A big part of online gaming is the connection people feel with other players. Most platforms introduce features such as chat rooms, shared lobbies, voice chat, profile information, and more, to foster camaraderie between players. However, while connectivity is a major aspect of online gaming's appeal, it can create problems associated with excessive information sharing.
It is possible to enjoy online gaming to the full without risking personal data. This practice is already popular in the iGaming industry, where people play casino games anonymously on platforms that don't require KYC (Know Your Customer) information, allowing users to concentrate on the game and enjoy social features without worrying about data sharing. On gaming platforms where this anonymity is less accessible, players need to approach online gaming differently.
Understanding the source of exposure
In many cases, privacy problems do not stem from data breaches or hacking attempts. Instead, it's players offering information they shouldn't. For example, some use the same username across multiple platforms, making it easy for others to recognize and track them. For others, the flaw comes from innocuous comments in chat or too much personal information in the profile bio. Players need to understand that remaining private is a deliberate and ongoing decision, and need to be aware that small fragments of information shared online can accumulate over time. These snippets enable scammers or malicious actors to piece together a trail.
Actions required to preserve confidentiality
Treat usernames and passwords as individual identities
Players should consider their usernames as strong identities, and see them as a link between their gaming life and their general digital life. Reusing the same usernames across multiple platforms makes it much easier for those who would like to make the connection. While extreme anonymity isn't always necessary, some separation is a good idea. For example, players should not use pseudonyms linked to real information, such as their real name, year of birth or actual location. This will go a long way towards avoiding accidental exposure. What's more, many people share their passwords between platforms. According to a 2024 survey on password use, 32% of respondents use the same password on multiple sites, and 22% take no specific steps to ensure the security of their passwords.
Be careful with biographies and profiles
Many gaming platforms and forums regularly urge players to fill out their profiles and add details such as links to social networks, location and other personal information. Although many of these fields are optional, people tend to fill them in accurately. Instead, players should ask themselves whether this information is really important. In general, your teammates don't need to know your age, occupation or country of residence to enjoy playing with you.
Discuss without offering personal details
Leaks often occur in chat rooms, especially when using voice chat. It's easy to identify accents, emotional reactions and language tics on these platforms. Your teammates can also identify your schedule, especially if you log off at the same time every day for errands or activities. You don't have to avoid voice chat altogether to remain private, but a high level of restraint is necessary. Players should not share their location, daily routine, personal frustrations or even their real name when talking with other users. As far as possible, players should stick to game-related communications.
Minimize connections between accounts
To build larger ecosystems, gaming platforms encourage players to connect other accounts to their gaming profile (e-mail, payment methods, third-party services). While some of these are necessary, many are optional. Players should always limit these connections to the strict minimum to reduce the potential impact in the event of a problem. One way to prevent this is to use an e-mail address dedicated to gaming, rather than one used for other purposes. Gamers shouldn't isolate themselves, but they should set limits.
Separate social networks from gaming by default
People sometimes use social networks to publicize their gaming accounts, find like-minded players or win rewards. While this is beneficial, it shouldn't be done by default. Players should choose which clips to share, on which platform and when. This gives power back to the player and allows them to control exactly how much information they share, as well as specifying which audience sees that information. Sharing on social networks should be a deliberate decision for each scenario, not an automatic action.
