A lawsuit has been filed against several major video game companies, accusing them of creating addictive games that harm minors. The complaint was brought by Shirley Baggaley on behalf of her minor child, C.W.B., and was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on November 26, 2025. The defendants in this case include Roblox Corporation, Epic Games, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Mojang AB, and unnamed individuals referred to as John Does 1-50.
The plaintiff alleges that these companies have designed their games—Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, and Xbox platforms—to be addictive to minors without implementing adequate safety features or warnings. The complaint claims that these companies have knowingly used psychological tactics and patented technologies to create games that encourage excessive use among young players. This behavior allegedly leads to addiction-like symptoms in minors such as diminished social interactions and withdrawal symptoms like rage and anger.
According to the complaint, the defendants are aware of the potential for video game addiction but have prioritized profit over safety by failing to implement simple safeguards like parental controls or time limits. Instead, they are accused of incorporating features designed to maximize time spent playing their games, thereby increasing the likelihood of in-game purchases which boost company revenues.
The plaintiff argues that this conduct has resulted in a public health crisis among minors who suffer from addiction to video games. It is alleged that these gaming companies specifically target young audiences through their marketing strategies and have failed to warn users about the risks associated with prolonged gameplay.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 for injuries suffered by C.W.B., including physical, emotional, and economic harm caused by his addiction to these video games. Additionally, it demands accountability from each defendant for prioritizing profits over player safety.
Representing the plaintiff is attorney Shirley Baggaley herself as a natural guardian of C.W.B., while details about specific attorneys representing the defendants were not disclosed in the document. The case is presided over by judges from the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey under Case ID 1:25-cv-17992.
Source: 125cv17992_Baggaley_v_Roblox_Corporation_Complaint_District_New_Jersey.pdf
