Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit – April 2025 Update

Individuals are filing Call of Duty addiction lawsuits against Activision because they or their children became addicted to the video game. People who have played Call of Duty excessively can experience gaming disorders, depression, anxiety, seizure disorders, and other losses. People who have filed Call of Duty lawsuits allege Activision has designed an addictive game that lacks proper safeguards. These lawsuits are in their early stages. Parents and young people are learning how Call of Duty impacts their schooling, family life, academics, work, and mental health. People are continuing to file Call of Duty addiction lawsuits today.

Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit Timeline & News – April 2025

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What is the Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit About?

Parents and young people are suing Activision because they believe Call of Duty is addictive. Children and young people who play Call of Duty excessively are experiencing negative mental health and behavioral symptoms. The people who are filing these claims believe Activision knew Call of Duty was addictive, especially to young minds, but did not warn consumers. They are asking the court to hold Activision accountable for the harm Call of Duty has caused children and their families. 

Call of Duty Lawsuit Information
Main Injuries:	Depression, anxiety, ADHD, gaming disorder, seizure disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, orthopedic injuries, and rage disorders
Defendants:	Activision (and former developers like Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games)
Mass tort or class action?	Individual civil lawsuits (may develop into a multidistrict litigation)
Have There Been Settlements?	No
Active Lawsuit?	Yes

Why Are People Filing Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuits?

People are filing claims against Activision because they believe Call of Duty is addictive and harming children. Consumers say game features like frequent updates, online ranking systems, and in-game purchases (e.g., supply drops and crates) create an addictive atmosphere for children. People believe Activision intentionally or knowingly designed CoD to be addictive so Activision could increase its profits. People are suing because they or their children have suffered setbacks and severe losses, including gaming disorders, seizure disorders, anxiety, and depression. 

Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit Spotlight

ANGELILLI v. ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC., ET AL., C.A. No. 1:23−cv–16566

Jaclyn Angelilli filed a December 2023 lawsuit against Activision, Microsoft, and several studios that developed Call of Duty. She claims her son, D.G., became addicted to Call of Duty and other video games because of how the games were designed. Because of his gaming disorder, D.G. required treatment and an individualized education program to help him stay on track at school and manage his physical and emotional outbursts. 

Jaclyn believes the video game manufacturers knew how addicting these games were for children and did not tell the public about the risks. She filed her individual case in federal court; however, she and the defendant video game manufacturers are going to arbitration to try to settle some of her claims in that forum. 

What Is Call of Duty, and How Does It Work?

Call of Duty is a first-person shooter military game where the player is a soldier during wartime. The Call of Duty franchise includes at least 20 titles and many other expansions and spin-offs since the first game’s release in 2003. In Call of Duty, the player takes the role of a soldier or other member of the military in a fictitious wartime world. Some, but not all, Call of Duty titles allow players to play in an online multiplayer environment. 

Call of Duty empowers players to enact fantasy wartime battles and camaraderie, with the option to customize the player’s gear, uniform, and appearance. In the Squad Assault version of the game, players can compete with each other and other squads. The Call of Duty franchise is known for constantly updating its games and releasing captivating new titles to continue the popular series. 

Whom Are People Filing Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuits Against?

People are suing Activision, the company that published the Call of Duty titles, and Microsoft, Activision’s parent company. They are also suing the studios that developed the Call of Duty video game, including Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games, and Treyarch Corp. Those filing these legal claims accuse Activision and its associates of not protecting young people from the addictive features of Call of Duty. 

These are some of the defendants in the Call of Duty addiction lawsuit:

• Activision 
• Microsoft
• Infinity Ward
• Sledgehammer Games
• Treyarch Corp. 

Information for some of the major defendants is listed below.

Defendant 1: Activision 

Activision is a video game publisher that was established in 1979. Activision published the first Call of Duty title in 2003. Several studios that Activision owns, like Infinity Ward and Treyarch Corp, have played a role in developing and updating the Call of Duty games over the years. 

Defendant 2: Microsoft

Microsoft is a technology company founded in 1975. Microsoft created the Xbox video game platform, which millions of players used to engage with Call of Duty around the globe. In October 2023, Microsoft acquired Activision and, along with it, the Call of Duty franchise. 

Allegations Against These Manufacturers

Consumers—parents and affected young users—are accusing Activision of failing to warn the public about the serious risks of addiction from playing Call of Duty. They believe Activision, Microsoft, and the developers either knew or should have known about how the mechanics in Call of Duty impact users, especially children and teenagers. 

Consumers also think Activision and its associates designed Call of Duty so that users were drawn in and compulsively played to the point of being addicted. People believe Activision and its associates did this to maximize profits. 

What Stage is the Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit In?

The Call of Duty lawsuit is in its early stages. Many parents and affected young users have filed civil cases in state courts across the country, hoping to hold Activision accountable for the harm it has caused individuals and families. As more people file claims, they may be consolidated into a class action lawsuit or multidistrict litigation. Joining forces with other parents and affected young users may help magnify the reach and impact of the fight on behalf of people with a Call of Duty addiction. 

Risk Factors for Developing a Call of Duty Addiction 

Anyone can become addicted to Call of Duty or video games like it. However, experts have uncovered several risk factors that make someone more likely than others to develop a gaming disorder. 

For example, children and adolescents are at a higher risk because their brains are not fully equipped to control their impulses or self-regulate their game habits. Other risk factors include being younger and male, having less parental oversight of their gaming, gaming to escape discomforts in real life, and having depression or anxiety. The amount of time someone plays per day also appears to boost someone’s chances of a Call of Duty addiction, but the impact goes down as the person gets older. 

Why Is Call of Duty Addictive?

Many of Call of Duty’s game mechanics are appealing to young users and encourage compulsive play. As a first-person shooter game, Call of Duty has a dynamic, simple, reliable, and engaging gaming environment that many players appreciate. Each installment of Call of Duty has increasingly interactive and high-quality visuals, sound effects, and movements, including ray-traced shadows that make the game seem realistic. 

Players can also compete with each other to get the highest rankings and rewards during matches. There are Call of Duty League championships that are held each year, both virtually and in person. Players can purchase Call of Duty League bundles to get access to limited-edition “home” or “away” team uniforms, skins, weapons, and other gear that match the theme for each season of championships. 

Recognizing If Someone Is Addicted to Call of Duty

Both the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association have recognized video game addiction (internet gaming disorder) as a mental health condition. Someone who is addicted to Call of Duty may show the following signs of internet gaming disorder identified by the APA:

• Emotional or psychological outbursts or difficulties if their game time is interrupted
• Ignoring social, academic, family, professional, or medical obligations so they can play Call of Duty
• Lying to or misleading family members or loved ones about the actual amount of time spent playing Call of Duty
• Using Call of Duty to cope with real-life stressors or discomfort

Additionally, the person must experience symptoms of a gaming disorder for an extended period of time. The addiction must seriously impact multiple areas of their life, such as their academics, interpersonal relationships, hygiene, or career. 

Studies About Addiction to Video Games Like Call of Duty

Researchers have been assessing the impacts of video games like Call of Duty on the well-being of children and adolescents for many years. Video game addictions can lead to trouble in school or work, behavioral outbursts, sleep disturbances, and increased depression and anxiety. Studies also show that children are more likely to experience these effects than adults because their young minds are still developing. 

Important Study: Effect of Addiction to Computer Games on Physical and Mental Health of Female and Male Students of Guidance School in City of Isfahan

In the Effect of Addiction to Computer Games on Physical and Mental Health of Female and Male Students of Guidance School in City of Isfahan, researchers looked at how being addicted to video games impacted school-aged students in Isfahan, Iran. The study had 564 participants who were in their second year (e.g., seventh grade) of public guidance schools during the 2009 to 2010 school year. The authors confirmed that children with an addiction to video games—like Call of Duty—experienced challenges with their physical health, anxiety, sleep, and depression. 

Overview: Effect of Addiction to Computer Games on Physical and Mental Health of Female and Male Students of Guidance School in City of Isfahan
Description of Study:	The study looked at how an addiction to video game addictions impacted 12-year-old children in an Iranian school
Published In:	Addiction & Health
Study Authors	Eshrat Zamani, Maliheh Chashmi, Nasim Hedayati
# of Participants	564
Findings	The authors found that 12-year-olds with a gaming addiction had more problems with sleep, anxiety, depression, and other physical health matters.

What Damages Can People Sue Call of Duty Addiction Manufacturers For?

Concerned parents and young users can seek different types of compensation from Activision, Microsoft, and the development studios for making Call of Duty addictive. For example, parents can request reimbursement for having to take their children to rehabilitative therapy to treat the Call of Duty addiction and having to sign up for tutoring so their children do not fall behind in school. They can also ask for money to address the pain and suffering their children’s addictions caused to the family unit. 

Who Qualifies to File a Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit?

In order to file a Call of Duty addiction lawsuit, each person has to meet certain eligibility requirements. Our legal partners are focusing on the specific injuries listed below:

Additionally, the gamer must meet the following criteria:

• The user must have begun playing Call of Duty before turning 24
• The user’s symptoms should have appeared before the user was 25
• The user must have played Call of Duty for at least 3 hours per week for 5 weeks or more
• The user must have received a gaming-related diagnosis from a licensed medical provider

The young user or their parents can collaborate with an attorney who regularly handles cases where children have become addicted to Call of Duty or other video games. They can help the affected individuals and families determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for filing a lawsuit. 

What Proof Do You Need to File a Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit?

You need to gather evidence that proves you or your child meet the eligibility criteria for filing a lawsuit against Activision. For example, you can get copies of your child’s school records to show a drop in their grades and an increase in behavioral outbursts after they started playing Call of Duty. 

Additionally, you can find a printout or screenshot of your console’s log for how much time your child spent playing Call of Duty. You can also get a copy of your child’s after-visit summaries, prescriptions, and hospital bills to prove they had a diagnosable condition—like gaming disorder—that required treatment. 

Four Steps to File a Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit

These are the 4 steps for filing a Call of Duty addiction lawsuit:

1. Talk to a lawyer to learn if you qualify to file a Call of Duty addiction claim
2. Gather evidence to support your allegations
3. File a legal complaint against Activision and their associates
4. Negotiate a settlement or go to trial

Before you can officially file your Call of Duty addiction lawsuit, you need to know if you qualify. You can talk to a lawyer to discuss what your legal options are and if you meet the eligibility criteria for compensation. They can also help you gather the supporting evidence you need to prove you are entitled to relief under the law.

Then, you or your attorney would prepare and submit the complaint against Activision and those who helped develop Call of Duty. Lastly, you would negotiate a settlement with Activision or press the case to a formal trial in court. 

What to Expect When Filing a Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit

During the lawsuit, you and the defendant—e.g., Activision and other companies that developed Call of Duty—would participate in the discovery process. The discovery stage is an essential fact-gathering process where you would ask for and receive materials you can use as evidence to shape your case. 

For example, you might talk to the people who developed Call of Duty or the medical team that diagnosed your child with a gaming disorder. You and your attorney might also seek out documents—like your receipts, Activision’s business records about Call of Duty’s creation or updates, and studies about the impacts of video games on children’s mental and physical health. The discovery stage can be time-consuming, but it is a critical stage to help you create a strong case to support your claim for compensation. 

What is the Deadline for Filing a Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit?

The deadline to file a Call of Duty addiction lawsuit depends on your specific situation. Each state has separate statutes of limitations for when someone harmed by a video game manufacturer has to sue. For example, one state might give the injured consumer up to three years to file, but another might allow the consumer to file within two years. 

Additionally, state laws usually have an exception to the typical deadlines if the injured consumer is a minor. In those situations, the person would have extra time to sue for damages, even as an adult. A knowledgeable lawyer can provide personalized and accurate information about someone’s filing deadlines. 

Call of Duty Addiction Settlements and Awards

Since the Call of Duty addiction lawsuits are still new, settlements have not been widespread. Our legal partners anticipate that some successful plaintiffs may receive payouts of up to $100,000 or $500,000. However, the value of each person’s settlement depends on many factors, including how quickly they file their claim and the severity of their injuries. 

Factors Affecting the Value of a Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuit

How much someone may receive for developing an addiction to Call of Duty depends on their circumstances. For example, someone with a severe loss—such as a gaming disorder that required extensive in-patient treatment—may receive a higher settlement. Additionally, the strength and quality of the evidence the person has to support their claim and whether they file it on time can impact the potential outcome. 

Learn More About Call of Duty Addiction Lawsuits From Our Legal Team

For over 20 years, Call of Duty has been a popular pastime for children, teens, and adults. However, more research is revealing the harmful effects that this game is having on the psychological, social, academic, and brain development of children. Many young people are experiencing anxiety, depression, seizure disorder, and gaming disorders because of their addiction to Call of Duty. And they are beginning to speak out about their experiences. 

If you or your child became addicted to Call of Duty, you may be entitled to compensation from Activision, Microsoft, and their associates. Lawsuit Tracker’s partner law firms can help you seek justice for what you have gone through. Contact us today to get started.