Radicalization in Gaming: A Global Threat Requiring International Action

• In Event: EXTREME Panel 4. Radicalization pathways

Abstract

Extremist actors exploit interactive game features, anonymous communication channels, and social networks within the gaming community to spread ideologies and recruit followers. European efforts to regulate and prevent such activities are increasing. This presenation explores the global challenges related with radicalization risks within gaming platforms. It is based on key findings from the project "Gaming Ecosystem as a Multi-layered Security Threat” (GEMS).
The project combines a comparative analysis of radicalization patterns across various regions with an assessment of existing regulatory measures. Case studies from North America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are supplemented by expert interviews with representatives from cybersecurity research, the gaming industry, and law enforcement agencies.
Results show, that extremist groups utilize platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft to spread violent content and recreate historical acts of violence (e.g., reenactments of the Anders Breivik attack). While some countries, like the United States, are developing early countermeasures such as content moderation algorithms to detect extremist networks, many other regions lack similar initiatives. Australia, for instance, has raised the minimum age for social media use, yet no specific gaming-related counter-radicalization measures are in place. According to United Nations research, no standardized international strategy currently exists to combat radicalization in gaming environments. Africa, with its rapidly expanding gaming community, has been identified as a major target for extremist recruitment.
Results show the urgent need for stronger international collaboration between law enforcement and game developers to effectively combat extremism in gaming environments. Prevention strategies must be region-specific to account for cultural and economic differences. Technological moderation tools, targeted educational programs, and community-driven initiatives are crucial components in addressing extremist activities in digital gaming spaces.

Authors

• Dominic Kudlacek, Hochschule Bremerhaven

• Lennard John, Agentur für Sicherheitsforschung, Kriminologie und Kriminalpolitik