Video Game Addiction Lawyer

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Holding Corporations Accountable for Gaming-Related Harm

The rise of sophisticated video games has changed the way we engage with entertainment, but not always for the better. What once seemed like harmless fun can quickly spiral into something more dangerous: compulsive, uncontrollable gaming behavior that affects every part of a person’s life. For families, especially those with children or teens, video game addiction can be devastating. 

At Pianko Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll this issue can have. We believe that when large corporations design and promote games that are intentionally addictive, they should be held legally responsible. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with the consequences of video game addiction, we’re here to help you understand your legal options and pursue justice. 

What is Video Game Addiction?

Video game addiction, also known as “gaming disorder”, is a behavioral condition where individuals lose control over their gaming habits to the point that it disrupts their daily lives. It is no longer a fringe concept; major organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) have recognized it as a real medical condition that can affect both children and adults.

 

Symptoms may include: 

 

  • Obsessive thoughts about gaming, even when not playing.
  • Skipping school, work, or other obligations to play.
  • Decreased interest in social interaction or hobbies.
  • Irritability or mood swings when not allowed to play. 
  • Poor sleep, poor hygiene, and physical exhaustion.
  • Declining academic or job performance. 

Developers often use tactics like loot boxes, timed rewards, “daily quests”, and endless play loops to keep users engaged for long periods. These features are strategically designed using psychological principles to create dependency, especially in younger users who may not have the impulse control or awareness to regulate their play. 

Who May Be Held Liable for Video Game Addiction?

In video game addiction cases, liability often falls on the companies and platforms that knowingly create and distribute games with addictive mechanisms. These aren’t simple negligence cases. They often involve deceptive marketing, failure to warn users about potential harm, and deliberate design choices intended to exploit human psychology. 

Possible liable parties may include: 

 

  • Game developers & publishers: Companies that create addictive features such as loot boxes, microtransactions, on in-game rewards based on randomized outcomes. 
  • Digital distribution platforms: Entities like app stores and online game services that host or promote these games without adequate parental controls or age gating. 
  • Tech companies & ad networks: Platforms that collect user data and target users, especially children, with personalized ads or game recommendations based on addictive tendencies. 
  • Institutions (in rate cases): Schools or treatment centers that fail to supervise known at-risk individuals using school-owned or distributed devices. 

The Impact on Victims and Families

The effects of video game addiction are wide-reaching and often heartbreaking. This isn’t just a digital problem; it’s a real-world issue that can destroy relationships, ruin futures, and create lasting emotional scars. 

For individuals, addiction may result in:

  • Severe depression and anxiety
  • Cognitive issues and reduced attention span
  • Sleep disorders and physical health decline
  • Academic suspension or job loss
  • Impulsive financial behavior, such as spending thousands on in-game items

For families, the consequences may include:

  • Emotional strain and increased conflict
  • Financial stress from therapy, lost income, or unauthorized spending
  • Sibling resentment and fractured relationships
  • Legal battles over parental responsibility or custody (in extreme cases)

If you’re watching a loved one spiral into compulsive gaming or feel like you’re losing control over your own behavior, it’s not a matter of willpower–it’s a result of deliberate manipulation by powerful companies. And you deserve support. 

Can You Sue for Video Game Addiction?

Yes, in some cases you can. If a video game has caused serious harm to you or someone in your family, you may be able to take legal action. There are a few legal reasons people file these kinds of lawsuits: 

  • Product liability: If the game was dangerously designed or didn’t come up with proper warnings about how addictive it could be. 
  • Negligence: If the company didn’t take the right steps to keep players safe or prevent obvious risks. 
  • Fraud or Misleading ads: If the company made the game sound safe for kids when it wasn’t. 

Every case is different. Your age, how much the addiction affected your life, and what kind of losses you’ve experienced will all play a role in whether you have a strong case.

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How Pianko Law Can Help

At Pianko Law, we understand that dealing with video game addiction can feel overwhelming. You might be angry, confused, or just looking for answers. That’s where we come in.

We don’t treat your case like just another file. We take the time to listen, learn what you’re going through, and figure out the best way to help. We’ve handled tough personal injury cases for years, and we bring that same energy, focus, and compassion to cases involving tech addiction.

Here’s what it’s like to work with us:

We dig deep.

We’ll help gather evidence that shows how the addiction has affected your life. That might include things like screen time reports, medical records, changes in school performance, or spending on in-game purchases.

We bring in real experts.

If needed, we’ll work with counselors, psychologists, or other specialists who understand addiction and technology. Their input can make your case even stronger.

We keep you in the loop.

You won’t be left guessing what’s going on. We’ll explain every step in plain English and make sure you always know where things stand.

We fight hard for you.

Whether it’s talking with the company behind the game or taking them to court, we’re ready to do what it takes. These companies have money and power, but we’ve never backed down from a tough fight.

At the end day, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re getting a team that truly cares about you and your family. We know what you’re facing is real, and we’re here to help you take the next step forward.

Client Experiences

We pride ourselves on not just delivering strong legal results but also treating our clients with honesty, compassion, and respect. Here’s what some of our past clients have to say about working with our team:

Highly recommend and reliable!

“Best New York City personal injury lawyer. I’ve had a great experience and highly recommend working with Pianko Law.” 

Supportive and results-driven! 

“Maurice and his team work hard to get the best outcomes for his clients while showing empathy and care throughout the whole process.”

Fast, fair, and five-star service! 

“This attorney was great to me they settled my case the right way and fast I give a five star to this attorney pianko law”

Locations We Serve

At Pianko Law, we proudly represent clients across New York City and the surrounding boroughs. We’re committed to serving communities with compassion, experience, and result-driven advocacy. Our service areas include: 

If you’re located in one of these areas and need legal support, reach out today for a free consultation.

Talk to a Video Game Addiction Lawyer Today!

Whether you’re worried about your child or dealing with your compulsive gaming habits, there may be a legal path forward. Let Pianko Law review your case and help you decide your next step. 


We offer consultations, and you’ll never pay us a fee unless we win your case. Contact us today. Take the first step. Let’s talk.

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