Online console games, interactive games and MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) all provide players the ability to interact with others in their favorite games. The addition of real-time multi-player interaction takes gaming to the next level and allows players to interact with others of similar interests. Most of the popular gaming companies go to great measures to provide players with a safe and comfortable environment. Players and parents should be aware of the possibility of scams, inappropriate player behavior, and PC security threats associated with game add-ons and player collaboration.

• Parents or guardians should closely evaluate the content and activities of children and minors participating within gaming communities. These communities can pose the same threats as other social networking environments. Online predators, inappropriate language/content, and “cyber-bullying” could all be relevant concerns.
• Online scams, cheats, and game currency scams are common in the online gaming environment. Many game providers closely monitor this type of activity and cancel or revoke memberships for inappropriate behavior. Closely monitor any type of “add-ons” or online purchases made for games and check the game vendor’s Acceptable Use Policy before purchasing 3rd party “helper” applications. Purchasing game currency, trading accounts, or installing cheats violates most of these companies’ policies and companies that provide such services should not be provided with personal or banking information. Any third-party gaming software poses the same threat of containing malicious code as other software downloads. Check with other users who may have downloaded this content before installing on your PC.
• Many gaming clans or guilds offer online user forums, instant messaging, and even voice chat (through services such as TeamSpeak or Ventrillo). If minors are utilizing such services, supervision may be appropriate until a level of comfort is established with the clan/guild in question.