Microsoft Gaming Addiction Lawsuits
Gaming addiction, a condition where playing internet games too much interferes with a person’s daily life, is becoming more common and better understood. Critics say that game developers, including Microsoft, add design features that manipulate players to keep them hooked on playing these games.
Research has linked certain game features to the damaging behaviors of addiction, and people are beginning to file lawsuits against gaming companies for deliberately encouraging this addiction.
If you think you or a loved one may have an internet gaming problem, this article can help. We will discuss video gaming addiction symptoms, share information about gaming addiction lawsuits, and talk about whether or not you should consider contacting gaming addiction attorneys.
Call the number below to get a free evaluation of your gaming addiction claim to find out if you qualify for a gaming addiction lawsuit.
(877) 917-5250
What is a gaming addiction?
A gaming addiction is a behavioral problem where too much internet gaming interferes with regular daily life, work, or school responsibilities, and even relationships. When playing a video game takes priority over other important things, and when a person keeps playing even as things in their life start falling apart, they may have a problem they cannot control.
The World Health Organization has recognized gaming disorder in its International Classification of Disease. Research has shown that 7.3% of gamers meet the criteria for at least two “pillars of addiction.”
How are companies like Microsoft responsible for gaming addiction?
Companies like Microsoft add features to games that may spark addiction, including:
- Reward loops that encourage you to compulsively complete task after task
- Variable reinforcements that are unpredictable and encourage continuous play in anticipation of the reward
- In-game purchases that make it easy to spend more and more money
These and other addictive features keep you playing longer and encourage you to return to the game again and again.
The American Psychological Association says that simply playing video games often and for long periods doesn’t mean you are addicted. Instead, look for specific symptoms such as not bathing or grooming on a regular basis or prioritizing gaming over work or school. It is important to understand what major gaming companies do to hook players and make a profit.
Gaming addiction symptoms
A gaming addiction can happen to anyone, with sometimes seriously harmful results. It can affect behavior, emotions, relationships, and finances. What is the difference between someone who loves to play and someone who is addicted?
Here are some of the most common video gaming addiction symptoms uncovered in recent research:
- Poor performance at school or work
- Refusal to handle household responsibilities
- Giving up on other activities previously enjoyed
- No longer spending time with friends, family, and social groups
- Not bathing or grooming on a regular basis
- Feeling sad, anxious, or angry when games are taken away
- Unable to reduce time playing or quit playing
- A need to spend more and more time playing to get the same level of enjoyment
- Lying to others about how much time is spent playing
- Turning to video games to lessen stress, deal with bad moods, or avoid conflicts with others
Is there a gaming addiction class-action lawsuit?
Gaming addiction lawsuits are in their early stages. It’s possible that each one will be tried individually, or they may be centralized into a single court to be heard by one judge. It’s also possible that a gaming addiction class-action lawsuit will emerge.
Filing a lawsuit for a gaming addiction or eventually joining a gaming addiction class-action lawsuit may be an option for you. Current gaming lawsuits claim that companies like Microsoft deliberately exploit players without disclosing risks or putting safeguards in place.
If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from a gaming addiction, you may have a legal right to compensation. Contact McIntyre Law today to see if you are eligible to join a Microsoft gaming addiction lawsuit.
How is a class-action gaming lawsuit different from an individual case?
An individual gaming addiction lawsuit is one you file to hold a gaming company responsible for design features that cause your addiction and the harms that come from it. In a gaming addiction class-action lawsuit, many people who have suffered similar harms come together — they are called a “class.”
By filing as a group, the lawsuit is more efficient, and there is an increased chance of holding the sued company responsible. A judge has to certify a class-action lawsuit, meaning they give permission for the class-action lawsuit to move forward.
Working with McIntyre Law
Working with gaming addiction attorneys who have experience in the complexities of cases like these gives you an important advantage. At McIntyre Law, we understand the psychology of gaming addiction and the harms it causes. We also know what kinds of legal strategies will work to hold gaming companies accountable and potentially get you compensation.
Do you have a case for a gaming addiction lawsuit?
You may qualify for compensation if you or a loved one suffered harm from a gaming addiction. Current claims that are common in gaming addiction lawsuits include compulsive spending, damaged relationships, lost jobs, failures in school, emotional struggles with depression and anxiety, and physical ailments like carpal tunnel syndrome. You may have a case if you have suffered these or other harms from your addiction.
What to know before you file a lawsuit
Filing a gaming addiction claim takes a lot of work and preparation. It helps to have gaming addiction attorneys with a deep knowledge of the law, detailed information about previous lawsuits, and connections with experts who can testify about the condition. You will need to gather medical records, psychological evaluations, and backup claims with scientific research that demonstrates how addictive gaming elements work to exploit players.
If you work with an experienced law firm that can take on the gaming companies and their large and well-paid legal teams, you’re many steps ahead with a better chance of getting justice.
Meet our gaming addiction attorneys
Our gaming addiction attorneys have deep experience with the complexities of these types of cases.
Noble McIntyre
Jeremy Thurman
Jordan Klingler
Monica Schweighart
Brenda Gómez O’Dell
Sarah Ramsey
Mario D’Angelo, Esq.
Daniel Zonas
The Oklahoma statute of limitations for gaming addiction class-action lawsuits
Your gaming addiction claim may be under a strict deadline.
In Oklahoma, we have a law that says you have two years from the date of injury or harm to file a product liability claim. Claiming that a game was designed on purpose to be addictive is a product liability case.
That’s why it’s important to take the first steps in exploring your options right away, and why it’s also important to work with gaming addiction attorneys who know the law, the details of the two-year deadline, and other critical factors.
Compensation for gaming addiction claims
When we talk about getting you compensation for the harms caused by a gaming addiction, we’re talking about getting you money for things such as:
- Treatment cost
- Loss of educational or developmental opportunities
- Loss of income
- Emotional distress
- Refunding in-game purchases
- Punitive damages
