Several major gaming and technology companies such as Google, Microsoft and Electronic Arts could face a possible class action lawsuit over alleged addiction among gamers.
Canadian law firm Consumer Law Group (CLG) said in a statement that it is investigating these companies over allegations that they developed games that caused “harmful video game addiction among players and users.”
“The Consumer Law Group believes that action must be taken for the millions of people who suffer from video game addiction and who the proposed class action defendants specifically target with predatory video games that they know are responsible for causing significant and irretrievable harm Damage and mental health epidemic among minors and young adults as well as neurodivergent gamers,” the statement said.
As a result, the law firm sought punitive and compensatory damages for the physical, psychological and financial harm caused to Canadians as a result of the purchase or use of video games, platforms or hardware.
Companies under investigation for a possible class action lawsuit across Canada include:
- Activision Blizzard Inc.
- Infinity Ward, Inc.
- Treyarch Corp.
- Sledgehammer Games Inc.
- Microsoft Corporation
- Epic Games Inc.
- EA Digital Illusions CE AB d/b/a dice
- Electronic Arts Inc.
- Ubisoft Divertissements, Inc. d/b/a Ubisoft Montreal
- Ubisoft Entertainment
- Nintendo of America Inc.
- BlueStacks by Now.GG, Inc. d/b/a BlueStacks
- Mojang Studios
- MSI Computer Corporation
- Raven Software Corporation
- Roblox Corporation
- Rockstar Games, Inc.
- Rockstar North Limited
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, LLC.
- Sledgehammer Games, Inc.
- Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
- Treyarch Corporation
- Google LLC.
CLG alleges that the companies “intentionally continued to conceal the addictive nature of their video game products and the clearly documented associated harm to players' and users' mental health, social relationships, educational outcomes and finances.”
Canadians who purchased, played or used a video game sold, designed, produced or developed by these companies may be entitled to compensation. If you want to take part or simply stay up to date, you can enter your details here.