GameSpot CIPA Settlement
If you accessed GameSpot.com or any GameSpot subdomain in California between January 5, 2023 and December 16, 2025, you can file a claim for a cash payment from a $1.2 million class action settlement. Submit your claim by April 16, 2026 to secure your share.
Settlement Snapshot
- Case name: Shah v. Fandom, Inc., No. 3:24-cv-01062-RFL (N.D. Cal.)
- Total fund: $1,200,000
- Eligible class: Anyone whose device accessed GameSpot.com (or a subdomain) while physically in California 1/5/2023 – 12/16/2025.
- Claim deadline: April 16 2026
- Exclusion / objection deadline: March 17 2026
- Final approval hearing: May 19 2026
Why the Lawsuit Was Filed
The complaint alleges that Fandom, Inc. deployed three advertising trackers—GumGum, Audiencerate, and TripleLift—on GameSpot visitors’ browsers without consent, violating § 638.51(a) of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). Fandom denies any wrongdoing. Both sides agreed to settle to avoid ongoing litigation costs and uncertainty.
Who Is Eligible?
You are part of the settlement if all of the following are true:
- You visited www.gamespot.com or any of its subdomains between 1/5/2023 and 12/16/2025.
- You were physically located in California at the time of the visit.
Potential Payment
Each approved claimant will receive an equal, pro-rata share of the net settlement fund after administrative costs, attorneys’ fees (up to one-third of the fund), and a service award (up to $5,000) to the class representatives are deducted. The exact dollar amount per claimant depends on the number of valid claims filed.
How to Claim Your Share
- Complete the online claim form at the official website (link above), or download and mail the paper form.
- Select your payment method—check, PayPal, or Venmo.
- Submit or postmark the form no later than April 16 2026.
Payments will be issued within roughly 90 days after the settlement receives final approval and any appeals are resolved.
Key Documents
Important Dates
- March 17 2026 – Last day to request exclusion (“opt out”) or object
- April 16 2026 – Last day to submit a claim
- May 19 2026 – Final approval hearing (details)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money will I receive from the GameSpot CIPA Settlement?
The settlement fund is divided equally among all approved claimants. The exact payout per person will be known only after the claim period closes and administrative costs, court-approved fees, and service awards are deducted.
Do I need proof that I visited GameSpot?
The claim form requires you to certify—under penalty of perjury—that you accessed GameSpot in California during the class period. No upload of screenshots or receipts is requested, but false claims are illegal.
When will payments from the GameSpot CIPA Settlement be sent?
If the Court grants final approval on May 19 2026 and no appeals delay the process, payments are expected about 90 days later.
What happens if I do nothing?
You will not receive any money and will waive the right to sue Fandom, Inc. over the same privacy claims.
How do I opt out of the settlement?
Mail a signed request for exclusion postmarked by March 17 2026 to: GameSpot CIPA Settlement, P.O. Box 6787, Portland, OR 97228-6787.
Where can I read the full settlement agreement?
You can download the complete Long Form Notice and Settlement Agreement above, visit the official website, or review the court docket via PACER.