Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit [2026 Update]

Video game addiction is often discussed as Internet Gaming Disorder. It’s often described as a gamer’s inability to control gaming habits. This may have a negative impact on everyday functioning.

Keep in mind that only a small percentage of people develop problematic gaming behaviors. Eligibility in these lawsuits is case-specific. Factors may depend on age, gameplay history, diagnosis, and treatment.

Learn more about video game addiction in the sections below.

In October 2003, Activision released the first Call of Duty for Microsoft Windows (PC). The following year, developers ported it to Mac OS X and Nokia N-Gage. By December 2004, the video game was available for PlayStation, Xbox, and GameCube.

Call of Duty can be played on many gaming consoles, PC, or streaming accounts. 

About Call of Duty

Call of Duty is one of the most popular first-person shooter (FPS) franchises in the world. Millions of people still play the game weekly.

Call of Duty players choose from campaign, multiplayer, or zombies/co-op modes. Each with its own distinct experiences. 

• Campaign offers a narrative-driven storyline. 
• Multiplayer lets gamers battle it out against other gamers. 
• Zombies/Co-op players survive against their environment.

Every game features a progression system. Players choose team operators and customize equipment. Completing tasks and missions, and earning XP can unlock new rewards and missions.

In the United States, the first three games released from 2003-2006, had a T for Teen (13+) rating. Since 2007, it’s carried an M (Mature 17+) rating, reflecting its extreme content.

Who Owns or Publishes Call of Duty?

Founded in 1979, Activision began as a game developer. According to its website, Activision’s game studios aim to create high-quality games without compromise.

Founded in 1979, Activision merged with Vivendi Games in 2008 and formed Activision Blizzard. The company acquired King Digital Entertainment in 2016. Activision Blizzard’s games include Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Hearthstone, Diablo, and Candy Crush.

Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard in October 2023. It has become the third largest game publisher in the world. The Call of Duty franchise is now available on almost any gaming platform. You can play games on Xbox, Xbox PC, PlayStation, Battle.net, and Steam.

How Call of Duty Is Played

Call of Duty is a fast-paced, first-person shooter game. Players team up online to navigate various battlefields. They use customizable operators and weapons to survive and defeat their environment. Each completed mission leads to an increased rank, new unlocks, and more rewards.

COD Points buy battle passes. These passes let gamers unlock upgrades. They include weapon blueprints, operator skins, and calling cards.

Why Call of Duty Is Popular With Minors and Young Adults

Call of Duty offers realistic graphics, fast rewards, customization, and limited events. Its streaming culture makes it accessible to almost anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Alleged addictive design features may include:

• Psychological design
• Reward loops
• Monetization features
• Social pressure that may increase engagement and spending

As mentioned, Call of Duty addiction lawsuits allege that certain game features were designed to encourage prolonged play among young gamers. The claims point to reward systems, fast-paced gameplay, lifelike graphics, and realistic sounds. Plaintiffs allege these features encouraged players to keep playing.

Additionally, an Arkansas mother also filed a gaming addiction lawsuit. She claims Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox are other games purposefully created to be addictive.

Competitive Multiplayer, Skill-Based Matchmaking, Ranking, and Progression Systems

Features that may contribute to problematic Call of Duty use in kids and young adults include:

• Competitive multiplayer features
• Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM)
• Ranking
• Progression systems

The video game’s SBMM may evaluate a player’s in-game skills. It may then use the player’s performance and skill rating to match them with other players. The more kills and captures, the higher the score may be. The higher the score, the higher the rank may be. This system may encourage young gamers to engage in “one more match” cycles.

Daily Challenges, Weekly Objectives, Battle Passes, Events, and Time-Limited Content

Other game aspects may create pressure to repeatedly log in or play long sessions, like:

• Battle passes
• Daily tasks
• Seasonal content
• Expiring rewards

In-Game Purchases, COD Points, Loot Boxes, Advanced Supply Drops, and Paid Content

The ability to buy upgrades and extras may encourage impulsive spending.

A loot box is an in-game purchase with randomized contents. This means the player may not know what they will receive until after opening it.

Research has found a link between loot box spending and problem gambling symptoms.

Another review found that microtransactions may link gaming disorders and gambling disorders. It noted that loot boxes may pose a greater addiction-related risk than other microtransactions.

Variable Rewards, Dopamine Feedback Loops, and Operant Conditioning Allegations

Lawsuits allege that Call of Duty reinforces repeated play. The game offers unpredictable rewards, hit markers, unlocks, and progression feedback.

Social Pressure, Teams, Voice Chat, Online Communities, and Fear of Missing Out

Social features may factor into the allegations, including:

• Squads or team play
• Friend obligations
• Leaderboards
• Voice chat
• Exclusive skins
• Limited-time play modes
• Fear of missing out

Call of Duty App, Data Tracking, and Privacy Concerns Involving Minors

Families have also raised allegations involving privacy, data tracking, or targeting concerns related to minors’ Call of Duty use.

People should remember that defendants are not legally responsible until proven in court.

Defective or Negligent Game Design

Plaintiffs allege the video game is unreasonably designed. They cite engagement systems that may create addiction risks.

Failure to Warn Players and Parents About Addiction Risks

Families claim distributors failed to warn about the risks tied to the game. Mentioning prolonged gameplay and compulsive spending as hazards.

Unfair or Deceptive Business Practices

Plaintiffs allege Call of Duty’s youth-focused design may mislead or exploit consumers addicted to Call of Duty.

Consumer Protection, Privacy, and Minor-Focused Claims

Some allegations may focus on consumer laws, privacy concerns, or data involving children.

Common Corporate Defenses in Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuits

Defenses in Call of Duty addiction cases may take several forms, such as:

• Terms of service
• Arbitration
• Parental responsibility
• Free speech arguments
• Causation disputes
• Lack of diagnosis

Lawsuits may involve several types of harm. However, each case will need evidence linking a gamer’s Call of Duty use to the claimed injuries.

A 2022 review published in ScienceDirect on addictive behaviors linked problematic gaming to suicidal thoughts. However, its authors noted certain limitations. They suggested the need for further research using stronger study designs.

Internet Gaming Disorder, Video Game Addiction, and Loss of Control

Loss of control due to gameplay may lead to video game addiction or Internet Gaming Disorder.

The DSM-5-TR states that an internet gaming disorder must cause severe distress in a person’s life. The manual also acknowledges the need for further study.

The WHO defines a gaming disorder as a pattern of gaming marked by:

• Impaired control
• Prioritized gaming over other activities
• Continued gameplay despite negative consequences

Anxiety, Depression, Withdrawal Symptoms, Emotional Distress, or Gamer Rage

Some ways a Call of Duty addiction may manifest are as follows:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Aggression
• Withdrawal
• Emotional distress

Researchers haven’t established a direct cause-and-effect relationship between gaming and depression. However, gaming and depression may overlap.

Another review published in the National Library of Medicine linked problematic online gaming to these symptoms:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Inattention
• ADHD

Yet another review and analysis from 2017 connected problematic gaming with several negative health-related outcomes. Some of these are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Somatization

A 2022 study found several common triggers for gamer rage among children. These included: 

• in-game failures 
• other players’ actions 
• technical problems 
• out-of-game interruptions

Academic Decline, School Refusal, Dropping Out, or Work Disruption

School or work problems may include:

• Falling grades
• Missed assignments
• Absences
• Quitting activities
• Job issues
• Loss of productivity

Excessive Spending on COD Points, Battle Passes, Skins, and In-Game Purchases

Unauthorized or compulsive purchases may support claims of financial harm. These records may help show how much money was spent and whether spending increased over time.

Purchases tied to:

• COD Points
• Battle passes
• Skins
• Bundles
• Loot-style systems

Hand, Wrist, Eye, Neck, Back, Sleep, or Sedentary Health Issues

Harvard Health states that excessive gaming may affect a person’s physical health.

Physical injuries may consist of:

• Sleep deprivation
• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Hand/wrist pain
• Posture issues
• Back/neck pain
• Sedentary health concerns

Social Withdrawal, Family Conflict, and Loss of Quality of Life

People addicted to Call of Duty may face social harm.

Signs may consist of:

• Isolation
• Conflict over gaming
• Loss of hobbies
• Strained relationships
• Reduced daily functioning

Providing documentation helps attorneys assess claims. Solid records connecting gameplay, spending, and harm can strengthen the case.

Account, Username, Platform, Playtime, and Device Records

Useful records include:

• Activision ID
• Gamer tag
• Platform
• Device
• Screen-time reports
• Playtime history
• Login patterns

Look for this information in the game settings or your platform account settings.

Purchase Receipts and In-Game Spending Records

The following receipts and spending records may support financial harm claims:

• PlayStation
• Xbox
• Battle.net
• Steam
• Apple
• Google
• Bank cards
• Parent or guardian payment accounts

Medical, Mental Health, Rehab, School, Work, and Family Records

These records may help a case:

• Therapy notes
• Diagnoses
• Rehab records
• School reports
• Attendance
• Disciplinary notes
• Employment issues
• Family observations

Timeline of Harm, Witness Statements, Screenshots, and Messages

Providing timetables for the following may further strengthen a claim:

• Increased gaming
• Symptoms first appeared
• Occurrences of purchases
• Family/school problems began

Save screenshots, messages, receipts, and notes showing when these issues started and how they changed over time.

Why Families Should Not Delete the Call of Duty Account

If possible, don’t delete any Call of Duty accounts. This may destroy useful playtime, purchases, and communication evidence. Always back up and preserve any data before making any major account changes.

Whether you’re playing on your PC, a gaming console, or a mobile device, you should always back up your data. The most common ways are to link your game to an external profile or to a cloud-based service.

Activision, Battle.net, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, Apple, and Google Account Records

You can usually find this information in the account settings, privacy settings, or transaction history for each platform.

Look for:

• Downloadable account data
• Transaction history
• Parental controls
• Device logs
• Emails
• Platform-specific purchase records

What to Save Before Changing Passwords, Restricting Access, or Removing Payment Methods

There are a few things you will want to save before making changes to any account.

Whether changing your password, restricting player access, or removing any payment methods, save:

• Screenshots
• Receipts
• Account IDs
• Playtime
• Messages
• Payment records

How Account Data May Help Connect Gameplay, Spending, and Harm

Account data may help show gaming patterns over time. School or employment documents can help show how those patterns affected daily life. Playtime records, purchase details, and notes about behavioral changes may also support the case.

An attorney can review the case and help collect evidence. It’s important to follow filing deadlines and court requirements to avoid possible dismissal.

Claim Filing Process

A first step in the filing process is to contact a lawyer and provide relevant documents. The lawyer can review eligibility and determine whether the claim may be viable. They can also identify potential defendants and provide instructions for preserving evidence.

Individual Lawsuits, Class Actions, and Multidistrict Litigation

There are three types of lawsuits: individual, class actions, and coordinated litigation. Lawsuits move through the court system based on the case facts and court rules.

Trials can occur in civil lawsuits. Still, according to Judicature, civil trials, especially jury trials, are quite rare. They happen less often than case dismissals, motions, and settlements.

How an Attorney Can Help Review Eligibility, Evidence, and Deadlines

An attorney can review case eligibility, evidence, and deadlines by checking the following:

• Causation
• Medical proof
• Platform records
• Spending records
• Statute of Limitations
• Possible defendants

Statute of Limitations and Filing Deadlines for Minors and Young Adults

Filing deadlines and statutes of limitations vary by state. These deadlines may be different for minors, so consider speaking with an attorney about your options.

This section explains potential compensation in these lawsuits.

Compensation is not guaranteed. Results depend on the evidence, injuries, and laws that apply to each case.

Are There Any Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit Settlements?

If you’re wondering whether there have been any settlements, no settlement has been announced. Plaintiffs are filing lawsuits, but most claims remain unresolved.

Factors That May Affect Potential Compensation

Certain factors may affect potential compensation, including:

• Severity of harm
• Diagnosis
• Treatment costs
• Spending records
• Age
• Duration of use
• Academic/work impact
• Strength of evidence

Medical Treatment, Therapy, Rehab, and Counseling Costs

Courts may award damages for treatment, therapy, counseling, rehab, or future care.

In-Game Spending, Educational Losses, Emotional Distress, and Other Damages

Damages may include tutoring, lost opportunities, emotional distress, family impact, or other losses.

Certain games may be linked to addiction, mental health issues, overspending, or family problems. Request a free consultation for a Call of Duty addiction lawsuit.