Online games have become some of the largest social spaces in the world, creating new opportunities for connection and creativity while introducing new challenges around protecting younger players. The newest GamesBeat Report, created in partnership with k-ID, examines how the games industry, regulators, and technology companies are responding.
Creating a safer, more trusted future for online communities explores the changing landscape of online safety, from age assurance and privacy-by-design to content moderation, harmful interactions and emerging risks associated with new technologies.
Curated by GamesBeat Studio and the GamesBeat editorial team, the report brings together data, regulatory developments and industry examples to examine how expectations around online safety are changing.
A changing landscape for online safety
The need for effective safety systems is clear. According to the Entertainment Software Association, 83% of children ages 5 to 12 in the U.S. play video games weekly, while 2023 research from the Anti-Defamation League found that 75% of young people ages 10 to 17 who play online multiplayer games experienced harassment.
At the same time, governments are taking a more active role. States across the U.S. have introduced legislation addressing children’s privacy, age assurance, and platform responsibilities, creating a complex regulatory environment for developers and publishers.
The Online Safety Act in the UK also requires social media companies and search engines to protect users from illegal and harmful material. Then there is also the Digital Services Act (DSA), across the European Union, which, according to the European Commission, is a regulation designed to create a safe, predictable, and trusted online environment by holding digital platforms accountable for illegal content and systemic risks.
The report examines these changes alongside the tools and strategies companies are using to build safer online communities, offering a look at where the industry stands and what comes next.
“Online safety is no longer something that can be treated as an add-on to the player experience,” said Kieran Donovan, CEO of k-ID. “As gaming becomes a more vital part of how young people socialize and connect, the industry needs practical systems that protect players while allowing them to enjoy the experiences they came for.”
Creating a safer, more trusted future for online communities provides developers, publishers, policymakers, and other industry leaders with data and insights into the decisions shaping the future of online communities.
While safety is paramount, the report also details how the gaming industry needs practical systems that adapt each player’s experience for it to be suitable for that player’s age. This allows teenage players to enjoy the experiences they came for, while keeping younger children safe.
Download the report now: Creating a safer, more trusted future for online communities.
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