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Negative impacts of scamming in player-to-player transactions within massively multiplayer online games

Research Output:
Contribution to conference
Paper
 Peer-review

Open access

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well

Abstract

Scamming is a dishonest or fraudulent attempt to take virtual in-game currency or something of value, such as in-game assets from other players. Although well-known anecdotally in gaming communities, little data exists into the prevalence and effects of scamming on massively multiplayer online game players. Possible reasons for this are that many game developers avoid open discussion of scamming for fear of making the problem worse and damaging reputation. This study investigates scamming in the context of player-to-player in game trading. We explore how common scamming is and player-reported negative impacts that result. Data from players was gathered via a questionnaire (n=116). Analysis showed that around 1 in 5 respondents (19.4%) had been directly affected by scamming. The most common scams were non-technical and involved exploitation of misplaced trust. Targeted players reported a number of impacts including negative emotional responses, changes to their perception about the individual, community or company running the game, reduced playing time or quitting the game and difficulties trusting other players. CCS CONCEPTS • Human and societal impacts of security and privacy • Interaction design • Computer games

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output:
Contribution to conference
Paper
 Peer-review

Original language

English

Publication milestones

  • Published - 06/2023

Publication status

Published - 06/2023

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