People are filing product liability and personal injury lawsuits alleging Roblox led to addiction and illicit gambling. These lawsuits accuse Roblox Corporation of not properly disclosing the potentially dangerous side effects of the online gaming platform. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently included “gaming disorder” in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), particularly cautioning about the effects of video game addiction on minors.
Individuals who have experienced addiction after playing Roblox say they were not properly warned about this dangerous side effect. 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 and product liability lawsuits.
Roblox Addiction Lawsuit 2025 Updates
December 26, 2024: California Mom Files Lawsuit Against Roblox on Behalf of Her Child Who is Addicted to Video Games
Evette Gibson has filed a lawsuit on behalf of her 12-year-old child who she says is addicted to Roblox and other video games. In her lawsuit, Gibson said that due to her child’s disordered relationship with video games, her child has developed social, emotional, and personal difficulties and suffers from rage, anger, and physical outbursts. In the lawsuit, Gibson’s attorneys allege that the Roblox Corporation has gone to great lengths to make its games addictive and profitable. The complaint alleges Roblox also knew how dangerous video game addiction is to children and teens, yet they continued to incentivize children to keep playing. She is seeking compensation for a variety of emotional, financial, and physical injuries she and her child now suffer from.
December 16, 2024: Report from Roblox Shows 34.5 Million Daily Active Users Were Under 13
A report issued by Roblox showed that in Q3 of 2024, Roblox had 34.5 million daily active users (DAUs) who were under 13 years of age. The same report said there were 53.6 DAUs over age 13 during the same quarter. DAUs are defined as the number of logins from unique usernames that occur over a 24-hour period. In Q3 of 2022, Roblox reported 26.4 million DAUs under 13 years of age. This increase in users means that more children may be developing gaming disorders and dealing with the mental and physical side effects of Roblox.
November 20, 2024: Growing Number of Video Game Addiction Lawsuits
Lawsuits are being filed nationwide alleging the makers of video games and online gaming platforms, such as Roblox, intentionally designed their products to be addictive, targeting children and teens.
June 5, 2024: Transfer Denied in Video Game Addiction MDL
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order denying the transfer and centralization of multiple lawsuits to an MDL out of the Western District of Missouri. The Panel noted there were “substantial” differences among the lawsuits, including varying games and defendants named in the actions.
May 3, 2024: Roblox Corporation Named in Video Game Addiction Lawsuit
The Roblox Corporation was named in another video game addiction lawsuit, this time filed out of the District Court of Minnesota. According to the complaint, allegations include that the company intentionally designed an addictive product targeting minors.
March 14, 2024: Motion Filed Requesting Creation of Multidistrict Litigation
A motion was filed by multiple plaintiffs requesting that the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) create an MDL to consolidate and coordinate pretrial proceedings for similar lawsuits. If successful, the proposed MDL would be MDL#: 3109 – IN RE: Video Game Addiction Products Liability Litigation.
February 16, 2024: Class Action Complaint Filed in the Northern District of California
A class action complaint was filed in the Northern District of California alleging the Roblox Corporation engaged in unfair and deceptive conduct. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a minor, accused the company of exploiting children and teens and unlawfully profiting off of child labor.
About the Roblox Lawsuit:
What Is Roblox and How Does the Video Game Work?
How Does Roblox Cause Addiction to Its Video Games?
What Are the Most Addictive Games on Roblox?
Roblox Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Eligibility Criteria for Filing a Roblox Addiction Lawsuit
Gathering Evidence for a Roblox Addiction Lawsuit
Recoverable Damages in a Roblox Lawsuit
Roblox Lawsuit Settlement and Payout Amounts
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Roblox Lawsuit
What Is Roblox and How Does the Video Game Work?
Roblox is a popular online gaming platform used by over 30 million daily active users under the age of 13. Developed by the Roblox Corporation, the product allows users to create and play games developed by other users. Since its inception, it has widely appealed to younger audiences, combining gaming, social media, and user-generated content created using Roblox Studio with scripting in Luau (Lua-based language).
In addition to its gaming capabilities, Roblox functions as a social platform with chat features, groups, and events, fostering collaboration and community building. Users must buy Robux currency for in-game purchases, although developers can earn income by selling virtual goods. The platform has extensive ways to interact and was unique to the industry when it was first marketed.
How Does Roblox Cause Addiction to Its Video Games?
Lawsuits filed nationwide allege Roblox has design elements and features that can encourage addictive behavior, including compulsion loops, endless gameplay, reward systems, and in-game purchases. It is believed that these features were not only intentionally designed to encourage excessive gaming but also that the creators of the game targeted vulnerable populations, such as minors, with these elements.
Potentially Addictive Features of Roblox:
- Dopamine Rush: According to Gamesver, Roblox may stimulate a dopamine release. Dopamine, known as the “feel-good” hormone, is part of the body’s reward system. As users experience the rush of pleasure from playing the game, their brain seeks additional dopamine release, leading to addiction.
- Endless Gameplay: One of the most addictive features of Roblox is its endless gameplay. Similar to claims made against social media platforms, Roblox has no definitive end, encouraging excessive play.
- Unpredictable Rewards: The game also has variable rewards that enhance engagement, potentially leading to addiction as users seek new rewards.
- Compulsion Loops: Compulsion loops, or the repetitive cycle of anticipation, activity, and reward, are employed by Roblox to help maintain and encourage user engagement, but they can also lead to addictive behaviors.
- Peer Pressure: The social aspect of Roblox, including its ability to interact with other users and online forums, may create peer pressure for users to play longer and more often than they would otherwise.
- Microtransactions: In-game purchases, known as microtransactions, can lead to impulsive spending. Purchases on the platform can only be made through virtual currency referred to as Robux. The maker of Roblox made over $2.8 billion in the currency last year.
These features, common to Roblox, increase the chances that a player will engage in excessive gaming. This is particularly true in cases of children and teens who have less experience regulating their habits or understanding their body’s reward system triggers.
What Are the Most Addictive Games on Roblox?
Roblox has a wide range of games. These user-generated games often have addictive features such as endless gameplay, social interaction, and in-game rewards. With little to no regulation, many of these popular games appeal to vulnerable populations, including children and teens.
Popular and potentially addictive games on Roblox:
- Brookhaven RP: Brookhaven RP was the most visited Roblox game as of July 2024, with over 50 billion all-time visits. It is a role-playing game (RPG) that allows users to create their own characters and storylines.
- Adopt Me!: With over 36 billion all-time visits, this popular multiplayer game allows users to adopt a virtual pet. Users can build a home for it, trade with other users, and engage in a large online community.
- Blox Fruits: The anime-themed role-playing game where users consume fruit to gain power. The game features quests, boss battles, and exploration of worlds.
- Murder Mystery 2: With more than 15 billion all-time visits, Murder Mystery 2 is a proven formula. Users battle in areas, vote on maps, and are assigned roles as an innocent, murderer, or sheriff.
- Royale High: In this RPG, users attend high school and are able to customize their character. Diamonds can be earned for a place on the leaderboard.
Roblox Addiction Signs and Symptoms
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association have acknowledged the potential harmful effects of excessive gaming by recognizing gaming addiction as a mental health disorder. Early intervention is often critical in ensuring a favorable outcome and complete rehabilitation from video game addiction. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Roblox addiction may prove essential.
Signs and symptoms of a Roblox addiction:
- Impaired control: Inability to limit or control gaming.
- Priority: Priority is given to playing Roblox over other responsibilities, including work, school, and social engagements.
- Preoccupation: Obsessive thinking about playing Roblox and constantly planning for future gameplay.
- Withdrawal: signs of withdrawal when Roblox is taken away, such as anxiety, stress, or irritability.
- Poor performance at work or school: Missing work or school on a regular basis to play.
- Physical effects: Signs of physical harm such as headaches, trouble sleeping, and eye strain.
- Emotional distress: Changes in mood or behavior, including increasing irritability, isolation, or depression.
- Excessive spending: Overspending on in-game purchases.
Eligibility Criteria for Filing a Roblox Addiction Lawsuit
To file a Roblox addiction lawsuit, you must meet certain criteria. In general, plaintiffs must be able to demonstrate addiction-related harm through documented evidence. Evidence that may prove critical in an excessive gaming lawsuit includes medical and mental health records, game usage logs, and witness testimony.
Eligibility Criteria in a Roblox Addiction Lawsuit
Young people or parents who want to file Roblox addiction lawsuits must meet certain eligibility requirements. Those requirements include:
- Proof of Medical Diagnosis: You must have medical or mental health records that show a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, gamer’s rage, or an orthopedic condition after you started extensive video game play.
- Proof of Play: You must have proof that you played Roblox and have played Roblox on specific gaming consoles or sites. You must also have evidence that you played Roblox for at least two hours a day for 5 weeks or more.
- Age: You must have started playing Roblox before the age of 24 and started experiencing symptoms of a mental health or orthopedic disorder before the age of 25.
Establishing your eligibility to file a Roblox lawsuit is complex. An attorney experienced in filing these type of lawsuits can help you file a case that could lead to a successful verdict or settlement.
Gathering Evidence for a Roblox Addiction Lawsuit
To prove a Roblox addiction lawsuit, you need specific evidence. The evidence will help to support your claim and strengthen your case that the online gaming platform leads to addiction. Important evidence to provide to your attorney includes your medical and mental health records, proof of in-game purchases, game usage logs, and witness statements. A Roblox addiction lawyer can help determine what documentation may be necessary in your case.
Evidence to gather for your Roblox addiction lawsuit:
- Medical and Mental Health Records: A comprehensive set of your medical and mental health records showing the diagnosis and treatment of your addiction and gaming-related conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
- Work and School Records: Records showing proof that your professional or academic performance was in decline as a result of your Roblox addiction, including evidence of missed work or school.
- Out-of-Pocket Losses: Receipts or bank statements indicating substantial in-game purchases or evidence of financial strain caused by excessive gaming.
- Usage Logs: Logs of your playing time, such as screenshots and chats evidencing session frequency and duration.
- Personal Account: A detailed personal statement, account, or journal that shows how your Roblox gaming impacted your daily life, including your personal and professional obligations and relationships.
- Witness Statements: Statements from friends, family members, and coworkers that evidence changes in your behavior, academic or work performance, social interactions, or health as a result of excessive gaming.
In addition to this evidence, your attorney can help to find expert witnesses to testify about the addictive design elements of the game, such as its variable reward systems and microtransactions, as well as how Roblox may contribute to compulsive behaviors, particularly in minors. Your attorney may also present studies and regulatory findings supporting the claim that Roblox has intentionally addictive features that target children and teens.
Recoverable Damages in a Roblox Lawsuit
Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for a Roblox addiction lawsuit may be entitled to damages. These damages may include compensation for economic and non-economic losses related to their addiction, including coverage for medical bills, reimbursement for in-game purchases, and damages related to emotional distress. However, recoverable damages will vary substantially based on individual circumstances and the extent of harm that was suffered.
Recoverable Damages in a Roblox Addiction Lawsuit:
- Medical and Mental Health Bills: Compensation related to the diagnosis and treatment of your addiction, including the cost of therapy, counseling, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Treatment of Related Conditions: In addition to your addiction, you may be entitled to damages for addiction-related conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
- Lost Wages: Cost of lost wages or loss of future earning capacity if you missed work as a result of your addiction or its treatment.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for subscription costs and substantial in-game purchases, mainly if they were unauthorized.
- Attorney’s Fees and Court Costs: Reimbursement for expenses incurred during the lawsuit.
- Academic Losses: Costs related to your schooling if you required tutoring or incurred expenses due to excessive gaming.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation related to the anxiety, depression, or other distress caused by your addiction, including the loss of enjoyment of life. Also, they may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering if the addiction resulted in physical pain or caused emotional suffering.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages related to any negative impact the gaming had on familial relationships.
In some cases, plaintiffs may be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s actions are egregious or intentional. They are designed to punish and deter similar behavior.
How to File a Roblox Lawsuit
There are several steps to follow in order to file a Roblox addiction lawsuit. The key consideration should be finding an experienced attorney to help guide you through the legal process and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements necessary for a successful claim.
Video game addiction lawsuits can be complex. They are in their infancy but are expected to grow substantially in the coming months and years. An attorney, well-versed in this type of litigation, can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Steps to File a Roblox Addiction Lawsuit:
- Consult with an Attorney: The first step in a Roblox Addiction Lawsuit is to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help determine eligibility and navigate the legal process.
- Gather Necessary Evidence: Once eligibility is confirmed, your attorney will provide guidance on what evidence may be necessary to support your claim. This evidence may include your medical records, gaming history, and proof of its impact on your daily life.
- File the Claim: With the necessary evidence collected, your attorney will file the claim in the appropriate jurisdiction. Prior to filing, they will ensure that all legal requirements are met, including that it is filed within the statute of limitations.
- Negotiations: After the case is filed, it will enter into the Discovery Phase. During this time, both parties exchange and review information. The attorneys will potentially work to find an agreeable settlement. The matter may be set for trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Trial: At trial, both parties will present their cases. A judge or jury then decides the outcome. If damages are awarded, your attorney will help to ensure you receive your financial recovery as soon as possible.
- Post-Trial: if the decision at trial is unfavorable, you may be able to appeal. If you receive a settlement or jury award, you will want to continue your care and treatment to help you overcome your addiction.
Roblox Lawsuit Settlement and Payout Amounts
Due to the early stages of litigation, no settlements have been reached in video game addiction lawsuits. Future settlements will likely be influenced by a range of factors, including the severity of the addiction, documented damages, and precedents set by similar cases.
Estimates for video game addiction lawsuits range between $100,000 to $300,000, with extreme cases potentially exceeding $300,000. However, specific settlement amounts can vary substantially and are generally determined by negotiations or court decisions.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Roblox Lawsuit
The statute of limitations or legal deadline for filing a Roblox lawsuit varies by state. It is essential to consult with a Roblox addiction lawyer as early in the process as possible to ensure you meet all legal requirements, including filing within the statute of limitations. Failure to file within the state-specific deadline may result in your case being denied.
Contact a Roblox Addiction Lawyer
If you believe that you are addicted to Roblox or have a child suffering from addiction, you may be entitled to compensation. If successful, recovery may include compensation for counseling or therapy related to the addiction. Affected individuals are encouraged to contact a lawyer with experience in Roblox addiction cases to determine eligibility and receive help navigating the complexities of their case.