He may be on to something.
Gamer Sues MMO Publisher Over Addiction, Says He’s “Unable to FunctionAmerica: Land of the free, home of the brave, and backdrop to numerous incredulous lawsuits. But at least this latest round of courtroom drama brings with it a rather scenic backdrop: Hawaii.
Not that the setting matters so much, but at least it provides a nice change of pace from the usual happenings in Florida, California, or some backwater berg where they dun’ know how all ‘dem pretty pictures make their way to th’ funny glass box.
Regardless, plaintiff Craig Smallwood has brought his case against NCsoft, the developer/publisher of the Korean massively-multiplayer online role playing game (MMO RPG) Lineage II. He is seeking unspecified monetary damages due to the addictive nature of the game, which he claims he would never have played had he been forewarned.
Lineage II is obviously the sequel to South Korean phenomenon Lineage, and has reportedly gained 600,000 users within the span of a few years of its 2003 release. Over six years hence, the immersion 3-D MMO RPG continues to receive expansions and updates.
Between 2004 and 2009, Smallwood claims to have sunk 20,000 hours into the game. Furthermore, he alleges that NCsoft “acted negligently in failing to warn or instruct or adequately warn or instruct plaintiff and other players of Lineage II of its dangerous and defective characteristics, and of the safe and proper method of using the game.”
Now, Smallwood claims that he is “unable to function independently in usual daily activities such as getting up, getting dressed, bathing or communicating with family and friends.” If that wasn’t bizarre enough, U.S. District Judge Alan Kay refused to dismiss parts of his complaint in a decision made on August 4th, which means the way may be paved for an actual trial.
”In light of plaintiff’s allegations, the court finds that plaintiff has stated a claim for both negligence and gross negligence,” ruled the judge.
NCsoft’s attorney was not immediately prepared to comment on Kay’s decision, though a recent court filing once more urged the judge to dismiss the case.
Source: Wired.com
http://www.ripten.com/2010/08/21/gamer-sues-mmo-publisher-over-addiction-says-hes-unable-to-function-lbd416/