Skipping the Security Side Quests: A Qualitative Study on Security Practices and Challenges in Game Development

The study explores the challenges and practices of security in video game development through qualitative interviews with 20 professionals from various roles in game development, revealing that while developers recognize the importance of security, it is often deprioritized due to time, budget, and resource constraints. Issues such as cheating, asset theft, and network vulnerabilities are widespread, but addressing them is challenging, especially for smaller studios with limited expertise. Developers tend to adopt reactive measures driven by legal obligations or potential revenue loss rather than proactive security planning. The lack of standardized guidance, industry tools, and adequate training further complicates the implementation of effective security measures. Beyond the gaming industry, the study highlights broader societal implications, as weak security in games can lead to data breaches, fraud, and privacy violations for millions of users, including children. It underscores the need for collective industry efforts to balance entertainment, innovation, and security, ensuring a safer digital environment for players worldwide.