Epic Games Microsoft Lawsuit: Are Games Designed to Hook Kids?

Case Overview: A class action alleges Epic Games and Microsoft knowingly designed addictive games (Fortnite, Minecraft) and platforms (Xbox) that caused a 12-year-old boy to suffer emotional, psychological, and physical harm.

Consumers Affected: A minor, FAS, and potentially other young users harmed by alleged addictive gaming features.

Court: Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles

A California mother is suing video game giants Epic Games and Microsoft, accusing them of knowingly designing addictive games that caused her 12-year-old son to suffer emotional, psychological, and physical harm. 

The lawsuit claims the companies used manipulative tactics in Fortnite, Minecraft, and the Xbox gaming platform to exploit young users and maximize profits through excessive screen time and in-game purchases.

See if you qualify for a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit – Click HERE!

Child Suffers Health Decline From Addictive Gaming

According to the lawsuit, the child began playing the companies' games at age six and became increasingly dependent on them. His mother alleges that his use turned compulsive and disordered, interfering with his academic performance, sleep, hygiene, and social life. 

Attempts to limit his screen time reportedly resulted in withdrawal symptoms including rage, self-harm threats, and physical outbursts. He has since been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and symptoms of internet gaming disorder, requiring ongoing mental health care and intervention.

The family says the harm was preventable, accusing the companies of failing to include basic safety measures like parental controls, time limits, or clear warnings about the risks of extended gaming. Instead, the lawsuit alleges the companies prioritized user engagement and revenue over child safety.

If you or your loved one experienced these harms, you may qualify for compensation. Click HERE to connect with a Video Game Addiction lawsuit specialist today!

Epic Games and Microsoft Accused of Engineering Addiction

The lawsuit claims both Epic Games and Microsoft deliberately built addictive features into their products using psychological principles like operant conditioning, which rewards repeated behavior. 

According to the filing, both companies employed psychologists and behavioral experts to design engagement systems that trigger dopamine release in the brain—especially potent in children and neurodivergent users.

The lawsuit says Microsoft’s Xbox achievement system and Epic’s design of Fortnite were intentionally created to keep users hooked, leading to longer playtimes and higher spending on in-game purchases.

Learn if you qualify for a lawsuit against these companies – Click HERE!

It also claims that Microsoft actively marketed Minecraft to young children through branded collaborations with franchises like LEGO, Frozen, and Star Wars, even though many of its users are under the game’s recommended age.

Wave of Legal Action Against Gaming Industry

The lawsuit joins a wave of legal challenges aimed at holding gaming companies accountable for allegedly designing addictive products that harm young users. 

In one case, a 23-year-old sued Microsoft, Nintendo, and Rockstar Games, claiming games like Fortnite, Minecraft, Call of Duty, and Grand Theft Auto led to a compulsive habit that began at age 10 and consumed up to nine hours a day. 

Another lawsuit targets Epic Games, Mojang Studios (Minecraft), Meta, and Roblox, accusing them of using psychological techniques like reward systems and endless play loops to hook minors and push in-game spending. 

Roblox is also facing a class action in California that claims the platform exploits child users by turning them into unpaid content creators, while also using deceptive advertising practices aimed at kids.

Don’t wait. Click HERE to connect with an experienced attorney today!

Adults have raised similar concerns. Apple and Google are facing a class action alleging their app stores distribute unregulated casino-style games, and the maker of Royal Match is being sued for allegedly operating an illegal gambling scheme.

In her lawsuit against Epic and Microsoft, Sawyer is suing for product liability and misconduct. She alleges the games were dangerously designed and failed to include adequate warnings and the companies were negligent in their development. She also claims intentional and negligent misrepresentation, as well as fraud, and violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law. 

Sawyer is seeking damages for emotional distress, economic losses, and medical expenses related to their child’s condition, as well as injunctive relief, fees, costs, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Jennifer Sawyer as Guardian Ad Litem and on Behalf of FAS, a Minor v. Epic Games, Inc., et al.
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-04755
• Court: Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles 

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Marcus J. Bradley and Kiley L. Grombacher (Bradley/Grombacher LLP)
• Mary Liu (Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC)

Are you concerned about addictive gaming for children? Share your thoughts on this lawsuit below.