Activision Rebuts Uvalde Lawsuit Claims Against Call of Duty
Activision Blizzard has filed a robust defense against lawsuits filed by Uvalde shooting victims' families, rejecting claims linking Call of Duty to the 2022 tragedy. The May 2024 lawsuits allege the shooter's exposure to the game's violent content contributed to the Robb Elementary School massacre, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers.
The lawsuits, also targeting Meta for allegedly facilitating the shooter's access to firearm advertisements on Instagram, contend that both companies fostered an environment encouraging violent behavior in vulnerable youth. The shooter, a former Robb Elementary student, played Call of Duty regularly, including Modern Warfare, and used an AR-15 rifle—similar to one depicted in the game.
Activision's December filing, encompassing 150 pages, categorically denies any causal link between Call of Duty and the shooting. The company invokes California's anti-SLAPP laws, designed to protect free speech from frivolous litigation, seeking dismissal of the case. Furthermore, Activision asserts Call of Duty's protected status under the First Amendment, arguing that allegations targeting its "hyper-realistic content" infringe upon this fundamental right.
Expert Testimony Bolsters Activision's Defense
Supporting its defense, Activision submitted declarations from leading experts. Notre Dame professor Matthew Thomas Payne's 35-page statement contextualizes Call of Duty within the established tradition of military-themed entertainment, refuting the lawsuit's "training camp" assertion. Patrick Kelly, Call of Duty's creative head, contributed a 38-page document detailing the game's development, including the substantial $700 million budget for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
The Uvalde families have until late February to respond to Activision's comprehensive defense. The case's outcome remains uncertain, but it highlights the ongoing societal debate surrounding the potential influence of violent video games on real-world violence, a discussion frequently reignited following mass shootings.
