Class-action-lawsuit-against-‘addictive’-Fortnite-video-game-in-Quebec-and-Epic-Games-introduced-Child-Specific accounts
A well-known video game “Fortnite” owner Epic Games and its Canadian subsidiary faces a class action lawsuit in Quebec (Canada). The lawsuit filed by three parents, says children became addicted to the video game Fortnite and the addiction was at such a level that the kids didn’t even sleep, eat or shower.
The lawsuit cites the World Health Organization ruling recognising video-game addiction in 2018. The lawsuit claims that the makers developed the game to be “highly addictive”.
Fortnite is an extremely popular online game with more than 350 million players online. Justice Sylvain Lussier issued the ruling on Wednesday after hearing arguments in July 2022, regarding the class-action request from three parents who described how their children had symptoms of severe dependence after playing the game. Epic Games has countered the suit saying that video game addiction is not a recognised psychological disorder.
Judge Lussier said, “The fact that American psychiatrists have requested more research or that this diagnosis has not yet been officially recognized in Quebec does not make the claims in question ‘frivolous’ or ‘unfounded, the harmful effect of tobacco was not recognized or admitted overnight.”
One of the parents, identified by initials in the filings, said their son had played 6,923 games and got angry when his parents tried to limit his game time, including by putting a lock on the computer. Another child played more than 7,700 times in two years, playing at least three hours a day. All reported behavioural issues.
The judge authorized the lawsuit for any players residing in Quebec since Sept. 1, 2017, who have become addicted after playing Fortnite Battle Royale, made by U.S.-based Epic Games Inc., exhibiting a host of repercussions on activities including family, social, educational or professional. So far, there is no monetary figure attached to the lawsuit, so the court has to decide or determine compensation. A second category in the class action will look at in-game purchases, with the court declaring purchasers under the age of 18 could be eligible for restitution and a refund of their money.
According to lawyer Alessandra Esposito Chartrand in an interview has said “200 people have come forward with the lawsuit and our motion was heavily inspired by the tobacco motion just in terms of what we were alleging. The manufacturer’s legal responsibility is “basically the same,”
Cabined Accounts for Children
A few hours ago, Epic Games introduced Child Specific Fortnite accounts. Epic Games is looking to stop its younger Fortnite fans from spending parents’ money unknowingly or speaking with strangers online through its new child-specific accounts. Epic announced what it’s calling Cabined Accounts, which offer a host of additional security features (that can be managed by parents) to ensure a safer and more structured environment for younger players of popular titles like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys.
Children under the age of 13 will have to supply a parent or guardian’s email address when signing up under the new policy. They’ll need to request permission from that adult to access many of the service’s core features.
Cabined Accounts won’t just block kids from chatting online or spending money unexpectedly, though, as even permission to create a custom display name will need to be granted.
Epic has ensured that children won’t be marketed to by email or have recommendations pushed on them based on past purchases, and SMS-based two-factor authentication will be disabled by default. The full list of features is available on a Cabined Account
Cabined Accounts are arriving alongside Fortnite Chapter 4 and therefore what will likely be an influx of new players using Epic’s services. The new season adds a bunch of Unreal Engine 5 enhancements alongside new mechanics and a brand-new map.
(With inputs from agencies)
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