What Your Game Console Knows About You
It is staggering to think that across the globe, 65% of all households own a device used for playing video games. Of the people playing video games, 48% play socially. A person gaming socially will spend an average of 6.5 hours/week on their device.
This data about gaming trends is available because the devices most people play on, be it PC, dedicated game console, smartphone, or wireless device, has the ability to track usage patterns. The usage patterns can then be further broken down based on what gamer profile has logged in, what game is being played, and what achievement levels are being reached. The fact that most games are played online means that data can be easily accessed through the console itself, the console manufacturer’s website, the game publisher’s website, and other third party websites (such as Facebook) which allows gamers to share their achievements.
Our Courts have found that the habits of an online gamer can be relevant in the context of a personal injury lawsuit. Information such as the time of day a gamer was playing can become relevant if a person is alleging they suffer sleep difficulty or fatigue. The amount of time spent playing can become relevant if a person is claiming difficulty remaining in one position for extended periods of time or difficulties with focus and/or concentration. A judge or jury will not be impressed if a person claiming an inability to return to school or work is found to be spending significant time playing video games.
Not all video games are played online but, if you are an online gamer, your usage patterns may be more accessible than you realize.
Oatley Vigmond is Ontario’s Personal Injury Law Firm. If you, or someone you know, has been injured, Oatley Vigmond may be able to help protect their legal rights.
