Fortnite and Minecraft sued by US man as he claims they fueled his addiction
The creators behind two of the world's biggest games could be in hot water, as a man in the USA is trying to sue them after claims they failed to safeguard against his own gaming addiction.
We've seen enough big-name streamers rage-quit and smash up their rooms to see how seriously some take gaming, but more than the so-called pros, there are concerns that gaming addiction is growing across the generations.
You only have to look at the hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 and reports that other publishers are moving titles out of its way to see the impact games can have on pop culture. Let's also remember that GTA V is the most profitable entertainment product of all time, thanks to the billions earned through GTA Online.
Others like Fortnite and Minecraft are gaming Goliaths as they generate billions every year through microtransactions and digital storefront sales. Some will plow thousands of hours into these games, which might be why Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time with 350 million sales (and counting). That might be why A Minecraft Movie became one of 2025's biggest hits.
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As reported by Complex, plaintiff Cayden Breeden is suing Epic Games (Fortnite), Microsoft Corporation, and Mojang Studios (Minecraft). The 56-page lawsuit states: "There are some video games that pose serious, known risks to players.
"This litigation seeks to hold each Defendant accountable for failing to warn and failing to include available safeguards against the known risks associated with excessive use of their video game products and choosing instead to implement programming that both caused and amplified these risks in order to increase Defendants’ profits."
Breeden maintains that all three are guilty of negligence and fraud, referring to their models as "deceptive, unfair, immoral, and reckless."
Sharing his own experience, he says that his relationship with gaming has become 'compulsive and disordered' over the past four years, with Breeden reiterating he is "incapable of restraining his own usage."
Cleveland Clinic compares internet gaming disorder to gambling, saying the rush of winning is what pushes someone to keep playing. It notes that symptoms include the likes of poor performance at school, work, or in basic household responsibilities, being unable to stop playing, distancing yourself emotionally, and withdrawal symptoms that can be expressed as sadness, anxiety, or irritability.
Breeden's case suggests he's suffering from some of the above, specifically mentioning withdrawal as “anger, destruction of property, compulsive and antisocial behavior, and inability to maintain sleep."
It also states: "Plaintiff’s gaming addiction has had an ongoing and significant impact on his life and well-being."
Seeking compensation and other damages, the case puts Epic Games, Microsoft, and Mojang in its sights for "severe injuries sustained because of Plaintiff’s use of Defendant’s video game products."
In particular, Breeden's team is seeking compensation for his supposed pain, suffering, and emotional distress, as well as medical expenses, legal fees, and more.
UNILADTech has contacted the defendants for comment
If you've been affected by addiction and want to speak to someone in confidence, you can call American Addiction Centers on (888) 324-0595, available 24/7, or contact them through their website.