A new lawsuit has hit the US District Court for the Northern District of California, targeting the giants *Fortnite* and *Roblox* with a concerning claim: that excessive exposure to the games led to structural brain changes in a minor.
The suit, filed by Louisiana mother Descheca Jackson on December 30, alleges that her child (identified only as “MA”) developed symptoms consistent with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) after playing the titles from a young age. Jackson details a severe decline in her child’s mental and behavioral health, citing addiction, impulse control issues, profound anxiety, irritability, and significant withdrawal symptoms when unable to play. Furthermore, the filing claims these difficulties resulted in social isolation, damaged relationships, and ultimately led to the child’s academic dismissal from school.
The lawsuit underscores the serious nature of IGD, a pattern where gaming negatively disrupts critical daily functions like schooling and relationships. Recent research suggests IGD is a growing concern, impacting an estimated one in ten adolescent boys, with platforms like *Roblox* often named in studies related to the condition. This filing puts a renewed spotlight on the responsibility of major gaming companies to address issues of potential player addiction and long-term psychological impact.