Gulfport Video Game Addiction Attorneys

Injury Lawyers Seeking Compensation for VGA Victims in Mississippi

Video gaming addiction (VGA), also known as gaming disorder or internet gaming disorder, is a widely recognized condition that affects millions of people around the world. The impacts of VGA can be devastating, leading to physical, mental, and emotional harm in adolescents and adults alike. If you or a loved one is struggling with video game addiction, you may be eligible to recover compensation in a VGA lawsuit. 

At Gulf South Law Firm, our highly skilled attorneys are committed to holding gaming companies responsible for negligence. We understand the unique complexities of video gaming addiction lawsuits, empowering us to pursue justice for victims in Gulfport and beyond. With years of experience and a proven track record of results, our VGA injury lawyers are well-versed in the nuances of Mississippi personal injury law to fight for fair compensation on your behalf. 

Don’t pay the price for corporate greed. Our attorneys can fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (228) 231-3989 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Video Gaming Addiction (VGA)?

According to a recent survey, a whopping 85% of U.S. teenagers play video games in 2024, with 40% of teens playing on a daily basis. While video gaming platforms can provide healthy ways for people of all ages to connect socially, build relationships, and develop cognitive skills, excessive gaming can also lead to serious addiction and harmful consequences.

Today, video gaming addiction is a medically-recognized mental health diagnosis. According to the International Classification of Disease (ICD), VGA is characterized by “impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.” 

What Are the Symptoms of VGA?

VGA can cause a variety of symptoms.Individuals who suffer from VGA may exhibit: 

• “Gamer’s rage”
• Obsessive/compulsive behaviors
• Poor hygiene due to excessive gaming
• Changes in eating and behavioral patterns
• Loss of interest in social and school activities
• Orthopedic injuries to the hands, wrist and neck
• Prioritizing gaming over all other activities, hobbies, family, and friends
• Depression and anxiety requiring medication therapy and counseling
• Difficulties in school, including an inability to meet age-appropriate academic standards 

Gamers may also struggle with impulse control issues and are more likely to receive secondary diagnoses of ADHD or autism.

What Are the Effects of VGA?

Individuals suffering from VGA are unable to control their urge to play video games, leading to severe consequences in their personal, professional and social lives. VGA can lead to a constellation of adverse health effects for affected individuals, jeopardizing their holistic health and well-being. Common effects of VGA include: 

• Physical health deterioration: Individuals affected by VGA can experience a decline in overall physical health, including issues like poor posture, repetitive strain injuries, and lack of physical fitness.
• Mental health issues: VGA can lead to serious mental health problems like increased anxiety, depression, and stress, negatively impacting the person’s psychological health and emotional well-being.
• Social isolation: Those suffering from VGA may withdraw from family and social activities, resulting in damaged relationships and a sense of loneliness.
• Academic and professional decline: Excessive gaming can interfere with academic performance and professional responsibilities, leading to poor grades, job loss, and career setbacks.
• Sleep disturbances: VGA often causes significant disruptions to normal sleep patterns, resulting in sleep deprivation and associated health problems.
• Financial distress: Affected gamers often pay with real money to “level up” or obtain loot, leading to excessive spending on games, subscriptions, and in-game purchases. 
• Decreased productivity: An overwhelming focus on gaming can lead individuals with VGA to neglect essential daily tasks and responsibilities, reducing productivity in their personal and professional lives.

Who Is at Risk for VGA?

While VGA can affect people of any age, it’s especially harmful in children and teenagers. Because their brains are still developing, excessive gaming can cause atrophy and reduction in brain size in individuals under the age of 21, making young gamers more vulnerable to the psychological and emotional effects of excessive screen time. Other risk factors for VGA may include genetics, underlying mental health conditions, and environmental influences.

Adolescents who play video games for 4+ hours per day are at an increased risk for VGA, making it crucial to seek treatment and legal counsel as soon as possible.