Gaming – Where the Fun Ends
Gaming platforms are used for playing games and a lot of interaction takes place
Here we learn
… what it‘s all about
… that the gaming industry is not safe from abuse
… what each of us can do
Games - Only for Kids and Nerds?
37 years
average age5 Mil.
players older than 60 years48%
women in gaming34 Mil.
people in Germany play video games9,8 Bil.
Euro revenue
All Just a Game?
Online hate is on the rise
Strategic hate divides society
Hate shifts to different online platforms
Games and gaming platforms are underestimated as a communication medium
What Games Can Do as Well
Connect people
Impart knowledge
Make socially relevant topics tangible through play
Foster media literacy and democratic values

Why Does Hate Play a Role in Games?
Not particularly regulated, little opposition
Gameplay distracts
Games can convey anti-democratic values
Values hide in gaming elements, extreme views become more acceptable
Sexism
Racism
Reasons to Be Optimistic
Changes in the law are pending
Gaming industry is becoming active on its own
Organizations are becoming active together with gaming communities
Communities use their power to influence platform providers
What Each of Us Can Do
You can do something against the division of society
Be attentive and take a stand
Practice active counter speech and report on hate
Don’t let hate go unchallenged, no matter where it occurs

Gaming – Where the Fun Ends
Gaming platforms are used for playing games and a lot of interaction takes place
There is abuse, hate and agitation
This contributes to the division of society
But there are also positive examples
Look out for where the fun ends!
In Games You Can Be Whoever You Want to Be
There are a lot of stereotypes influencing behavior at least in the game