GAMING’S CHEATING CRISIS REVEALED IN FULL BY PLAYSAFE ID

– 80% of gamers encounter cheating in online games –

– Over half of gamers (55%) have either reduced or stopped spending on in-game purchases because of cheating

Four out of five gamers have faced cheating in online play, exposing a crisis that threatens the integrity of the global games industry. That’s the headline finding from new research by PlaySafe ID, the platform dedicated to keeping cheaters, bots, and predators out of video games. Based on a survey of more than 2,000 gamers in the UK and USA, the results are detailed in Gaming’s Cheating Crisis Report, a landmark whitepaper revealing the scale, impact, and risks of unchecked cheating.

The effects of this on gamers, and therefore for game studios alike are stark. The data reveals severe implications for studio revenue with 55% of gamers admitting to having either reduced or stopped spending on in-game purchases because of cheating. A further 42% of gamers said that they have considered quitting a game entirely because of cheaters. These numbers make one thing clear, cheating isn’t just a player experience issue; it’s a direct threat to revenue. Studios can no longer afford to overlook it.

The data clearly shows that the vast majority of gamers are ready for change. With 83% saying they would be more likely to play a game that promotes itself as cheater-free, more than just an empty promise players are willing to take actionable steps if studios get on board with 73% comfortable verifying their identity to ensure a cheater free experience. This desire for accountability extends beyond a single title, as 79% believe cheating penalties should apply across multiple games.

Andrew Wailes, Founder and CEO of PlaySafe ID, commented: “I hate cheating in video games, it’s a serious issue that undermines player trust and directly impacts developer revenues. From looking at our data it’s clear that gamers agree and that they are not only aware of the problem, but they’re ready to be part of the solution. Gamers are ready, the responsibility to address cheating now falls squarely on studios and developers with robust, effective and most importantly transparent measures.”

Key findings of Gaming’s Cheating Crisis Report:

• Cheating is a problem: 80% of gamers encounter it in online games. Only 20% of gamers have never come across a cheater.
• The hidden cost: cheating has a direct financial impact on the games industry, as 55% of gamers have either reduced or stopped spending on in-game purchases because of it.
• Retention risks: 42% of gamers have considered quitting a game entirely because of cheaters.
• Solutions and accountability: 83% would be more likely to play a game that is credibly promoted as being cheat-free. The gaming community is highly receptive to identity verification: 71% would be comfortable verifying their identity with an accredited verification company.

Given the deeply ingrained nature of cheating and its negative effects on players, the PlaySafe ID whitepaper explores opportunities for developers and publishers to retain players and protect revenue, highlighting the potential for fairer gaming environments. The whitepaper outlines current trends in player sentiment towards anti-cheat measures, including identity verification and cross-game penalties, which can be utilised to unlock the potential of a more accountability led gaming ecosystem. Gaming’s Cheating Crisis Report is available to download here.