80% of gamers across the UK and U.S. have encountered cheaters in online games

A new report claims that 80% of players across both the UK and the U.S. have experienced cheating in online games.

The report by PlaySafe ID, which surveyed over 2000 gamers across both countries, also found that 42% of players had quit a game because of cheaters, and 55% have reduced or stopped spending money in games altogether due to cheating.

The report claims “the effects of this on gamers, and therefore for game studios alike are stark,” with data revealing “severe implications for studio revenue.”

The research also revealed that 83% of the gamers polled would be more likely to play a title that claimed to be “cheater-free,” and 73% were willing to verify their identity to ensure a cheater-free experience.

79% of those interviewed also stressed that those identified as having cheated should be penalized across “multiple games.”

“I hate cheating in video games, it’s a serious issue that undermines player trust and directly impacts developer revenues,” said Andrew Wailes, founder and CEO of PlaySafe ID.

“From looking at our data it’s clear that gamers agree and that they are not only aware of the problem, but they’re ready to be part of the solution. Gamers are ready, the responsibility to address cheating now falls squarely on studios and developers with robust, effective, and most importantly transparent measures.”