New Lawsuit Filed Against Call of Duty Makers and Technology Giants

by Annabelle Stephenson
in Action, News
on 13 June 2024

A recent lawsuit has been filed against the makers of the popular video game Call of Duty, as well as technology giants Meta Platforms (owner of Facebook and Instagram) and Activision Blizzard (a subsidiary of Microsoft). The lawsuit alleges that these companies bear responsibility for the products used by a teenage shooter in a tragic incident. This lawsuit has not only US legal implications but also international repercussions, particularly in Australia where Call of Duty and other violent games have a significant presence.

The families of the victims have accused the defendants of contributing to the addiction and normalization of violence through the realistic and immersive nature of war-based games like Call of Duty. The lawsuit also highlights the aggressive marketing tactics used on platforms like Instagram to target vulnerable individuals.

According to the families’ attorneys, the shooter had been playing Call of Duty since the age of 15, including a version of the game that allowed him to practice with the same type of weapon he later used in the shooting. The families argue that the defendants knowingly exposed him to the weapon, conditioned him to see it as a problem-solving tool, and trained him to use it.

Activision Blizzard responded to the lawsuit by expressing their condolences to the affected families and stating that millions of people enjoy video games without resorting to violence.

This is not the first time technology companies have been accused of playing a central role in influencing mass shooters. Similar lawsuits have been filed in the past, alleging that companies like Meta Platforms and Instagram should be held accountable for the actions of individuals who were influenced by their platforms.

The outcome of this lawsuit will likely have implications for the gaming industry as a whole. It raises important questions about the responsibility of game developers and publishers in creating and marketing violent content, as well as the duty of technology companies to regulate the access and exposure to such content.

It remains to be seen how the court will decide in this case, but it is clear that the issue of the link between video games, violence, and real-world consequences is a complex one that continues to be debated.

Additional relevant facts:

– The lawsuit was filed in the state of Michigan, United States, where the tragic incident took place.
– Call of Duty is one of the most popular video game franchises in the world, known for its realistic depictions of warfare.
– The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants failed to implement adequate age verification measures and warnings for potentially harmful content in their games.
– Critics of the lawsuit argue that blaming video games for real-world violence ignores other important factors such as mental health issues and access to firearms.
– There have been numerous studies conducted on the impact of video games on aggression and violence, with conflicting results and interpretations.

Key questions:

1. Are video games like Call of Duty responsible for real-world violence?
2. Should game developers and publishers be held accountable for the content they create and market?
3. What role do technology companies like Meta Platforms and Instagram play in regulating access and exposure to violent content?
4. To what extent are individuals influenced by video games and other forms of media?

Key challenges and controversies:

1. Determining causation: Establishing a direct link between video games and real-world violence is a complex challenge due to numerous factors involved in individuals’ actions.
2. Free speech and artistic expression: Holding game developers and publishers responsible for the content of their games raises concerns about freedom of speech and artistic expression.
3. Regulation and responsibility: Balancing the need for regulation and accountability with the recognition that parents and individuals also have a role to play in determining what games are suitable for them.

Advantages:

1. Increased awareness: Lawsuits like this one bring attention to the potential influence of video games on individuals and society, encouraging further research and discussions.
2. Industry evaluation and improvement: The outcome of the lawsuit may lead to changes in how game developers and technology companies approach the creation, marketing, and regulation of violent content.

Disadvantages:

1. Potential chilling effect: Legal action against game developers and publishers may limit creative freedom in the industry, leading to self-censorship and fewer innovative titles.
2. Oversimplification of complex issues: Blaming video games as the sole cause of real-world violence ignores other contributing factors and may oversimplify complex societal issues.