Mobile gaming is everywhere, and people who engage in such activities barely comprehend the essence of the software they install and give permissions to. Anyway, mobile games require certain information derived from personal devices so as to present customized experiences and adjust settings according to particular circumstances (i.e., a phone type, location, the age of a player, etc.).
Nevertheless, mobile games capture more data than one could ever imagine. Not only do these applications track phone number free of limits imposed by devices and their configurations, but they also inquire about sensitive information from other services and share it with commercially famished third parties or, which is even worse, with malevolent forces of all types. So, how does data collection work, and why could your favorite games become your worst enemies?
In order to answer research questions inquired by third-party companies, test their hypotheses, and assess results, one may rely on data collecting, i.e., the act of systematically obtaining and quantifying information on aspects of interest, often derived from multiple sources at the same time.
Data collection in the context of mobile games refers to the ongoing, typically automated gathering of user data, such as device specs, location data, personal information, and behavioral patterns with the so-called aim to improve game design, customize user experiences, and advance monetization tactics. Though this strategy is indeed beneficial for companies and their sales, it also poses serious privacy and data security issues.
Generally speaking, mobile games gather a lot of data, from simple demographics to complex patterns of users’ behavior and their preferences. Among the most popular categories of data that can be collected are:
Personal Information: This usually includes information such as phone numbers, email addresses, and the names of phone holders. In essence, players grant access to their private data when simply signing in to games (frequently with the use of their email addresses or social media accounts alike).
Device Information: Mobile applications like gaming software get information about the device being used, such as its manufacturer and model, operating system, unique device identifiers (e.g., IMEI numbers), screen resolution, and even battery life. As developers assert, this should assist them in optimizing speed and ensuring compatibility across various devices, too.
Location Data: A lot of mobile games employ GPS or Wi-Fi triangulation to track players' current whereabouts and deliver unique deals according to the region and date. The relevancy of in-game offers can be boosted by using this data to provide location-based information or advertisements, but privacy concerns cannot be ignored anyway.
Behavioral data: Behavioral data is a potentially significant category that comprises information about how players engage in the game, which includes in-game purchases, session length, frequency of play, and even movement patterns through the game. Indeed, this might be overly helpful to have this data to drive monetization strategies, optimize game design, and understand player preferences (from the developer's perspective, for sure).
Social Interactions: Games with social features, such as social media integration or multiplayer modes, may acquire information about how users communicate with one another through chat logs, friend lists, and patterns of cooperation or competition during gameplay. What is the reason? The universal answer is yet to be found.
The massive data collecting procedures in mobile games have a dramatic impact on consumers, for this definitely changes their experiences, privacy, and even freedom of choice. Positively, the information acquired facilitates extremely personalized gaming experiences, powered by recommendations, advertisements, and content that are specifically matched to each player's actions and tastes.
However, there are some disadvantages to data collection as well. The loss of user privacy is one of the biggest worries people face as a result of this type of sharing. To be brief, users may unintentionally expose themselves to threats like data breaches, identity theft, or illegal sharing of their information with third parties when games gather copious amounts of personal, behavioral, and location data, too. Well-detailed user profiles that can be generated from this data collection can also be used for manipulative purposes, such as promoting in-game purchases or manipulating user behavior.
In addition, consumers may feel uncomfortable due to the constant surveillance that comes with data collecting, as they become more conscious of how much information is being tracked down and examined in terms of their lives. Therefore, consumers might begin to question the platforms they use and become ever more worried about the usage, storage, and sharing of personal data.
Review App Permissions: Verify the permissions a game requests before installing it. Apps that require access to superfluous data, such as your contacts, location, or microphone, should be avoided unless they are vital for the functioning of the game
Use Privacy-Focused Tools: Take into account the use of privacy-enhancing tools such as app blockers that stop games from accessing specific types of data or VPNs that can mask your IP address. Besides, search engines and browsers with privacy features can also reduce monitoring when playing online games.
Opt Out of Data Collection: Numerous games and platforms have options to restrict data collection, e.g., blocking customized advertisements or restricting access to particular data. When it is feasible, opt out to limit the amount of data that is gathered as a whole.
Limit Social Media Integration: Avoid connecting your game accounts to your social media profiles, for this may result in surveillance and data sharing that is broader than before. To separate your information, make a different email for each game account and enjoy the game this way only.
Regularly Update Your Devices: Having the most recent security patches on your devices and apps will shield you from flaws that could allow trackers access to your data. So, do not forget to update your phones and tablets on time.
Read Privacy Policies: Though frequently ignored, examining a game's privacy policy can reveal information about the types of data being gathered and how it will be used further. When one knows this information and acknowledges the consequences of this process, it gets easier to choose wisely whether to interact with the game or not.
Be Cautious with In-Game Purchases: So as to reduce financial tracking, stay away from recording payment information in games and consider employing prepaid cards or digital wallets in turn.
It is an open secret that mobile games do provide fun and interaction, yet they may often compromise user privacy due to their vast data harvesting strategies and tools. It is vital that players comprehend the categories of information gathered and the consequences for their privacy so as to take preventative measures and shield themselves from invasive surveillance at last. Enjoy the games but never fall into the trap of marketing.
