More than 20 gaming tech companies are facing a possible class action lawsuit over claims they intentionally create psychologically harmful and addictive content.
Among the accused are household names, such as Google, Microsoft, Ubisoft and Nintendo, who are currently under investigation by Canadian law firm Consumer Law Group (CLG),among others.
“The listed corporate entities have deliberately continued to conceal the addictive nature of their video game products, as well as the clearly documented associated harms to players’ and users’ mental health, social relations, educational outcomes, and finances,” the firm wrote in a recent online notice.
According to CLG, video game addiction is a “scientifically documented” mental health condition characterized by players’ and users’ reduced control over game play and an irrational prioritization of gaming over other activities.
As a result, the firm says addicted players often struggle with a range of mental health issues including but not limited to cognitive decline, aggressive behaviour, loss of social function, stress, sleeping disorders, loss of impulse control, depression, and poor schooling performances.
“In 2008, the United States Federal Communications Commission identified video game addiction as one of the main causes of students dropping out of American universities,” the law firm wrote, adding that the proposed class action defendants are aware of the “addictive” and “debilitating” consequences of gaming addiction and enlist the help of professionals to design intentionally addictive games.
The firm identified these practices as “predatory” in the interest of profit.
Features such as tracking users’ gaming patterns in real-time are designed to increase the length and frequency of gameplay, according to the firm.
As a result, CLG is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for all other relief that consumers are entitled to under the law.
For more information about how to join the lawsuit and a full list of defendants click here.
