Gaming

Online gaming refers to any game that offers online interactions with other players. Online games offer a huge amount of fun, enjoyment and opportunities for teamwork and collaboration. Each game is different in terms of the information that you can share, and type of interaction that is possible, with other gamers.

Online games can involve:

• cooperative experiences, where players team up to accomplish common goals

• competitive formats, where players compete against one another

They can feature a variety of genres, including:

• first-person shooters

• role-playing games

• real-time strategy

• sports simulations

Spending money while gaming is an area of growing concern, particularly in games aimed at children and young people.

Many online games now offer in-game purchasing. Often these games do not cost anything to download and play initially, which can be appealing. However, in order to fund game development, players can pay to unlock content or features in the game.

Purchases usually range from low-value ‘microtransactions’, such as an item that boosts performance, to high value, such as a bundle of currency or access to additional levels.

Purchases can include:

• low-value ‘microtransactions’, such as an item that boosts performance

• high value transactions, such as a bundle of currency or access to additional levels

• skins that change the appearance of the character you are playing with

• loot boxes, where there is the chance to win a virtual item of varying value

There is luck involved with loot boxes so this can be seen as a gamble.

In some cases, it is impossible to finish a game without paying for something. Pressure from friends, other online gamers and influencers can lead gamers to want to spend money on the best items available.

The way a game is designed can make children and young people feel like they are not spending ‘real’ money. They can rack up charges accidentally without their parent or carer’s consent, particularly if a debit or credit card is linked to the account.

How to avoid in-game purchases

Research the game and understand how it is monetised before you download it. Games with in-app purchases will typically be labelled as such on the app store’s rating system. Young people and grown-ups doing this together will help both parties to:

• better understand how in-game purchases work

• avoid unintentionally making them

Become familiar with the settings menu on the game. There may be options to turn off in-app purchases or parental controls may be available. Our app guides provide further information about the settings of specific online gaming apps.

Have open conversations in your family about online gaming. Set clear spending limits and ensure there is an understanding of the real-world value of money.

Extended reality (XR) is a term for a group of technologies that offer immersive experiences that blend the digital and physical world.

Virtual reality (VR)

VR creates an immersive digital environment using images, sound and other stimuli. Through headsets and controllers users can interact with and feel as if they are physically present in a different world. Many popular games use VR in different ways, including for:

• physical activity

• deep storytelling

• exploration

Augmented reality (AR)

AR overlays digital content onto the physical world through devices like smartphones and AR glasses. For example, AR can:

• display navigation directions on a car's windshield

• project virtual furniture into your living room to see how it fits

Mixed reality (MR)

MR blends VR and AR to create immersive environments. Through MR users can interact with real and virtual objects simultaneously.

Benefits of XR

Enhanced learning

The immersive experience XR provides can:

• make educational content more engaging

• provide realistic simulations without real-world risks (valuable for training across various fields)

Accessibility

Immersive technologies can:

• provide new ways for people to experience and interact with the world, such as through virtual travel

• improve accessibility by enhancing visual and auditory experiences for users with impairments

Physical activity

Some games promote physical activity by encouraging players to move around in the real world.

Social interaction

Many XR games allow users to connect and collaborate with others.

Risks of XR

Physical safety

VR headsets can pose a risk of accidents if users do not have a safe play area free of obstacles.

Screen time

Excessive screen time can:

• lead to eye strain

• disrupt a healthy balance between gaming and other activities

Privacy concerns

Sharing personal information and location data can compromise your privacy and safety if not properly managed.

Inappropriate content

VR multi-user spaces may expose users to violent, sexual or otherwise inappropriate content.

Exploitation

The anonymity offered by avatars can reduce users’ inhibitions. This can encourage them to take risks. NSPCC research found that children and young people using XR can be at increased risk of being:

• groomed

• coerced

• exploited

Enjoy the benefits of XR more safely

Check age ratings

Always verify the age ratings of XR games to ensure they are suitable for the player's age group. Ratings from organisations like PEGI (Pan European Game Information) can help you.

Check content descriptors

These provide useful additional information about whether a game's content includes:

• violence

• bad language

• suggestive themes

Review privacy settings

Before using an XR application, check its privacy policy to see what data it collects and how it uses it.

Adjust privacy settings

You can control what information is shared on your device and within apps by:

• disabling location tracking

• limiting data collection

• managing permissions for camera and microphone access

Use secure connections

For XR applications that require online access you should:

• ensure your internet connection is secure

• avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities

Set up parental controls

Use parental control features on XR devices to manage and restrict content access. This can include setting age restrictions, limiting screen time and monitoring usage.

Creating separate accounts for children allows you to tailor specific controls based on a child’s age and maturity.

Parents and carers should have regular conversations with their children about:

• what they are accessing

• how much time they are spending on XR devices