Gaming has emerged as a colossal industry, surpassing the film and music sectors combined, with a worth of $193 billion. With nearly three billion gamers worldwide, it's clear that gaming has become a global phenomenon. Online gaming, in particular, has the potential to enhance well-being and foster social connections. However, privacy issues and awareness gaps among players could potentially offset these benefits, leading to potential harm.

Figure 1. Gaming.

Figure 1 shows gaming. A recent study conducted by scientists at Aalto University's Department of Computer Science sheds light on questionable data collection practices in online games, along with misconceptions and concerns about privacy among players. This study also offers strategies for players to mitigate risks and provides design recommendations for game developers to enhance privacy in online games.

Understanding Player Perspectives

Janne Lindqvist, an associate professor of computer science at Aalto University, explains that the study had two main objectives: understanding what players think about games and uncovering the reality of data privacy in these games. It was surprising to discover the nuanced considerations of gamers. For instance, participants expressed a willingness to protect their privacy by avoiding voice chat in games unless absolutely necessary. This cautious approach is based on the fear that sharing their voices might reveal too much. Additionally, the study revealed that some games employ dark design elements to nudge players into revealing their online identities, often in exchange for virtual rewards.

Dark Design and Data Collection

Dark design, defined as interface decisions that manipulate users into actions they might otherwise avoid, is used in some games to facilitate the collection of player data and encourage integration with social media accounts or data sharing with third parties. This practice can lead to players unknowingly sharing sensitive information. For example, when social media accounts are linked to games, users are often left in the dark about the extent of data access the games have. The study highlights the need for transparency in this regard.

Privacy Risks and Solutions

Privacy issues in the gaming community are further complicated by harassment and the burnout culture prevalent in the industry. The push for more tech regulation in the EU and the US has brought these concerns to the forefront. The study revealed that players are often unaware that their chat-based conversations might be disclosed to third parties, and games fail to notify players about data sharing during the gameplay.

The study also found that players, especially female gamers, are aware of the risks and adopt various strategies to maintain their privacy. They opt for text chats instead of voice chats, believing they may be under closer scrutiny. Female players often feel the need to conceal their gender by using different avatars or avoiding voice conversations with others.

To address these issues, the study recommends more transparent data collection approaches. Games and gaming platforms should strive to protect the privacy of all players. This means making sure that players understand and consent to data collection practices, ultimately increasing player awareness and a sense of control in games. Moreover, gaming companies should prioritize players' privacy and safety in online gaming environments.

In conclusion, the gaming industry should prioritize creating a fun and safe experience for everyone while supporting player autonomy. One essential step in this direction is allowing players to opt out of invasive data collection, ensuring that gaming remains a positive and secure space for all.

Source: Aalto University

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Gaming Privacy Concerns: Navigating the Online Gaming World, AnaTechmaz, pp. 3