JEFFERSON CITY — A 24-year-old woman is suing several gaming companies alleging video game addiction.
Activision Blizzard, Infinity Ward Inc., Sledgehammer Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft Corporation, MSI Computer Corporation, Bluestacts By NOW.GG, and unknown and unnamed individuals were all named as defendants in the suit.
Harper Glasscock alleges the intentional design and marketing of video games to induce addiction, particularly among minors and young adults, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri Central Division.
The complaint outlines how these companies have exploited psychological vulnerabilities and employed predatory monetization schemes to maximize profits at the expense of consumers' well-being, according to the suit.
Glasscock claims the nature of the action revolves around the concept of video game addiction, or internet gaming disorder, characterized by a loss of control over gaming habits and negative consequences in various aspects of life.
Glasscock claims she began playing video games at the age of 4 and has continued to play them in the 20 years since.
She claims that video game addiction is a growing epidemic, exacerbated by the proliferation of online gaming and microtransactions, which provide unfettered access to addictive content and incentivize spending within games.
The complaint accuses the defendants of deliberately designing games to be addictive through the use of feedback loops, reward systems, and patented technology developed with input from behavioral psychologists and neuroscientists, according to the suit.
"Defendants manufactured, published, marketed, and sold video games and gaming products, including those played by Harper Glasscock, which Defendants had specifically developed and designed to cause the addiction experienced by Harper Glasscock and other users," the complaint states. "Defendants use traditional game tactics such as feedback loops and reward systems, along with patented designs containing addictive features and technology to ensure its users keep playing longer and spending more on 'microtransactions' within the game."
Glasscock alleges that these companies prioritize maximizing profits over user safety, employing tactics such as drip pricing and dark patterns to deceive consumers and manipulate their behavior.
Glasscock also points out that specific predatory monetization schemes are employed by the defendants, including loot boxes, pay-to-win models, and rubber-banding, which exploit players' propensity to spend money within games.
Glasscock argues that these practices constitute deceptive and unfair trade practices, leading to financial harm and mental health issues for consumers.
Glasscock claims the defendants' actions have caused brain damage, cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety and other damages for her and others through video game addiction.
The plaintiff calls for accountability for the defendants' intentional misconduct and unlawful conduct in targeting vulnerable populations for financial gain, according to the suit.
Glasscock is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is represented by Tyler W. Hudson, Eric D. Barton and Melody R. Dickson of Wagstaff & Cartmell; Tina Bullock, Danielle Ward Mason and Breean Walas of Bullock Ward Mason; and Steven B. Rotman of Hausfeld.
Attorneys for the plaintiff declined to comment outside of the complaint.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri Central Division case number: 2:24-cv-4036