UVALDE, TEXAS – Families of the victims involved in the tragic incident at Robb Elementary School have taken legal action against Activision, the publisher of the popular game Call of Duty, and Meta, the social platform. They claim that these companies played a role in exacerbating the shooter’s aggressive tendencies by granting access to weapons through virtual platforms and social media.
The lawsuit alleges that the shooter was influenced by Call of Duty, a game that featured a model of an assault rifle made by Daniel Defense. Additionally, it is mentioned that the shooter encountered promotions for products from this gun brand on Instagram, suggesting that the platform provided a means for gun manufacturers to directly engage with minors.
Described as a marginalized and isolated teenager from a small Texas town, the shooter reportedly became familiar with AR-15s through his exposure to them in Call of Duty and on Instagram. The plaintiffs’ attorney, Josh Koskoff, argued that Instagram facilitated Daniel Defense’s outreach to the teen, highlighting the potential influence of virtual environments on real-life actions.
Koskoff, who also represented families affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, emphasized the impact of gaming on individuals, suggesting that games like Call of Duty may create a “dopamine loop” by simulating acts of violence. Notably, a previous settlement of $73 million was reached with Remington, a rifle maker connected to the Sandy Hook tragedy.
In response, an Activision spokesperson expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and defended the gaming industry by pointing out that millions of people worldwide engage in video games without resorting to violence. The lawsuit raises significant questions about the potential influence of virtual and social media platforms on individuals, particularly young and impressionable individuals. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case underscores the complex relationship between entertainment media, social networking, and real-world consequences.