Can game companies track what I do online?

Gaming is a great way to unwind, but there is more going on behind the scenes than you might think. Many game companies actively track your behaviour – both in-game and elsewhere online. They gather detailed gaming data, including how you play and even your browsing activity.

Learn more about how this works – why companies do it, what kind of data they collect, your legal rights, and, most importantly, how to protect your privacy. One easy way to do this is by using prepaid game cards from MobileTopUp.
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 track 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 in the game

This data is gathered through cookies, tracking pixels and your account information. But it doesn’t stop there. If you connect your game profile to accounts like Facebook, Google, or your Xbox account, you’re often (unknowingly) giving access to even more – like your browsing habits, interests, and social media activity. This is known as cross-platform tracking.

The information is used to personalise ads, and sometimes even to adjust your in-game experience based on your online behaviour outside the game. Understandably, this raises concerns about how private your gaming habits really are.

Why Do Game Companies Collect All This Data?

There are usually two main reasons for tracking:

1. Optimisation: companies analyse when players get frustrated or stop playing so they can fix bugs or rebalance the game.
2. Commercial Interests: your behaviour is used for targeted ads or cleverly timed offers for weapons, outfits, or new levels. These can be so precisely tailored that you might not even realise you're being influenced.

Even if you think you’re not revealing much, linked profiles across platforms can pass on a surprising amount of information without you noticing.

That’s why it’s important to be mindful of what you share – even if you're using a prepaid game card.

Can Game Companies Track Me Outside the Game?

Many gamers wonder: is my gaming data tracked when I’m not playing?
The short answer: yes, to an extent. If your gaming account is linked to other services (like Google or social media), or if you're logged into their website, they can track your behaviour outside the game too.

This kind of game company tracking falls under broader online profiling, where not just your gaming activity but your general online preferences are logged. Your browsing history may be indirectly collected via cookies or scripts. Even incognito mode doesn’t make you invisible.

Does Incognito Mode Protect Me from Tracking?

Not entirely. Incognito mode only stops your browser from saving local data. Game companies, advertisers, internet providers, and network administrators can still track you.

If you’re gaming on mobile data or using a VPN, your IP address is hidden, offering a bit more protection. Still, some games or browser extensions can continue gathering data, especially when multiple accounts are linked.

Can My Employer See What I’m Doing?

If you’re gaming or browsing on a work network, then yes – a network administrator might be able to see what you’re doing. Your Chrome history isn’t automatically deleted and could potentially be accessed unless you take steps like clearing your history or using a VPN.

Many people ask: Is it legal for my employer to access my webcam or listen in on conversations? Generally, the answer is no – not without your permission. Employers can only take such steps with a strong justification and your clear consent. Otherwise, it’s not legally permitted.

However, anything you post publicly (such as on social media) can be seen – including by your employer. So make sure your privacy settings are in order if you don’t want any unexpected viewers.

Can Game Companies Use My Webcam?

Technically, yes – but it’s extremely rare. Accessing your webcam or microphone without your consent is a legal minefield and usually only happens through malware or dodgy software.

If you often download new games or use lesser-known platforms, stay alert. Covering your webcam when not in use is a simple habit that can prevent a lot of trouble.

How Can I Protect My Game Data Privacy?

Here are a few practical tips to protect your game data privacy:

• Limit account connections
  Avoid linking your gaming profile to other platforms. This reduces the amount of data that can be shared.
• Use a separate email address for gaming
  This keeps your gaming identity distinct from your personal one. Read our article on why it's a good idea to use separate email addresses.
• Read the privacy policy (yes, really)
  Look for mentions of ‘data sharing’ or ‘third parties’ – this tells you how your data may be used.
• Use a VPN
• Pay with prepaid game cards
  That way, you don’t share your bank details with game companies. Prepaid game cards from MobileTopUp let you make in-game purchases safely and anonymously, helping you protect your personal data.

What Does the Law Say About Data Collection in Games?

In the UK strict data protection rules apply thanks to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Game companies are only allowed to collect data you’ve explicitly agreed to share. That consent is usually given when you create an account or install a game.

But let’s be honest – who really reads all those terms and conditions? Most gamers just click ‘accept’ without knowing exactly what they’re agreeing to. That makes it hard to know what’s being stored about you.

You’re in Control of What You Share

Whether you're a serious gamer or just play occasionally, your gaming data privacy matters. You might not always know what a game company knows about you, but you can make conscious choices to protect your information.
An easy step is using prepaid game cards from MobileTopUp. They help you manage your spending and share fewer personal details – keeping your gaming fun, safe, and private.

Browse all prepaid game cards on MobileTopUp