Video Game Addiction

Pearce Lewis is actively engaged in representing children and families who have been damaged by the epidemic that is video gaming addiction. The firm is participating in this litigation proceeding in the federal courts that involves litigants residing in multiple States and is committed to bringing this cutting edge litigation across the finish line here in California, where so many families have been damaged by this now recognized form of addiction and where so many manufacturers and designers of the offending games are based. Pearce Lewis attorneys welcome the opportunity to fight against the multi-billion dollar video game industry.

Pearce Lewis is targeting video game manufacturers that use reward systems and patented designs that intentionally contain addictive features and technology to ensure its users keep playing longer and spending more. Most parents have no idea that they and their children are being intentionally manipulated by these multi billion-dollar corporations. Children diagnosed with ADD and ADHD, or who are otherwise predisposed to impulse control disorders, are especially at risk of becoming addicted.

If you or a loved one thinks you may have a gaming addict in your family, please reach out to our team who are here to help explain whether you have a case.

What Is Gaming Addiction

Video Game Addiction and/or Gaming Disorder refers to the compulsive, obsessive urge to play video games that results in negative consequences impacting cognitive processes, including multi-second time perception, inhibition, and decision-making. A person so afflicted shall exhibit a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, giving increased priority to gaming over other activities, and the continuation or escalation of gaming despite experiencing negative consequences.

Addicted and disordered gamers often stop interacting with friends and family, exhibit excessive rage or depression, experience withdrawal symptoms when unable to play, and no longer enjoy or wish to engage in hobbies outside of their game. Researchers have concluded that excessive use of video games may lead to brain damage, aggressive behavior, verbal memory deficiency, depression, lowered cognitive abilities, sleeping disorders, anxiety, and behavioral addiction. A Gaming Disorder diagnosis requires such behaviors to be evident for at least 12 months.

Signs of Gaming Addiction / Gaming Disorder

• Pathological playing: preoccupation or obsession with playing
• Deceptive behaviors to hide the chronic desire to play or the amount of time spent playing
• Increased tolerance: the need to spend more and more time playing to satisfy the urge to play
• Withdrawal symptoms experienced when the opportunity to play is removed: sadness, anxiety, irritability, volatility
• Continued over playing and preoccupation with playing despite experiencing negative consequences interpersonally, i.e., socially, emotionally, and physically
• Risk impairment—willing to jeopardize or lose a job or relationship due to playing
• Loss of interest in other activities the gamer previously enjoyed
• Playing to escape or relieve negative moods, usually guilt and hopelessness

Do you have a case?

• Child must have played one or more of the following “gateway” games for at least four hours a day for no less than 5 weeks: Fortnite® | Minecraft® | Roblox®
• Child began playing the above games by at least ages 8–10, preferably by age 6 and is currently 25 years or younger
• Child has experienced one or more of the following:
  • Gaming Disorder (ICD–11) diagnosis
  • Diagnosed damage to the prefrontal cortex / changes in CT/MRI of brain
  • Hospitalized in the last 24 months for withdrawal symptoms /game deprivation
  • Suicidal ideation or attempts associated with gaming behaviors
  • Counseling or therapy for gaming behaviors

Child may also suffer, in addition, to any of the following, either before or after play began:

• ADHD / ADD
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan at School
• Home Schooled to Play Games
• Obesity
• Sleep Deprivation Psychosis
• Computer Vision Syndrome
• Gamer's Rage/Aggression
• Autism (after playing video games only)

_{* www.sciencedaily.com}

_{Fortnite®, Roblox® and Minecraft® are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Their use does not imply affiliation or endorsement by these companies.}