communications relay login

Lawsuit: Fortnite is Too Addictive!

Started By:
Taku, Tue 19 Nov, 2019 6:49 PM
Views:
3377
Replies:
7
    • Commendation
      Commendation (150 Points)

      Awarded during the UFP Award Ceremony to those who go above and beyond for the community

      Unlocked Sat 26 Jun, 2021 9:20 PM

      0.22% have received this achievement

    • Highly Decorated
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Receive every medal the UFP has to offer

      Unlocked Sat 25 Sep, 2021 9:17 PM

      0.18% have received this achievement

    • The Fool
      Rare (50 Points)

      Got pranked on April 1st

      Unlocked Thu 01 Apr, 2021 11:25 AM

      0.32% have received this achievement

    • Admiral
      Rare (50 Points)

      Receive a promotion to the rank of Admiral

      Unlocked Sat 18 Jun, 2022 9:10 PM

      0.22% have received this achievement

    • Eternal Servitude!
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Be a registered user for five years

      Unlocked Sun 31 Jul, 2022 10:06 PM

      74.95% have received this achievement

    • tlhIngan SuvwI'
      Common (10 Points)

      Be a member of the House of Kular

      Unlocked Tue 12 Feb, 2019 12:02 PM

      13.08% have received this achievement

    ACHV. Points
    1030
    Reputation
    10
    Join Date
    Jul 31 2017
    Posts
    3,013
    Location
    St. Louis, Missouri, USA
    0
    • Users who disliked
    • None
    0
    • Users who liked
    • None
    Reply With QuoteQuote
    #1
    Epic Games faces class-action lawsuit for "knowingly" making Fortnite too addictive
    midian182 | Oct 7, 2019


    WTF?! Most people would agree that when it comes to video games, being addictive is a good thing. That ‘just one more go’ feeling usually means players are enjoying themselves and want to experience more. But what if a title is too addictive? That’s the accusation being directed at Fortnite and Epic Games, which is facing a lawsuit for “knowingly” making a game that’s allegedly as hard to quit as cocaine.

    Calex Légal, a law firm in Montreal, Canada, is preparing a class-action lawsuit against Epic Games. CBC reports that the legal notice was filed on behalf of the parents of two children, aged 10 and 15, and claims that playing Fortnite causes the brain to release dopamine in the same way as taking drugs such as cocaine, resulting in chemical addiction.

    It’s also claimed that Epic Games did all it could to make Fortnite as addictive as possible. "Epic Games, when they created Fortnite, for years and years, hired psychologists - they really dug into the human brain and they really made the effort to make it as addictive as possible," said Alessandra Esposito Chartrand, a Calex Légal attorney. "They knowingly put on the market a very, very addictive game which was also geared toward youth."

    The firm said it was approached by the minors’ parents, who said their children were addicted to the game. Chartrand is asking other parents who believe their children may be addicted to Fortnite to come forward.

    Much of the case is based on a 2015 class-action lawsuit against tobacco companies, in which the Quebec Superior Court ruled that the firms didn’t do enough to warn customers about the dangers of smoking. The new suit claims Epic Games knew Fortnite was dangerously addictive but failed to warn players of the risks.

    "In our case, the two parents that came forward and told [us], 'If we knew it was so addictive it would ruin our child's life, we would never have let them start playing Fortnite or we would have monitored it a lot more closely'," Chartrand added.

    The case also notes the World Health Organization’s recent decision to add ‘Gaming Disorder’ to its International Classification of Diseases.

    Fortnite’s Terms of Service state that users must surrender their right to sue the company and instead go through individual arbitration, but Chartrand believes the ToS "don't stand up in court in Quebec because the province's Consumer Protection Act requires companies to clearly disclose risks associated with products or services."

    There’s no word yet on how much the law firm is seeking in damages from Epic Games, but expect it to be a large figure.


    Permalink.
  1. Global Moderator

    • Pillar of the Community
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Be a registered user for 10 years

      Unlocked Wed 04 Oct, 2023 10:07 AM

      34.20% have received this achievement

    • Dedicated
      Rare (50 Points)

      Volunteer for 1+ year

      Unlocked Fri 13 Nov, 2020 11:07 AM

      0.54% have received this achievement

    • To Boldly Go On and On
      Rare (50 Points)

      Reach one-thousand posts on the forums

      Unlocked Mon 29 Apr, 2019 8:00 PM

      0.71% have received this achievement

    • Rear Admiral
      Rare (50 Points)

      Receive a promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral

      Unlocked Sat 30 Dec, 2023 10:09 PM

      0.46% have received this achievement

    • Well Respected
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Reach reputation tier 6

      Unlocked Mon 03 Dec, 2018 11:01 PM

      0.70% have received this achievement

    • FAB-ulous
      Common (10 Points)

      Be a member of the Federation Administrative Bureau

      Unlocked Wed 07 Apr, 2021 10:00 PM

      0.35% have received this achievement

    ACHV. Points
    780
    Reputation
    10
    Join Date
    Oct 03 2013
    Posts
    2,521
    Location
    Gamma Quadrant, Sector 4
    Pronouns
    He/Him
    0
    • Users who disliked
    • None
    1
    • Users who liked
    • Taku
    Reply With QuoteQuote
    #2
    LOL.

    What next....lol
    SulMatuul
    SulMatuul Medals
    • To Boldly Go On and On
      Rare (50 Points)

      Reach one-thousand posts on the forums

      Unlocked Wed 10 Oct, 2018 3:02 PM

      0.71% have received this achievement

    • Paragon of Duty
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Sign three roll calls in a row

      Unlocked Wed 01 Jun, 2016 4:17 AM

      9.77% have received this achievement

    • Eternal Servitude!
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Be a registered user for five years

      Unlocked Fri 27 Nov, 2020 12:02 PM

      74.95% have received this achievement

    • Well Respected
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Reach reputation tier 6

      Unlocked Sun 29 Jul, 2018 12:01 PM

      0.70% have received this achievement

    • Stepping Forward
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Going from Clearance Level 3 to Clearance Level 4

      Unlocked Sat 29 Sep, 2018 1:28 PM

      1.91% have received this achievement

    • Commander
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Receive a promotion to the rank of Commander

      Unlocked Sat 21 Dec, 2019 9:39 PM

      0.64% have received this achievement

    ACHV. Points
    520
    Reputation
    10
    Join Date
    Nov 28 2015
    Posts
    1,874
    Location
    Coalhurst, Alberta
    0
    • Users who disliked
    • None
    2
    • Users who liked
    • Mack
    • Taku
    Reply With QuoteQuote
    #3
     –  Last edited by aceman67; Tue 19 Nov, 2019 8:25 PM.
    This suit isn't going to go anywhere, as it'll be seen as frivolous, something that generally isn't tolerated in the Canadian legal system, and since both 'victims' are minors, the judge is probably going to just say "Have you tried Parenting?". On top of that, the precedent they're using was used against the Tobacco companies, and will most likely require proof of actual physical harm, something that isn't going to be possible unless the parents let their kids balloon to obesity.

    But this is taking place in Quebec... so you never know.
    abbe3e6f5a8febbb
    | Nemo Me Impune Lacessit | Art |Fan-Fics |
    Aceman67 Medals
  2. Quartermaster

    • Commendation
      Commendation (150 Points)

      Awarded during the UFP Award Ceremony to those who go above and beyond for the community

      Unlocked Sat 22 Dec, 2018 10:28 PM

      0.22% have received this achievement

    • Highly Decorated
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Receive every medal the UFP has to offer

      Unlocked Fri 03 Jul, 2020 6:26 PM

      0.18% have received this achievement

    • Pillar of the Community
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Be a registered user for 10 years

      Unlocked Thu 27 Apr, 2023 1:06 AM

      34.20% have received this achievement

    • At the Helm
      Rare (50 Points)

      Be Head of Starfleet Operations

      Unlocked Sun 14 Jan, 2018 6:00 PM

      0.07% have received this achievement

    • Dedicated
      Rare (50 Points)

      Volunteer for 1+ year

      Unlocked Fri 05 Oct, 2018 12:12 AM

      0.54% have received this achievement

    • The Fool
      Rare (50 Points)

      Got pranked on April 1st

      Unlocked Thu 01 Apr, 2021 11:35 AM

      0.32% have received this achievement

    ACHV. Points
    1265
    Reputation
    10
    Join Date
    Apr 26 2013
    Posts
    4,671
    Location
    Dubai
    0
    • Users who disliked
    • None
    2
    • Users who liked
    • Taku
    • O'Neill
    Reply With QuoteQuote
    #4
    ....

    But this is taking place in Quebec... so you never know.
    LOL
    Mack Medals
  3. Fleet Admiral

    • Commendation
      Commendation (150 Points)

      Awarded during the UFP Award Ceremony to those who go above and beyond for the community

      Unlocked Sat 29 Jun, 2019 9:56 PM

      0.22% have received this achievement

    • To Infinity and Beyond
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Reach ten-thousand posts on the forums

      Grandfathered

      0.02% have received this achievement

    • Highly Decorated
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Receive every medal the UFP has to offer

      Unlocked Sun 27 Mar, 2016 2:00 PM

      0.18% have received this achievement

    • Set Phasers To Frag
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Win an Annual Elite Force Tournament

      Unlocked Sun 28 Aug, 2016 7:24 PM

      0.04% have received this achievement

    • Top Brass
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Reach the highest Starfleet Rank

      Unlocked Sat 17 Dec, 2016 10:30 PM

      0.03% have received this achievement

    • Hearthstone Tournament Winner
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Win the annual Hearthstone Tournament

      Unlocked Mon 04 Jul, 2016 6:08 PM

      0.01% have received this achievement

    ACHV. Points
    2415
    Reputation
    10
    Join Date
    Jan 25 2012
    Posts
    14,150
    Location
    Unimatrix 01
    Pronouns
    She/Her
    0
    • Users who disliked
    • None
    1
    • Users who liked
    • Taku
    Reply With QuoteQuote
    #5
    Free promotion for Forknife right here.
    • Commendation
      Commendation (150 Points)

      Awarded during the UFP Award Ceremony to those who go above and beyond for the community

      Unlocked Sat 24 Sep, 2022 9:24 PM

      0.22% have received this achievement

    • ...and On and On
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Reach five-thousand posts on the forums

      Unlocked Tue 14 Jun, 2022 8:00 PM

      0.08% have received this achievement

    • Highly Decorated
      Very Rare (100 Points)

      Receive every medal the UFP has to offer

      Unlocked Sat 21 Dec, 2019 10:00 PM

      0.18% have received this achievement

    • Academy Dean
      Rare (50 Points)

      Be Head of Starfleet Academy

      Unlocked Fri 18 May, 2018 6:03 PM

      0.08% have received this achievement

    • Admiral Council
      Rare (50 Points)

      Join the Federation Executive Office

      Unlocked Sun 02 Dec, 2018 3:00 PM

      0.06% have received this achievement

    • Admiral
      Rare (50 Points)

      Receive a promotion to the rank of Admiral

      Unlocked Sat 28 Sep, 2019 9:08 PM

      0.22% have received this achievement

    ACHV. Points
    1625
    Reputation
    10
    Join Date
    May 25 2017
    Posts
    5,729
    Location
    United Kingdom
    0
    • Users who disliked
    • None
    0
    • Users who liked
    • None
    Reply With QuoteQuote
    #6
    When you get down to it, the underlaying mechanics of Fortnite are simply just a jazzed up PvP mode which has been around for years. Comparing it to snorting a line of cocaine off a coffee table just seems bizarre to me.

    I see one of them is 10 and it's rated 12 here in Europe, so that one is likely to get dumped at the parents feet (or lack of parenting thereof) as far as the court is concerned. As to the other one, same deal. Bet you the parents let them play GTA and any number of other games that they shouldn't really have as well.
    Petrarch
    Petrarch Medals
  4. Master Chief Petty Officer
    Master Chief Petty Officer
    • Paragon of Duty
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Sign three roll calls in a row

      Unlocked Wed 01 Jun, 2016 1:01 AM

      9.77% have received this achievement

    • Eternal Servitude!
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Be a registered user for five years

      Unlocked Thu 16 Jul, 2020 8:04 AM

      74.95% have received this achievement

    • Got Orientated
      Common (10 Points)

      Sit and pass the Orientation Assessment

      Unlocked Wed 21 Oct, 2015 2:04 AM

      21.58% have received this achievement

    • Affectionate
      Common (10 Points)

      Give positive reputation ten times to other users

      Unlocked Mon 02 Dec, 2019 6:03 PM

      1.58% have received this achievement

    • Petty Officer 1st Class
      Common (10 Points)

      Receive the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class

      Unlocked Sat 19 Dec, 2015 10:07 PM

      0.36% have received this achievement

    • Chief Petty Officer
      Common (10 Points)

      Receive the rank of Chief Petty Officer

      Unlocked Sun 26 Jun, 2016 10:43 AM

      0.28% have received this achievement

    ACHV. Points
    220
    Reputation
    2
    Join Date
    Jul 17 2015
    Posts
    399
    Location
    New York
    0
    • Users who disliked
    • None
    1
    • Users who liked
    • Michael
    Reply With QuoteQuote
    #7
    I don't think this lawsuit has any merit. It's up to the parents to control how much time their children spend playing video games.
    • Dean’s List
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Pass all three Academy exams

      Unlocked Sat 26 May, 2018 4:04 AM

      3.99% have received this achievement

    • Set Phasers to Stun
      Uncommon (25 Points)

      Participated in an Elite Force tournament

      Unlocked Mon 12 Aug, 2019 8:10 PM

      0.08% have received this achievement

    • Part of the Furniture
      Common (10 Points)

      Be a registered user for two years

      Unlocked Thu 29 Mar, 2018 8:02 AM

      95.23% have received this achievement

    • Host
      Common (10 Points)

      Host an event via the Events System

      Unlocked Mon 03 Jun, 2019 12:02 PM

      0.98% have received this achievement

    • Lieutenant Commander
      Common (10 Points)

      Receive a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Commander

      Unlocked Sat 28 Sep, 2019 8:57 PM

      0.91% have received this achievement

    • The Mad House
      Common (10 Points)

      Be a member of the Holodeck

      Unlocked Mon 28 Mar, 2016 8:00 PM

      13.01% have received this achievement

    ACHV. Points
    585
    Reputation
    5
    Join Date
    Mar 28 2016
    Posts
    315
    0
    • Users who disliked
    • None
    0
    • Users who liked
    • None
    Reply With QuoteQuote
    #8
    If that stood any chance of success I'd be a billionaire right now. I'd have sued every pvp game out there.

    However, they manage it, I may end up up applying for a Canadian Visa. The "job opportunities" are just too good, clearly 🤣
    Lars2510