Gamer parents are most concerned with multiplayer games, UGC
A new study from WebPurify shows that gamers turned parents are less concerned with the content of games compared to the risks posed by other players and user-generated content. UGC (44%), inappropriate interactions in multiplayer games (41%) and interactions with strangers (40%) were ranked as top concerns.
The study surveyed 1,008 U.S. gamers who are parents to kids that also play video games. As a result, the surveyed parents are familiar with risks to young gamers. Additionally, it highlights how games have evolved across generations.
“Video games as a medium have evolved so drastically from what I remember playing when I was a kid, games like Duck Hunt. Today’s games are more realistic, more engaging and more interactive between players – all aspects that make them more compelling but also present avenues for misuse,” said Joshua Buxbaum, director of client services at WebPurify. “This new data critically sets the record straight on long-held speculations about the impacts of today’s games on children: it’s not the game content doing the most harm, it’s the players themselves and the interactions in-game that often go unchecked. It’s clear that game developers must pay closer attention to moderating user-generated content in upcoming games, to win over both young players and their parents.”
According to the study the majority of parents have encountered UGC that is extremely offensive. Nearly 75% of gamer parents have seen an obviously inappropriate usernames. Two thirds have seen unchecked bullying of another player. Hate speech is also a major concern. Over 60% of parents have seen offensive language around sexual orientation, racism and gender discrimination.
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