In Canada, three parents have filed a class action lawsuit against Epic Games for making ‘Fortnite’ too addictive for their children.
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The lawsuit was filed in Quebec Superior Court, alleging that Epic Games purposefully designed the game to be “highly addictive” for children. One parent claimed their child had played 7,700 hours in less than two years, while another claimed their child had played 7,000 hours and became enraged when his parents locked the computer. Justice Slyvain Lussier ruled that the lawsuit was not “manifestly ill-founded,” comparing video game addiction to tobacco addiction. “Tobacco’s harmful effects were not recognized or admitted overnight,” the judge stated.
It was also decided that anyone who developed a video game addiction and experienced symptoms of addiction as a result of playing Fortnite could join the class action lawsuit.Since the lawsuit was filed, over 200 people have come forward about their addiction to ‘Fortnite.’ Epic Games said in a statement to ABC News that the game has parental controls for parents who want to monitory their children’s activity.
“We have industry-leading parental controls that empower parents to supervise their child’s digital experience.”
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‘Fortnite’ lawsuit is criticized on social media as people believe parents should take control of their children’s video game time and consumption
News of the lawsuit went viral on Twitter and some users believe it is a parent’s responsibility to monitor their children’s video game time and not place blame on the companies who create them. Additionally, the makers of Fortnite claimed in 2018 that video game addiction is not a real thing despite the World Health Organization listing it under things an individual can possibly be addicted to.
“Video gaming is highly prevalent in modern culture, particularly among young people, and a healthy hobby for most users. However, in recent years there has been increasing global recognition among public health professionals and academics that particular patterns of video gaming may lead to marked impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning and psychological distress for a significant minority of players. People who partake in gaming should be alert to the amount of time they spend on gaming activities, particularly when it is to the exclusion of other daily activities, as well as to any changes in their physical or psychological health and social functioning that could be attributed to their pattern of gaming behaviour.”
According to common sense parents should put as much effort into simply telling their kids no then blaming a video game for their own lack of initiative and parenting.
— IP (@IWP1977) December 11, 2022
These games have some unhealthy patterns built in but parents 100% have their own fault if their kids have developed an addiction. Like talk to your kids and show interest in their hobbies INCLUDING those that don’t interest you and I guarantee it’ll improve the relationship
— Crux! is uninspired ✨ (@CruxBatface) December 11, 2022
A monetary amount for the lawsuit has yet to be revealed.