Can game companies track what I do online?

Gaming is a grand way to unwind, but there’s often more going on in the background than you might realise. Many game companies actively track your behaviour – both in-game and across the wider internet. They collect detailed gaming data, including how you play and even what you do while browsing online.

Want to know how it works – why companies do it, what kind of data they collect, what your rights are under the law, and, most importantly, how to protect your privacy? One easy way is by using prepaid game cards from Recharge.

Interested in 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 just 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 react to certain situations during gameplay

This data is gathered through cookies, tracking pixels and your account information. But it doesn’t end there. If you’ve connected your gaming profile to platforms like Facebook, Google or Xbox, you’re likely (often without realising it) giving access to even more data – like your browsing habits, interests, and social media activity. This is known as cross-platform tracking.

That information is used to tailor ads, and sometimes even to alter your in-game experience based on your online behaviour outside of the game. Understandably, this raises questions about how private your gaming really is.

Why Do Game Companies Collect All This Data?

Usually, it’s for two main reasons:

1. Optimisation: gaming companies analyse where players drop off or get frustrated so they can fix bugs or adjust the game to improve the overall experience.
2. Commercial Interests: your behaviour is used for targeted ads or well-timed offers – whether it’s weapons, outfits, or new levels. These offers can be so well-tailored that you might not even realise you’re being nudged.

Even if you think you’re not sharing much, accounts linked across platforms can pass on a surprising amount of data behind the scenes.

That’s why it’s important to stay aware of what you’re sharing – even if you’re using a prepaid game card.

Can Game Companies Track Me Outside the Game?

Many gamers think: am I still being tracked when I’m not actually playing?

The short answer is yes – to a degree. If your gaming account is linked to other services (like Google or social media), or if you’re logged into their website, companies can continue to track your behaviour online.

This kind of tracking falls under broader online profiling, where not just your gaming habits, but also your general internet activity, is collected. Your browsing history can be tracked through cookies or embedded scripts – and even incognito mode won’t fully hide you.

Does Incognito Mode Protect Me from Tracking?

Not really. Incognito mode only stops your browser from saving things like history and cookies locally. Game companies, advertisers, internet providers, and network administrators can still follow your activity.

If you’re gaming on mobile data or using a VPN, your IP address is hidden, which gives you a bit more privacy. But keep in mind – some games and browser extensions may still gather data, especially if you’ve linked accounts together.

Can My Employer See What I’m Doing?

If you’re using a work network for gaming or browsing, then yes – a network administrator might be able to see what you’re up to. Your Chrome history, for instance, doesn’t delete itself automatically, and it can be accessed unless you take precautions like clearing it or using a VPN.

Plenty of people ask: is it legal for my employer to access my webcam or listen in on what I’m doing? Generally, the answer is no – not without your permission. Employers must have a solid reason and obtain your clear consent before doing anything like that. Otherwise, it’s not legally allowed.

That said, anything you post publicly – like on social media – can be seen by anyone, including your employer. So it’s a good idea to review your settings if you want to keep things private.

Can Game Companies Use My Webcam?

Technically, they could – but it’s highly unlikely. Accessing your webcam or microphone without your consent is not only invasive but also legally very risky. It usually only happens through malware or dodgy third-party software.

If you download lots of new games or use smaller, lesser-known platforms, be extra cautious. Covering your webcam when you’re not using it is a small step that could save you hassle later.

How Can I Protect My Game Data Privacy?

Here are a few handy tips to help you stay in control of your game data privacy:

• Limit account connections

Avoid linking your gaming accounts to other platforms. The fewer connections, the less data is shared.

• Use a separate email address for gaming

Keep your gaming identity apart from your personal one. Check out our article on using separate email addresses.

• Read the privacy policy (yes, really)

Look out for mentions of ‘data sharing’ or ‘third parties’. That’ll tell you who’s getting your data.

• Use a VPN

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet connection. It’s especially handy if you game on public Wi-Fi or mobile networks.

• Pay with prepaid game cards

This way, you avoid sharing your banking details with game companies. Prepaid game cards from Recharge let you make in-game purchases safely and anonymously – ideal for keeping your personal data to yourself.

What Does the Law Say About Data Collection in Games?

In Ireland (and across the EU), strict data protection rules are in place thanks to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Game companies can only collect data that you’ve clearly agreed to share. You usually give that consent when setting up an account or installing a game.

But who really reads all those terms and conditions? Most of us just click ‘accept’ and carry on, without knowing exactly what we’re agreeing to. That makes it hard to keep track of what companies know about us.

You’re in Control of What You Share

Whether you’re a fully-fledged gamer or just enjoy the odd session, your gaming data privacy matters. You might not always know what game companies know about you, but you can take steps to limit how much you share.

One simple option is to use prepaid game cards from Recharge. They help you keep your spending in check and your personal details safe – so you can keep enjoying the games you love without compromising your privacy.

Browse all prepaid game cards on Recharge