As a Black engineer in the technology industry during the 1970s and 1980s, Lawson faced systemic biases and lack of representation. He had to overcome these challenges to gain recognition for his work.

As the owner of Videosoft, Lawson faced the challenges of securing funding and resources for his company, particularly in an industry where minority-owned businesses often faced disadvantages.

Lawson, like many other game developers, faced the impact of the video game crash of 1983. This resulted in financial hardships and impacted Videosoft's viability.

Lawson battled diabetes, a chronic health condition that caused significant health problems during his later years.

Despite the challenges, Lawson maintained his passion for technology and innovation, continuing to work in the industry and inspire others. His perseverance in the face of adversity solidified his impact in the field.