New York – Families of victims of a tragic US school shooting have filed a lawsuit against Meta and game developer Activision, alleging that they promoted the use of firearms to minors. In May 2022, an 18-year-old opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, resulting in the loss of 21 lives. The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that the companies knowingly exposed the shooter to weapons, conditioned him to view them as a solution to his problems, and trained him in their use.
The families accused Meta and Activision of grooming young men and leading them towards violence. The lawsuit alleges that the shooter played the game ‘Call of Duty’ obsessively, developed skills as a marksman, and obtained rewards that required significant time investment. Additionally, the game features the AR-15 rifle used in the shooting. Alongside Meta and Activision, the families are also suing Daniel Defense, the company that manufactured the AR-15.
Activision released a statement emphasizing that millions of people worldwide enjoy video games without resorting to violence. The lawsuit sheds light on the debate surrounding the impact of violent video games on individuals, particularly young players. Critics argue that such games desensitize players to violence and may contribute to aggressive behavior.
While the outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, it underscores the need for society to critically examine the content and influence of video games on individuals, particularly the youth. The case also highlights the enduring pain and loss experienced by the families of victims of mass shootings. As discussions on gun violence and its contributing factors continue, this lawsuit adds another dimension to the complex conversation surrounding the intersection of gaming culture and real-world violence.