Four in five gamers encounter cheating, risking studio revenue

New research by PlaySafe ID has found that 80% of gamers have encountered cheating in online games, resulting in a substantial impact on both player satisfaction and game studio revenue.

Based on responses from over 2,000 PC gamers in the UK and USA, the findings are detailed in the Gaming's Cheating Crisis Report, which highlights the prevalence of cheating and the associated risks to the industry.

The report's data shows that cheating in online games has widespread effects, with 55% of respondents saying they have either reduced or stopped spending on in-game purchases due to the presence of cheaters. In addition, 42% of gamers reported that they have considered quitting a game entirely because of cheating. These data points reflect both the emotional and financial toll that cheating places on the online gaming sector.

Revenue and retention risks

The majority of surveyed gamers indicate a strong link between the presence of cheaters and their willingness to spend time and money on a particular title. Nearly half of the respondents said they have considered abandoning a game, raising concerns for studios that rely heavily on in-game purchases. The report concludes that cheating is not just a problem for individual players but is a direct threat to the revenue streams of studios and publishers.

Only 20% of gamers surveyed have never come across a cheater, showing that exposure to cheating in online games is the standard rather than the exception. This widespread experience of cheating is contributing to a decline in both player trust and consumer engagement.

The report notes that the issue of cheating is not solely about players' dissatisfaction. It has far-reaching business implications, particularly in the context of the ongoing reliance of studios on microtransactions and other in-game spending. The reduction in engagement, as detailed by the survey, is a key indicator of the financial risk that unchecked cheating poses to gaming companies.

Accountability and player expectations

Andrew Wailes, Founder and CEO of PlaySafe ID, underlines the urgency with which the industry is being asked to act:

"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."

The report signals that players are prepared for change, with 83% of respondents saying they would be more likely to play a game that credibly promotes itself as cheat-free. Furthermore, 73% would be comfortable verifying their identity to ensure a cheater-free experience, and 79% believe that cheating penalties should apply across multiple games rather than in isolation.

The survey indicates a willingness among gamers to support tougher measures against cheating, including identity verification. According to the research, 71% of gamers would be comfortable verifying their identity with an accredited verification provider. These findings suggest a shift in player sentiment, where accountability for cheating is viewed as a necessary step toward maintaining fair gameplay and protecting the wider gaming ecosystem.

Cross-game solutions and future approaches

The PlaySafe ID report outlines opportunities for developers and publishers to take a more active approach in retaining players and protecting revenue. Among the proposed solutions are cross-game penalty systems, which could prevent cheaters from re-entering the ecosystem under new accounts. The report suggests that such measures, combined with transparent anti-cheat policies, could help foster a more trustworthy and sustainable online gaming environment.

In the context of recent incidents such as EA's blocking of over 300,000 cheating attempts during a high-profile game beta, the urgency of the cheating problem is underscored. With strong player backing for robust anti-cheat systems and cross-game penalties, the findings offer studios and publishers clear guidance for addressing cheating in online gaming. The Gaming's Cheating Crisis Report details current trends in player sentiment and outlines actionable approaches that could improve both player satisfaction and industry resilience.