Roblox Lawsuit Addiction, 100+ Cases Allege “Gateway Game” Designed to Trap Kids in $250K+ Damages
Families nationwide are suing Roblox Corporation for allegedly designing an intentionally addictive gaming platform that harms children’s mental health, academic performance, and development. Over 100 lawsuits claim Roblox uses psychological manipulation tactics to keep young players engaged for hours daily without adequate warnings about addiction risks.
On December 4, 2025, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation heard arguments to consolidate these cases into MDL No. 3168, potentially creating a federal group lawsuit for thousands of families seeking compensation for gaming addiction injuries. Legal experts estimate severe cases could exceed $250,000 in damages, though no settlements have been finalized as of January 2026.
What Is the Roblox Addiction Lawsuit About?
The Gateway Game Addiction Allegations
Parents are filing product liability and personal injury lawsuits claiming Roblox’s design features intentionally create addictive gameplay patterns in children. The platform allegedly uses variable reward systems, non-transferable in-game currency called Robux, and social pressure mechanics that exploit developing brains.
A 12-year-old identified as “DJ” and his guardian filed one of the lead cases. DJ started playing Roblox at age 6 and now suffers from gaming addiction characterized by severe withdrawal symptoms when game time is interrupted. His lawsuit alleges Roblox used tactics specifically targeting children to encourage excessive play, causing academic suffering and behavioral problems.
Another plaintiff, a 15-year-old identified as “CWB,” suffers from ADHD, anxiety, academic setbacks, excessive cursing, and behavioral challenges that their guardian attributes to Roblox addiction. The complaint alleges Roblox exploited vulnerable populations including CWB and their peers to maximize user engagement and corporate profits.
The Legal Claims Against Roblox Corporation
Plaintiffs are bringing multiple legal theories against Roblox Corporation. Product liability claims allege Roblox created a defective product by designing features that cause addiction without adequate safety warnings. These features include player-created mini-games, avatar customization systems, and social interaction tools that make the platform highly engaging.
Negligence claims argue Roblox breached its duty of care to protect children from foreseeable harm. Parents allege the company knew or should have known that its design features would cause addiction in minors but failed to implement adequate safeguards or provide warnings.
Failure to warn allegations claim Roblox did not properly disclose potentially dangerous side effects of the gaming platform. The World Health Organization included “gaming disorder” in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, particularly cautioning about effects on minors. Plaintiffs argue Roblox should have warned users about this recognized mental health risk.
Consumer protection violations are also alleged. Some lawsuits claim Roblox violated state consumer fraud statutes by marketing the platform as safe, fun, and educational while concealing its addictive nature and potential to harm children’s development.
Who Is Behind the Roblox Corporation Lawsuits
Individual families across multiple states have filed separate lawsuits. Cases have been filed in federal and state courts in Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Maryland, Maine, Illinois, and other jurisdictions. Each family’s lawsuit details unique circumstances of how their child developed gaming addiction and suffered specific harms.
Casey Henderson, a mother from an undisclosed location, sued video game companies including Roblox. Her 9-year-old child became so addicted that Henderson cannot restrict game time without the child experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. She alleges Roblox intentionally designed games to be addictive because more screen time increases company profits.
Jaclyn Angelilli filed a lawsuit in Illinois in 2023 on behalf of her child “D.G.” The complaint alleged D.G. needed treatment, outpatient counseling, private tutoring, and an educational “504” plan at school due to video game addiction. In February 2025, the court guided Angelilli’s case to arbitration based on Roblox’s user agreement requiring dispute resolution outside of court.
What You Must Know About Video Game Addiction Lawsuits
The Multidistrict Litigation Consolidation Effort
On December 4, 2025, lawyers representing affected families requested creation of MDL No. 3168 titled “In re: Gateway Video Game Addiction Products Liability Litigation.” The initial request seeks to consolidate 17 lawsuits against Roblox Corporation, Epic Games, and other video game companies.
If approved, this multidistrict litigation would open the door for thousands of young people and families to pursue claims. An MDL allows plaintiffs to proceed through some legal steps as a group while maintaining individual settlement amounts based on specific damages. This differs from class actions where all members typically receive equal payouts.
A separate MDL was approved December 12, 2025, specifically for Roblox child sexual exploitation cases (MDL 3166), demonstrating courts recognize Roblox-related harms warrant consolidated federal proceedings.
First Amendment and Section 230 Defense Challenges
Roblox Corporation has successfully used First Amendment and Section 230 defenses in some cases. A federal court dismissed all 19 claims in the Angelilli lawsuit, finding that game design features constitute protected speech under the First Amendment.
The court ruled that offering game creation tools, avatar customization, and social features cannot form the basis for liability because these are expressive activities protected by free speech rights. The judge noted that calling these features “addictive” is just another way of saying Roblox’s features make it engaging and effective at drawing players into its world.
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act also provides immunity for claims based on user-generated content. The court found plaintiffs could not hold Roblox liable for the socializing effects and impacts of speech by the platform’s users.
However, the court granted leave to amend, and legal experts note that failure-to-warn claims may survive these defenses if properly pleaded. The key distinction is between content (protected) and design features plus inadequate warnings (potentially not protected).
Common Misconceptions About Gaming Addiction Claims
Not all excessive gaming constitutes legally compensable addiction. To qualify for these lawsuits, families typically need documented evidence including medical diagnoses of gaming disorder, treatment records showing therapy or hospitalization, academic records demonstrating decline linked to gaming, and proof the child played specific games for extended periods.
Many parents believe simply playing Roblox for several hours daily creates a viable lawsuit. However, plaintiffs must prove specific harm causally linked to Roblox’s design features. This requires expert testimony connecting the platform’s psychological manipulation tactics to diagnosed mental health conditions or developmental problems.
The arbitration clause in Roblox’s terms of service complicates litigation. When users create accounts, they agree to resolve disputes through arbitration rather than court proceedings. Roblox has attempted to enforce this clause to move lawsuits out of public courts, though some judges have denied these motions in sexual exploitation cases.
Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry
Roblox addiction lawsuits are part of larger trends holding digital platforms accountable for youth mental health. Similar litigation targets social media companies like Instagram and TikTok. The Instagram class action lawsuit includes 2,191 cases alleging Meta deliberately designed addictive features targeting teens.
The TikTok mental health lawsuit from 14 states alleges the platform uses manipulative algorithms to addict young users. Courts are increasingly recognizing that platform design features—not just user content—can create liability when they exploit children’s psychological vulnerabilities.
If Roblox addiction cases succeed, the gaming industry may face mandatory design changes, warning labels, age verification requirements, and limits on features targeting minors. This could fundamentally alter how platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft operate.
What to Do Next If Your Child Shows Addiction Signs
Document Evidence of Gaming Addiction
If you believe your child developed Roblox addiction, start documenting evidence immediately. Track daily gaming hours using parental control tools or screen time reports. Note specific behavioral changes, withdrawal symptoms when gaming is restricted, declining grades, social isolation, and sleep disruption.
Seek professional mental health evaluation. A licensed psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose gaming disorder using criteria from the International Classification of Diseases. Treatment records showing therapy sessions, medication management, or hospitalization for gaming addiction strengthen potential legal claims.
Gather all communications with Roblox customer support, especially if you reported concerns about your child’s excessive use or requested assistance with addiction issues. Save screenshots of in-game purchases showing Robux spending that may demonstrate compulsive behavior.
Follow Multidistrict Litigation Developments
Monitor whether the JPML approves MDL No. 3168 for gateway game addiction cases. If approved, attorneys will establish procedures for families to join the consolidated litigation. Visit court websites for the U.S. District Court for the jurisdiction where the MDL is established.
Check legal news sources covering video game addiction litigation. Law firms like TorHoerman Law, King Law, and Seeger Weiss actively recruit clients for these cases and provide updates on their websites about case developments and eligibility criteria.
Join advocacy organizations focused on children’s digital safety and gaming addiction. Groups like Fairplay and Parents Together track litigation developments and provide resources for affected families.
When to Consult a Gaming Addiction Attorney
Consult attorneys experienced in product liability and mass tort litigation if your child meets these criteria: diagnosed with gaming disorder by a licensed professional, documented treatment for addiction including therapy or hospitalization, measurable harm like academic failure or severe mental health decline, and evidence of playing Roblox or other targeted games for extended periods during childhood.
Most gaming addiction attorneys offer free case evaluations. They can assess whether your family’s specific circumstances meet eligibility requirements and explain the litigation process. Because no settlements exist yet, attorneys typically work on contingency fee arrangements where they only get paid if you recover compensation.
Be aware that some cases may be directed to arbitration rather than court proceedings. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether Roblox’s arbitration clause applies to your situation and advise on the best legal strategy.
FAQs About the Roblox Addiction Lawsuit
What is the Roblox addiction lawsuit about?
The Roblox addiction lawsuit involves over 100 families suing Roblox Corporation for allegedly designing an intentionally addictive gaming platform that harms children. Plaintiffs claim Roblox uses psychological manipulation tactics like variable rewards, social pressure, and non-transferable currency to keep kids playing for hours daily without adequate addiction warnings, causing mental health problems, academic decline, and developmental harm.
Who can file a Roblox addiction lawsuit?
Families may qualify if their child developed diagnosed gaming disorder linked to Roblox use, required medical treatment like therapy or hospitalization for gaming addiction, experienced measurable harm such as academic failure or mental health decline, and played Roblox for extended periods during childhood. Documentation including medical records, treatment history, and screen time data strengthens eligibility.
How much compensation could Roblox addiction cases receive?
No settlements have been finalized as of January 2026. Legal experts estimate cases with severe documented harm could potentially exceed $250,000, though actual amounts depend on specific facts. Factors include severity of addiction diagnosis, extent of medical treatment required, academic and developmental setbacks documented, and evidence linking harm specifically to Roblox’s design features.
What is the MDL for video game addiction cases?
MDL No. 3168 titled “In re: Gateway Video Game Addiction Products Liability Litigation” is a proposed multidistrict litigation to consolidate over 100 lawsuits against Roblox, Epic Games, and other gaming companies. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation heard consolidation arguments December 4, 2025. If approved, the MDL would allow thousands of families to pursue claims together while maintaining individual settlement amounts.
Can Roblox force my case into arbitration?
Possibly. Roblox’s terms of service include an arbitration clause requiring users to resolve disputes through arbitration rather than court. In February 2025, an Illinois case was directed to arbitration based on this clause. However, some judges have denied Roblox’s arbitration motions in sexual exploitation cases. An attorney can evaluate whether the clause applies to your specific situation.
Is Roblox dangerous for children?
Roblox itself is not inherently dangerous, and millions of children play without developing addiction. However, lawsuits allege the platform’s design features can exploit psychological vulnerabilities in some children, particularly those with ADHD, anxiety, or other risk factors. The World Health Organization recognizes gaming disorder as a mental health condition. Parents should monitor children’s gaming time, watch for addiction signs, and seek professional help if concerns arise.
What evidence do I need to prove my child was harmed by Roblox?
Strong cases require medical diagnosis of gaming disorder from a licensed professional, treatment records showing therapy sessions or hospitalization for addiction, academic records demonstrating grade decline linked to gaming, screen time data proving extended daily Roblox use, and expert testimony connecting Roblox’s specific design features to your child’s harm. Financial records showing excessive Robux purchases may also support compulsive behavior claims.
Last Updated: January 18, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Roblox addiction lawsuits for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified product liability attorney experienced in gaming addiction litigation for guidance specific to your family’s situation.
Concerned about your child’s gaming habits? Document their gaming patterns and consult a mental health professional. Early intervention can prevent serious addiction from developing.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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