People are filing personal injury lawsuits alleging League of Legends led to addiction and other mental health disorders. These lawsuits accuse the game’s maker, Riot Games, Inc. of not properly disclosing the potentially dangerous side effects of the game. A recent study published in Cureus found that video game addiction is a serious public health issue and is increasing.
Individuals who have experienced addiction, ADHD, and other mental health injuries after playing League of Legends say they were not properly warned about the potential harm. After developing video game addiction, many people suffered financial, physical, and mental setbacks. In an effort to gain compensation for these losses, people are filing personal injury lawsuits nationwide.
League of Legends Addiction Lawsuit 2025 Updates
February 2025: Lawsuits Allege Video Games Cause Substantial Harm
Lawsuits filed against video game manufacturers, including Riot Games, allege that the products can cause severe harm to users. One of the most concerning attributes of these games, according to lawsuits, is the potential for them to cause addiction similar to that seen in gamblers and those with a substance use disorder.
October 2024: Potential for Future Video Game Addiction Multidistrict Litigation
While the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) issued an order on June 5, 202,4 denying the transfer of multiple video game lawsuits into multidistrict litigation out of the Western District of Missouri or the Eastern District of Arkansas, it does not preclude the potential for centralization in the future. It is expected that as the number of potential plaintiffs grows, the potential for centralization may also increase.
February 2024: Video Game Addiction Lawsuits Filed Across the Country
Personal injury lawsuits have been filed nationwide against video game manufacturers, including Riot Games, Inc,. alleging the companies knew or should have known that their products contained a dangerous defect. Video games like League of Legends are alleged to cause addiction and other mental health problems. Legal documents claim that these games contain addictive features and are marketed toward vulnerable populations.
December 2023: Riot Games Agrees to $1M Judgment in Copyright Lawsuit
Riot Games has agreed to a $1 million judgment in a copyright lawsuit filed out of a federal court in California. The agreement resolves a dispute involving Suga Pte. Riot Games, the maker of League of Legends, alleged that the Singapore app maker’s game “I Am Hero: AFK Tactical Teamfight” violated copyright laws. The judgment also resulted in the permanent ban of the app maker’s game.
May 2023: California Civil Rights Department Gets Approval of $100 Million Consent Decree Against Riot Games
In what was the largest agreement of its kind, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) received approval for a $100 million consent decree against Riot Games. The agreement resolves allegations against the gaming company, including that there was sex discrimination, harassment, and retaliation at the workplace.
About the League of Legends Lawsuit:
What Is League of Legends and How Does the Video Game Work?
How Does League of Legends Encourage Addictive Behaviors?
What Are the Most Addictive Features in League of Legends?
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction to League of Legends
Who Is Eligible to File a League of Legends Addiction Lawsuit?
How to Gather Evidence for a League of Legends Addiction Lawsuit
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a League of Legends Addiction Lawsuit?
How to File a League of Legends Addiction Lawsuit
League of Legends Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Statute of Limitations for a League of Legends Lawsuit
What Is League of Legends and How Does the Video Game Work?
League of Legends is an online, multiplayer, team-based, battle-arena game manufactured by Riot Games, Inc. The game can be played on multiple platforms, including MacOS, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox. Described as an experience rather than just a game, League of Legends has gained global popularity.
Potentially addictive features of League of Legends:
- Continuous updates and new features
- Vibrant, immersive gameplay
- Innovative design
- Competitive environment
- Variable reward system
- Community engagement
- Diverse characters and over 100 champions
- Real-time feedback
In addition to these features, League of Legends allows its users to continuously learn and advance. The game is never stagnant, making it captivating and engaging. Peer pressure also factors in. The team-based atmosphere of the game encourages prolonged play.
How Does League of Legends Encourage Addictive Behaviors?
Several features of League of Legends encourage addictive behaviors. These features include variable reward systems, evolving gameplay, and constant updates. Social pressures also encourage users to play more often and for longer than they may engage in other games.
Addictive nature of League of Legends:
- In-game rewards: League of Legends offers variable in-game rewards that trigger brain pleasure responses when they are released. Rewards include virtual currency, new characters, and more.
- Short games: League of Legends games generally last between 30 and 40 minutes. The short length of these games helps to encourage users to play another round.
- Team-based activities: The game is team-based and involves significant community engagement. Games like this tend to encourage prolonged gameplay. Pressure from other users may also cause players to play longer than they initially intended.
- Microtransactions: In-game purchases using Riot Points can be used to obtain new champions, champion skins, and more.
What Are the Most Addictive Features in League of Legends?
The most engaging and addictive elements in League of Legends include its frequent updates, competitive ranking systems, and variable rewards system. Individuals or parents of individuals who are exhibiting signs or symptoms of League of Legends addiction are encouraged to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Most addictive features of League of Legends:
- Frequent updates: League of Legends releases frequent updates with new champions. The lure of getting something new keeps users coming back for more.
- Competitive ranking systems: Another highly addictive feature of League of Legends is the competitive ranking system. The design element encourages prolonged play so that users can achieve new, higher rankings.
- Variable rewards system: A variable rewards system helps to promote user engagement and keep players coming back. The reward system triggers a dopamine rush activating the pleasure system in the brain.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction to League of Legends
There are several signs and symptoms of League of Legends addiction. Excessive gaming is a serious disorder that can affect nearly all aspects of your or your child’s life, including personal and professional relationships. It is important to seek professional help if you become addicted to a game or believe your child may be addicted to gaming.
Signs and symptoms of League of Legends addiction:
- Preoccupation with the game: The inability to quit thinking about or playing League of Legends may be a sign of addiction.
- Prioritizing playing: Prioritizing playing the game over personal or professional responsibilities, including school work or extracurricular activities.
- Decline in school or work performance: A noticeable decline in school or work performance may indicate excessive gaming.
- Disturbances of sleep: Sleep disturbances or other physical problems such as eye strain and headaches may be a sign of prolonged gaming.
- In-game purchases: Purchasing large amounts of in-game items or unauthorized purchases may indicate a problem.
- Social or emotional distress: League of Legends addiction may also cause social or emotional distress, including isolation, anxiety, irritability, depression, or other mental health disorders.
Who Is Eligible to File a League of Legends Addiction Lawsuit?
Individuals who are diagnosed with video game addiction related to League of Legends may be eligible to file a lawsuit. It is imperative to speak with a qualified attorney. An attorney can review your claim to determine whether you meet the criteria necessary to take legal action against the manufacturer, Riot Games.
Eligibility requirements for a League of Legends addiction lawsuit:
- Age: Qualified individuals must have started playing League of Legends prior to the age of 24 and received a diagnosis or started experiencing addiction-related issues before turning 25 years old.
- Diagnosis: Successful candidates will have received a diagnosis of a mental health condition or physical injury. Qualifying injuries include depression, anxiety, symptoms of addiction, seizures, headaches, or ADHD.
- Use: Individuals must have played League of Legends or another qualifying game for at least 3 hours a day for 5 weeks or more.
How to Gather Evidence for a League of Legends Addiction Lawsuit
One of the most important aspects of a League of Legends addiction lawsuit is gathering the evidence necessary to substantiate your claim. Evidence is often critical to proving that the game caused your addiction and impacted your quality of life.
Evidence necessary to file a League of Legends addiction claim:
- Medical Records: A comprehensive set of medical records is often necessary to demonstrate any addiction-related diagnosis and treatment plans.
- Mental Health Evaluations: A mental health evaluation provided by a qualified healthcare professional can help to show how the game impacted you or your child’s quality of life and what, if any, mental health conditions were caused by excessive playing.
- Academic Records: Academic records indicating a decline in performance such as a drop in grades can help support your argument.
- Work Performance Evaluations: If excessive gaming caused you to miss work or perform poorly, you will want to show proof through performance evaluations.
- Usage Logs: Usage logs and screenshots indicating the amount of time spent playing may be critical to substantiating your claim.
- Financial Statements: Financial statements showing in-game purchases or money spent as a result of your addiction can help to ensure you receive compensation for all of your damages.
- Expert Testimony: Expert testimony about the addictive features of League of Legends or the potential for the game to impact a person’s life are critical.
- Witness and Personal Statements: Witness and personal statements about how excessive gaming caused a diminished quality of life can help bolster your case.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a League of Legends Addiction Lawsuit?
Recoverable damages in a League of Legends addiction lawsuit can vary greatly depending on the individual circumstances of the case. It is important to consult with an attorney to determine the potential value of your case and any damages you may be able to seek.
Potential damages in a League of Legends addiction lawsuit:
- Medical expenses: Individuals can seek past and future medical costs, including expenses related to therapy, counseling, and treatment for addiction.
- Past and future lost wages: Recoverable damages may include lost wages connected to your League of Legends addiction.
- Educational support: Costs related to tutoring or other services to provide support for any decline in academic performance.
- Pain and suffering: Damages related to emotional distress caused by excessive gaming.
- Out-of-pocket losses: Reimbursement for in-game purchases, particularly those that were unauthorized.
- Court costs and attorney fees: Coverage for court costs and attorney’s fees.
How to File a League of Legends Addiction Lawsuit
Legal guidance is generally critical to ensure the successful filing of a League of Legends addiction lawsuit. It is important to follow the step-by-step process to ensure all legal requirements are met.
Steps to file a League of Legends addiction lawsuit:
- Consult with a qualified attorney: Consulting with an attorney can help to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements prior to filing and that the proper evidence is gathered to substantiate your claim.
- Gather the necessary evidence: Working with an attorney, you will need to gather the necessary evidence to prove your case. This includes your medical records, financial statements, and any personal accounts about how your addiction affected your or your child’s life.
- File the claim: With the necessary documents collected, your attorney can file the claim in the appropriate courthouse. Prior to filing, your attorney will ensure all legal requirements are met, including that the case is filed within the statute of limitations.
League of Legends Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
While League of Legends addiction lawsuits are in their early stages, it is estimated that settlements may range between $100,000 to $300,000 with extreme cases having the potential to exceed $300,000. Individual payouts, however, will be influenced by factors such as the severity of the addiction and provable damages.
Statute of Limitations for a League of Legends Lawsuit
The statute of limitations is a state-specific legal deadline by which a person must file a claim. Due to the complexities of statute of limitations, it is essential to consult with an attorney as early in the process as possible. Retaining an attorney can help to preserve your legal rights and ensure that all applicable legal deadlines are met. There may be special considerations if you are filing a lawsuit on behalf of a minor.
Contact a League of Legends Addiction Lawyer
Individuals who have suffered League of Legends addiction are encouraged to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Our legal partners are experienced in video game addiction lawsuits. They can provide the legal guidance necessary to file a successful lawsuit. During your initial consultation, your attorney can help to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements necessary to take legal action and will help to file your claim within the statute of limitations.