California resident Erik Estavillo is suing the makers of the popular World of Warcraft series, alleging the game has drawn him into a "harmful virtual environment" which has left him unable to cope with real life.

The suit, filed in Santa Clara, California on Tuesday (24Nov09), asks Ryder to testify in court, claiming her love of JD Salinger's classic novel The Catcher in the Rye will have taught her "how alienation in the book can tie to alienation in real live (sic) / video games such as World of Warcraft."

Estavillo has also subpoenaed Depeche Mode star Martin Gore, adding "since he himself has been known to be sad, lonely, and alienated, as can be seen in the songs he writes."

Estavillo is seeking $1 million (£600,000) in damages from Blizzard Entertainment.