The gaming industry has become a behemoth in the entertainment world, surpassing Hollywood in terms of monetary value, reaching a staggering $196 billion in 2023. However, with this growth comes new challenges, as these digital platforms are increasingly becoming recruitment grounds for extremists. Recognizing this alarming trend, counter-terrorism specialists and gaming companies have come together in an unprecedented collaboration to address the threat.
In a recent interview with UN News, Steven Siqueira, Deputy Director of the UN Counter Terrorism Centre (part of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism) and Leif Villadsen, Acting Director of the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), discussed the growing threat posed by extremists targeting gaming spaces and adjacent platforms like Discord and Telegram. The two senior officials recently hosted a landmark event called New Quest Unlocked, which brought together gaming companies, policymakers, and researchers to address violent extremism in gaming spaces.
“The alarming trend has necessitated a collaborative research approach with the gaming industry and adjacent platforms,” Mr. Siqueira said, highlighting the need for cooperation to combat the growing threat. Extremist groups are increasingly using gaming platforms to spread their message and recruit vulnerable individuals, making it essential for stakeholders to work together to address this issue.
When asked about the motivation behind the collaboration between UNICRI, UNOCT, gaming companies, policymakers, and researchers, Mr. Siqueira emphasized the importance of recognizing the reach and influence of the gaming industry. With a market value five times that of the movie industry, gaming platforms have become a powerful tool for reaching young people and spreading extremist ideologies.
Recent intelligence reports have raised concerns about the level of threat posed by extremists using gaming platforms. Mr. Siqueira noted that while gaming has many positive aspects, there is a growing risk of terrorists and violent extremist groups exploiting these platforms to disseminate propaganda and recruit followers. In Australia, for example, approximately one in five counter-terrorism cases now involve young people, with gaming platforms playing a role in every investigated case.
The evolving landscape of the gaming industry challenges common perceptions about these platforms. While traditionally seen as a pastime for young people, the average age of gamers is now around 30-35, and the gender balance within the gaming community has become more equitable. This shift in demographics has implications for how extremists target and recruit individuals within the gaming community.
UNICRI’s research has also focused on Africa’s gaming market, recognizing the region as a crucial area for understanding future challenges. Africa has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for mobile games, with an increasing number of young people engaging with gaming platforms. This growth presents both opportunities and risks, as extremists may seek to exploit the popularity of gaming in the region to target vulnerable individuals.
In response to these challenges, UNICRI and UNOCT have emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to address violent extremism in gaming spaces. By bringing together gaming companies, policymakers, and researchers, initiatives like New Quest Unlocked aim to raise awareness of the threats posed by extremists in the gaming community and develop strategies to counter them.
As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the risks posed by extremists. By working together, the gaming community can create a safer and more secure environment for all players, free from the influence of violent extremist ideologies.
