Mother Sues Fortnite For Being Addicting

Published by:
Abigail Moses

Reviewed by:
Alistair Vigier
Last Modified: 2023-04-17
A Canadian mother recently filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, the creators of the popular game Fortnite, claiming that her nine-year-old son developed an “adverse dependence” on the game, which ultimately led to negative impacts on his mental and physical health, well-being, and relationships. The woman, identified in the lawsuit as A.B., alleges that Epic Games designed Fortnite to be as addictive as possible, knowing the potential harm it could cause to children who play the game.
A.B. claims that her son downloaded Fortnite Battle Royale onto several devices, including his PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, phone, and computer. She argues that the game’s addictive design caused her son to charge her credit card without her knowledge, resulting in thousands of dollars in in-game purchases. Additionally, A.B. accuses Epic Games of collecting extensive data from children who play Fortnite without obtaining their parents’ consent.
The lawsuit seeks damages for several claims, including breach of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, unjust enrichment, and failure to warn users of risks and medical expenses related to addiction treatment for Fortnite. A.B. is bringing the class-action lawsuit forward on behalf of herself, her son, and Canadians (excluding Quebec residents) affected by the video game.

Symptoms of addiction
Studies show that video game addiction is a growing concern, with nearly one in ten young gamers experiencing symptoms of addiction. In 2021, the global video game market was valued at $152.1 billion, with the mobile gaming sector accounting for 49% of that revenue. As of 2022, Fortnite has over 350 million registered players worldwide.
The impact of video game addiction can be significant, with negative effects on mental and physical health, academic and occupational performance, and relationships with family and friends. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, playing video games excessively can lead to depression, anxiety, and social phobia.
The class-action suit against Epic Games is currently pending court approval and none of the allegations have been tested in court. However, this lawsuit highlights the need for increased awareness and regulation of video game addiction, especially among children and young adults.
Is Fortnite Addicting?
Released in 2017, Fortnite is a game that has quickly grown in popularity since its inception. It is estimated that there are over 350 million registered Fortnite players globally, and the game is available across multiple platforms, such as PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. The United States is one of the countries where the game has the strongest following, with over 40 million regular players.
The game’s popularity has translated into its revenue, with the game generating billions of dollars in revenue since its release. In 2021, Fortnite was projected to generate over $5 billion in revenue, which includes revenue from in-game purchases, merchandise sales, and collaborations with other brands. The game’s revenue has been consistently increasing, making it one of the most profitable video games ever.
Fortnite also has a thriving esports scene, with millions of dollars awarded in prize money to top players each year. The first Fortnite World Cup held in 2019 awarded a total of $30 million in prize money. In 2021, the Fortnite Champion Series awarded $20 million in prize money, with the winners receiving a staggering $3 million.
Significant impact on popular culture
The game has a massive social media presence, with millions of followers on various platforms. YouTube is a particularly strong platform for Fortnite, with popular content creators and streamers having millions of subscribers. Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok are other platforms where players share their gameplay highlights, memes, and creative content related to the game.
Fortnite has had a significant impact on popular culture since its release, inspiring countless memes, dances, and viral challenges. The game has even been referenced in mainstream media, such as movies and television shows. Fortnite’s crossover events with other popular franchises, such as Marvel and Star Wars, have also contributed to its cultural impact.
Do you think Fortnite is addicting? Should they be sued if so?
RELATED POSTS
No related posts found.