What Science Says About Video Game Addiction—and How It Supports Lawsuits for Harmed Families

For years, parents have watched with growing concern as their children disappear for hours into the immersive worlds of video games. What starts as a hobby can spiral into a devastating obsession, leading to failing grades, social isolation, and severe mental health issues. Many parents feel helpless, wondering if what they are seeing is a real addiction. According to a growing body of scientific research, the answer is yes.

A 2023 review article published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) summarizes what science knows about video game addiction, and its findings are a crucial tool for families seeking justice. At Walch Law, we are using this established science to hold gaming companies accountable for the harm their deliberately addictive products cause.

(Scientific information is based on the 2023 review article “Symptoms, Mechanisms, and Treatments of Video Game Addiction” published in the Cureus journal via PMC, an archive of the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine.)

The Science: How Video Games Hijack the Brain

For a long time, the idea of “addiction” was limited to substances like drugs or alcohol. But modern neuroscience shows that certain behaviors can trigger the same chemical changes in the brain. The NIH review confirms that video game addiction, also known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), is a recognized medical condition that shares disturbing similarities with substance abuse and gambling addiction.

Here are the key scientific takeaways:

It Changes Brain Chemistry: Neuroimaging studies show that intense gaming activates the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine, the same “feel-good” chemical involved in substance abuse. Over time, the brain becomes less sensitive to natural rewards, requiring more and more gaming to achieve the same effect.
It Rewires the Brain: Researchers have found that chronic gaming can cause physical changes in brain regions responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation, including the prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum. This makes it harder for a person to stop playing, even when they know it is causing harm.
It Has Clear Symptoms: The World Health Organization officially recognizes “Gaming Disorder” in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Diagnosis requires a pattern of behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, giving increasing priority to gaming over other life interests and daily activities, and continuation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. Common child video game addiction symptoms include:
- Preoccupation: Constant thoughts about the game when not playing.
- Withdrawal: Experiencing irritability, anxiety, or sadness when unable to play.
- Loss of Interest: Abandoning hobbies, sports, and friendships that were once enjoyed.
- Deception: Lying to family and friends about the amount of time spent gaming.
- Escape: Using the game world to avoid real-life problems or negative feelings.
It’s Linked to Serious Health Issues: The review highlights a strong association between video game addiction and other serious conditions like depression, anxiety, and social phobia. It also contributes to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of obesity and related medical problems.

From Science to the Courtroom: Building a Case Against Gaming Companies

This scientific evidence is the bedrock of a legal case against game manufacturers. It allows us to demonstrate that the harm your child has suffered is a foreseeable consequence of using a dangerously designed product.

Our legal claims are based on several theories:

Product Liability (Failure to Warn): Gaming companies know their products are addictive and can cause harm, yet they provide no adequate warnings to parents or users about the risks of developing IGD.
Negligent and Defective Design: These games are not addictive by accident. They are engineered with sophisticated psychological mechanics designed to keep players, especially minors, hooked. These include:
- Variable Reward Schedules: Unpredictable rewards, similar to a slot machine, keep players chasing the next win.
- Social Pressure: In-game mechanics that require team participation create immense pressure to be online at all hours.
- Infinite Quests and Streaks: Endless tasks and daily login rewards make it feel impossible to stop without losing progress.
- Loot Boxes: Gambling-like mechanisms that encourage spending real money for a chance at a valuable in-game item.
Unfair and Deceptive Practices: Marketing these highly addictive products to children and teenagers without disclosing the risks constitutes an unfair business practice under consumer protection laws.

Evidence: What Your Family Needs to Gather

To build a strong case, we need to document the connection between the game and the harm your child has experienced. You can start gathering this critical evidence now:

Medical and Therapy Records: All documentation of diagnoses for addiction, depression, anxiety, or other related conditions.
School Records: Report cards, attendance records, and teacher communications that show a decline in academic performance.
Playtime Reports: Most gaming consoles and devices track daily and weekly screen time. Save or screenshot these reports.
Purchase Histories: Records of all in-game purchases, including for loot boxes, “skins,” and other digital items.
Game Logs and Screenshots: Chat logs or screenshots that show social pressure, harassment, or a preoccupation with the game.
Witness Statements: Notes from family, friends, or teachers who have observed changes in your child’s behavior.
Expert Evaluations: We will coordinate evaluations with neuropsychologists and addiction specialists who can formally diagnose IGD and explain its impact on your child’s development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I know if my child has a diagnosable addiction?
A formal diagnosis must be made by a medical professional. However, if gaming is causing significant negative impairment in your child’s school, social, or family life and they are unable to control their use, it is a strong indicator that professional help and a legal consultation are needed.

2. How do we prove the game company is responsible?
We combine your child’s documented harm with expert testimony and the company’s own internal documents (obtained during the lawsuit) to show they knew their product was addictive and marketed it to minors anyway.

3. What is a realistic outcome for a video game addiction lawsuit?
A successful claim can provide compensation for medical bills, therapy costs, educational support (tutoring), diminished future earning capacity, and the child’s pain and suffering. The goal is to secure the financial resources needed for your child’s long-term recovery.

4. Can we recover the costs of treatment?
Yes. All past and future costs for therapy, rehabilitation programs (like CBT), and any necessary medications are key components of the damages we seek.

5. Does my child have to stop gaming completely to have a case?
Not necessarily. The inability to stop, despite negative consequences, is a hallmark of addiction. The focus is on the harm caused by the uncontrolled use and the need for treatment to manage the disorder.

You Are Not Alone — Walch Law Is Here to Help

Learning that a product you allowed into your home has harmed your child is a devastating realization. But you do not have to face the consequences alone. The dedicated team at Walch Law is at the forefront of this emerging area of litigation, combining scientific evidence with powerful legal strategy to hold multibillion-dollar gaming companies accountable.

We will handle every aspect of your case, from coordinating with medical experts to fighting corporate legal teams, so you can focus on your family’s healing. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We handle all video game addiction cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless and until we win your case.