated with excessive use of their video game products and choosing instead to implement programming that both caused and amplified these risks in order to increase Defendants’ profits.”
Among Breeden’s claims against the three companies are negligence and fraud, with him describing the businesses’ behavior as “deceptive, unfair, immoral, and reckless.” He alleges that, after years of playing, his relationship with gaming is “compulsive and disordered,” and that he is “incapable of restraining his own usage.”
He alleges that if his games are taken from him, he exhibits behaviors associated with withdrawal, like “anger, destruction of property, compulsive and antisocial behavior, and inability to maintain sleep. Plaintiff’s gaming addiction has had an ongoing and significant impact on his life and well-being.”
Breeden is seeking compensation and other damages, “arising from the severe injuries sustained because of Plaintiff’s use of Defendant’s video game products.”
More specifically, he’s seeking compensation for his pain and suffering and emotional distress, his medical expenses, the cost of the suit and attorneys’ fees, and more.