– 80% of gamers encounter cheating in online games –

– Over half of gamers (55%) have either reduced or stopped spending on in-game purchases because of cheating

Four out of five gamers have faced cheating in online play, exposing a crisis that threatens the integrity of the global games industry. That’s the headline finding from new research by PlaySafe ID, the platform dedicated to keeping cheaters, bots, and predators out of video games. Based on a survey of more than 2,000 gamers in the UK and USA, the results are detailed in Gaming’s Cheating Crisis Report, a landmark whitepaper revealing the scale, impact, and risks of unchecked cheating.

The effects of this on gamers, and therefore for game studios alike are stark. The data reveals severe implications for studio revenue with 55% of gamers admitting to having either reduced or stopped spending on in-game purchases because of cheating. A further 42% of gamers said that they have considered quitting a game entirely because of cheaters. These numbers make one thing clear, cheating isn’t just a player experience issue; it’s a direct threat to revenue. Studios can no longer afford to overlook it.

The data clearly shows that the vast majority of gamers are ready for change. With 83% saying they would be more likely to play a game that promotes itself as cheater-free, more than just an empty promise players are willing to take actionable steps if studios get on board with 73% comfortable verifying their identity to ensure a cheater free experience. This desire for accountability extends beyond a single title, as 79% believe cheating penalties should apply across multiple games.

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

Key findings of Gaming’s Cheating Crisis Report:

• Cheating is a problem: 80% of gamers encounter it in online games. Only 20% of gamers have never come across a cheater.
• The hidden cost: cheating has a direct financial impact on the games industry, as 55% of gamers have either reduced or stopped spending on in-game purchases because of it.
• Retention risks: 42% of gamers have considered quitting a game entirely because of cheaters.
• Solutions and accountability: 83% would be more likely to play a game that is credibly promoted as being cheat-free. The gaming community is highly receptive to identity verification: 71% would be comfortable verifying their identity with an accredited verification company.

Given the deeply ingrained nature of cheating and its negative effects on players, the PlaySafe ID whitepaper explores opportunities for developers and publishers to retain players and protect revenue, highlighting the potential for fairer gaming environments. The whitepaper outlines current trends in player sentiment towards anti-cheat measures, including identity verification and cross-game penalties, which can be utilised to unlock the potential of a more accountability led gaming ecosystem. Gaming’s Cheating Crisis Report is available to download here.

Board approves stock split and 1:1 bonus issue

Nazara Technologies Limited (“Nazara”) posted a sharp growth in Q1FY26 with revenues of ₹498.8 crore (+99% YoY) and EBITDA of ₹47.4 crore (+90% YoY). The core gaming business achieved a 24.4% EBITDA margin, reflecting strong execution of its IP-led gaming strategy.

PAT in Q1FY26 was ₹51.3 crores, marking a 118% YoY increase and underlining the company’s continued ability to generate sustainable profits even as it invests for growth.

Growth was led by strong performances from Fusebox, Animal Jam, and Curve Games, supported by the company’s Centers of Excellence in User Acquisition and Analytics. “We are seeing early results from our sharpened focus on IP-led gaming and are reinvesting this momentum into expanding our IP portfolio and strengthening UA to drive sustained growth. We have also strengthened our leadership team with recent appointments bringing deep expertise in gaming,” said Nitish Mittersain, Joint MD & CEO, Nazara Technologies Ltd.

The board also approved Sub-division of equity shares and issue of Bonus Shares as follows:

1. Sub-division of 1 (One) equity share of face value of Rs. 4/- (Rupees Four) each fully paid-up into 2 (Two) equity shares of face value of Rs. 2/- (Rupees Two) each fully paid-up; and
2. Issue of bonus equity shares in the ratio of 1:1 i.e., 1 (One) bonus equity share of Rs. 2/- (Rupees Two) each for every 1 (One) equity share of Rs. 2/- (Rupees Two) each fully paid-up.

US charity BetBlocker and the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), an independent association representing 90% of the legal U.S. sports betting industry, are today announcing a partnership to ensure that any American can access free, anonymous to use blocking software.

BetBlocker provides free, anonymous to use, blocking software allowing users to manage their access to online gambling services. The charity has supported over a 150k active users 2025, including over 10k US users.

Duncan Garvie, Founder of BetBlocker, offered this comment on the partnership:

“The single most effective way for BetBlocker to reach the audience that stand to benefit from our tool is via partnerships with the industry. ROGA represents a coordinated by the U.S. industry to improve responsible gaming standards throughout the sector. Having their backing for the BetBlocker project is a significant step forward for our organisation and will ensure that people who want support to structure where and when they can play online will be able to do so anonymously and for free.”

ROGA was established to raise the standard for responsible online gaming through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to evidence-based practices,” said Dr. Jennifer Shatley, Executive Director of ROGA. “Making resources like BetBlocker more visible and accessible is one way we put that mission into action. We’re equipping individuals with practical tools that support their decisions and well-being.”

BetBlocker’s app is available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux and Fire OS and can be set-up in under two minutes. The service is committed to reducing barriers to access to blocking software to improve engagement with this effective gaming management tool. ROGA’s commitment to viewing players as individuals and customizing support to their needs’ aligns perfectly with the soon to be launched Scheduling feature that BetBlocker will provide, supporting players to create profiles to ensures their block is on when they need it.

This collaboration represents a conscious commitment by both organizations to ensure that players who need support to manage their engagement with online gaming are supported with a diverse spectrum of available support options that can be tailored to the person’s individual needs.

About the Responsible Online Gaming Association
Launched in March 2024, the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) is comprised of eight of the nation’s largest online gaming operators, committed to promoting evidence-based best practices for responsible gaming. More information about ROGA is available here.

About BetBlocker
BetBlocker, a charity registered in Delaware. It is a not-for-profit that provides the only free (to everyone) gambling blocking software and multi-site and multi-jurisdiction responsible gaming mechanisms for consumers. At no cost, the game-changing software empowers users to play responsibly, allowing them to take steps to manage their access to gaming across all devices and platforms. BetBlocker is available all over the world and captures both regulated and unregulated gaming sites and apps.