Unpacking the Dynamics of Harm in Game Cheating Communities: A Guiding Framework for Cross-Industry Intervention

Abstract

As a part of the broader investigation into the social dynamics within game cheating communities, this study sheds light on the risks faced by users that surpass the conventional boundaries of gaming environments. Drawing on insights from interviews with 70 individuals with cheating experiences and a literature review, we present a framework that categorises the observed social dynamics into four distinct collectives, each varying in size and characteristics. This framework offers a nuanced perspective on how individuals engage with cheating, portraying these communities as complex networks with potential victims and perpetrators, rather than mere assemblies of rule-breakers. Through expert feedback, we evaluate the applicability of our framework in practice, and identify three areas of concern that warrant attention by both the gaming industry and broader sectors: the pervasiveness of toxic behaviours, the absence of ethical boundaries, and the oversight of supporting roles that facilitate cheating. This research surfaces the need for targeted strategies to safeguard players who are not adequately covered by traditional safety measures in gaming.