Activision's Robust Defense in Uvalde School Shooting Lawsuit
Activision Blizzard vehemently denies any connection between its Call of Duty franchise and the tragic Uvalde school shooting, asserting its content is constitutionally protected free speech. The company's comprehensive legal response, filed in December, directly counters claims that Call of Duty served as a "training ground for mass shooters."
Filed in May 2024, the lawsuit, brought by families of the Robb Elementary victims, alleges the shooter's exposure to Call of Duty's violent content contributed to the May 24, 2022 tragedy. The lawsuit also names Meta, citing the shooter's Instagram use and exposure to firearm advertisements. The plaintiffs argue both companies fostered an environment encouraging violent behavior in vulnerable adolescents.
Activision's 150-page defense, detailed in a Game File report, rejects all allegations. The company invokes California's anti-SLAPP laws, designed to protect against strategic lawsuits against public participation, seeking dismissal of the case. Furthermore, Activision emphasizes Call of Duty's status as protected expression under the First Amendment, arguing that accusations based on its "hyper-realistic content" infringe upon this fundamental right.
Supporting its defense, Activision submitted expert declarations. Professor Matthew Thomas Payne of Notre Dame University, in a 35-page statement, contextualizes Call of Duty within the established tradition of military realism in film and television, refuting the "training camp" assertion. Patrick Kelly, Call of Duty's creative head, provided a 38-page account of the game's development, including details on 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 extensive filings. The case's outcome remains uncertain, but it highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the correlation between violent video games and mass shootings.
