In the age of internet gaming, Fortnite has become one of the most popular online video games in the world. Now, a recent class-action lawsuit is claiming that the makers of Fortnite made the game to be ‘highly addictive’ on purpose.
Fortnite is a battle royale style game, where players can build world’s, shoot down enemies and obtain items. Many of the game’s features are specifically intended to make the game more addictive, such as an ever-changing map, constant updates and challenges for players to complete. As such, the class-action lawsuit alleges that these features were designed to keep players engaged and playing for longer periods of time.
The lawsuit, filed in Hawaii, claims that Fortnite was created to be particularly enticing to young people by offering a simulated ‘thrill of the hunt’ for virtual weapons. It also states that the game’s reward systems, such as in-game currency and loot boxes have been designed to act as a “pay-to-win” system and are in violation of Hawaii’s gambling laws, since these items often come with uncertain rewards.
The lawsuit claims that Fortnite’s makers were well aware of the game’s potential to become highly addictive and took advantage of it by creating ways to keep players hooked. It is also claimed that the game’s creators failed to provide adequate parental guidance, leaving children and young adults exposed to the game’s psychologically harmful effects.
The creators of Fortnite, Epic Games, have so far refuted any claims that the game was purposely designed to be addictive. They have argued that they have taken steps to provide guidance and warnings to players about the potential risks that come from excessive gaming.
The class-action suit is seeking damages for those affected by the game’s alleged addiction, as well as legal fees for those behind the lawsuit. As Fortnite’s popularity continues to climb, it remains to be seen if the lawsuit will be successful and if it will help to prevent games from becoming overly addictive.
