Can game companies track what I do online?

Gaming is a great way to relax, but there’s often more going on behind the scenes than you might realise. Many game companies actively track your behaviour – both while you’re gaming and when you’re browsing elsewhere online. They collect detailed gaming data, including how you play and even your online activity outside the game.

Here’s how it all works – why game companies do this, what kind of data they’re collecting, what your rights are, and most importantly, how to protect your privacy. One easy way? Use prepaid game cards from Recharge.

Curious about what gaming platforms actually know about you? Read: Is Your Gaming Data Safe? What Platforms Know About You.

What Do Game Companies Actually Know About Me?

Game companies keep track of much more than your in-game progress. They collect video game data such as:

• How long and how often you play
• Which levels you complete
• What in-game purchases you make
• How you respond to different in-game situations

They gather this data through cookies, tracking pixels, and account information. But it doesn’t stop there. If you’ve linked your gaming profile to accounts like Facebook, Google or Xbox, you’re probably (without realising it) giving access to even more – like your browsing habits, interests, and social media activity. This is known as cross-platform tracking.

That data can be used to personalise advertising, or even to change your in-game experience based on your behaviour outside the game. Understandably, that raises questions about just how private your gaming really is.

Why Do Game Companies Collect All This Data?

There are usually two main reasons:

1. Optimisation: game developers use the data to figure out where players are struggling or dropping off. It helps them fix bugs or adjust the gameplay experience.
2. Commercial Interests: your behaviour is also used for targeted advertising or well-timed offers – whether it’s skins, weapons or level unlocks. These offers are often so timely and personal that you barely notice they’re ads.

Even if you think you’re not sharing much, linking your accounts across platforms can quietly pass on a lot more data than you might expect.

That’s why it’s worth being mindful of what you’re connecting –  even if you’re using a prepaid game card.

Can Game Companies Track Me Outside the Game?

Plenty of gamers wonder: can a game company track what I do when I’m not gaming?

The short answer is yes, to an extent. If your gaming account is linked to other services (like Google or social platforms), or if you’re logged into their site, they can track your online behaviour even when you’re not playing.

This kind of game company tracking is part of broader online profiling. It doesn’t just focus on your gaming behaviour, but also your overall online preferences. Your browsing history can be tracked using cookies or scripts. Even private or incognito mode won’t fully hide you.

Does Incognito Mode Protect Me from Tracking?

Not completely. Incognito mode only stops your browser from saving things like browsing history and cookies locally. It doesn’t prevent websites, advertisers, or game companies from tracking your activity in real time.

If you’re gaming using mobile data or a VPN, your IP address is hidden, which offers a bit more privacy. Still, some games or browser extensions may continue to collect data – especially if your accounts are linked across platforms.

Can My Employer See What I’m Doing?

If you’re gaming or browsing while connected to a work network, then yes – a network administrator could see what you’re doing. Your Chrome history doesn’t delete itself automatically, and unless you’re using a VPN or clearing your history, it can potentially be viewed.

People often ask: is it legal for my employer to access my webcam or listen in on conversations? And generally, the answer is no – not without your consent. Employers need a valid reason and your clear approval before monitoring you in that way. Otherwise, it could breach privacy laws.

However, anything you post publicly (like on social media) can still be seen – including by your boss. So it’s a good idea to check your settings if you want to keep things more private.

Can Game Companies Use My Webcam?

Technically, yes – but it’s very rare. Accessing your webcam or microphone without your consent is not only invasive, but also a legal nightmare. It usually only happens through malware or dodgy software.

If you’re in the habit of downloading a lot of new games or using little-known platforms, be cautious. Covering your webcam when you’re not using it is a simple habit that can save you from bigger issues down the track.

How Can I Protect My Game Data Privacy?

Here are a few practical tips to help you take better control of your game data privacy:

• Limit account linking

Avoid connecting your gaming accounts to your other platforms. The fewer links, the less data can be shared.

• Use a separate email address for gaming

Keep your gaming identity separate from your personal one. Read our article on why you should use separate email addresses.

• Actually read the privacy policy

Yes, really. Look for terms like ‘data sharing’ or ‘third parties’ – that’ll give you a sense of how your data is being used.

• Use a VPN

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet connection – especially handy if you’re gaming on public Wi-Fi or using mobile networks.

• Pay with prepaid game cards

That way, you’re not sharing your bank details with game companies. Prepaid game cards from Recharge let you make in-game purchases safely and anonymously, which helps protect your private data.

What Does the Law Say About Data Collection in Games?

In Australia, the Privacy Act 1988 and guidelines from the OAIC (Office of the Australian Information Commissioner) give you certain rights over how your personal data is collected and used.

Game companies must clearly tell you what data they’re collecting and get your consent before doing so. That consent usually happens when you sign up or install a game.

That said – let’s be honest – most people just click ‘accept’ without reading the fine print. That makes it hard to know exactly what you’ve agreed to share.

You’re in Control of What You Share

Whether you’re gaming practically all day every day or just here and there, your game data privacy matters. You might not be able to see exactly what game companies know about you – but you can take steps to reduce what you give away.

One simple option is to use prepaid game cards from Recharge. They help you manage your spending, and you don’t need to hand over your bank details – which keeps your privacy intact while still enjoying the games you love.

Browse all prepaid game cards on Recharge