Maine Mom Takes Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft Makers to Court

A Somerset County mother has taken legal action against some of the biggest names in the video game industry, alleging their products have caused serious harm to her child.

According to WGME 13, The lawsuit names the makers of Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft, claiming the companies ignored “known risks” of addictive behavior in minors. According to the complaint, the woman’s son began playing the defendants’ games at just four years old and has since continued to engage with them at what the suit describes as an “addictive pace.”

The Maine mother argues that the developers designed their games to keep children playing longer, prioritizing profits over player well-being. Her legal filing accuses the companies of negligence and failure to provide adequate safeguards for underage users, the news station said.

The damages being sought include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, attorneys’ fees, and both past and future economic losses.

Concerns about video game addiction have grown in recent years, with health experts warning about excessive screen time and its potential impact on mental health, sleep patterns, and academic performance in children.

WGME went on to explain that The World Health Organization now officially recognizes “gaming disorder” in 2019, further fueling debates about the responsibility of developers in managing player engagement.

So far, the companies named in the lawsuit have not publicly responded to the allegations. The case will likely draw tons of attention, as similar lawsuits have been filed across the country against major gaming platforms.

For the Somerset County mother at the center of the lawsuit, the issue is deeply personal. Her court filing suggests that what began as a source of entertainment for her young child has turned into an ongoing struggle with video game dependency and one she believes could have been prevented with stronger industry oversight.