In the last few years, the concept of using a VPN when playing online games has seen a monumental surge in popularity. For many of the strongest operators in the space, offering a specific VPN for gamers has been a logical step that has proven to be lucrative, and now more than ever, players are jumping into multiplayer games backed by a VPN. However, there’s still a lot of confusion – why use a VPN for gaming at all?
In this guide, we’re taking a look at whether or not a VPN is good for gaming, and we’re going to work to outline the benefits of using a VPN for gaming. We’ll also clarify whether it’s a practice that will get you banned, as for some developers, publishers, and operators, using a VPN can give a player an unfair advantage. So, do you really need a VPN for gaming in 2023, and if so, why are you even using it in the first place?
Let’s find out.
Is it Illegal to Game with a VPN?
It’s not a silly question – there are serious concerns from players looking to use a VPN, and for the most part, those concerns are regarding the potential illegality of using one. For many developers and publishers, using a VPN is seen as a malicious practice as it can essentially give a player an edge over the competition – and that’s just unfair. It can also circumvent various security elements of a game, such as geoblocking, which again is a real cause for concern.
However, playing games with a VPN is not illegal – you’re not going to wind up in jail for running a VPN while playing Warzone, for example. But if you’re detected using a VPN while logged in and playing a multiplayer game, there’s a strong chance you could wind up with a suspension or even a permanent ban.
It’s worth stressing that it’s heavily dependent on the game that you’re playing – as some developers recognise the benefits of VPN for gaming. For instance, PUBG’s creators have stated that you can use a VPN in their game, but the developers of Overwatch 2, Fortnite, and World of Warcraft (as examples) have made it clear that they won’t tolerate the use of VPNs.
So, with that information in mind, why use a VPN for gaming?
Related: Best Free VPN For Gaming
Should You Use a VPN For Gaming?
Image Credit: Activision Blizzard
If you’re going to start gaming with VPN, it’s important to know the benefits of doing so – and the potential disadvantages. There are a few clear downsides to using a VPN, but they’re outweighed by the advantages. For instance:
If you’re using a ‘bad VPN’, you risk compromising your network-based security
If you’re detected using a VPN on certain games, you risk a permanent ban
There are plenty of VPN services for gamers, and these days, many of them are extremely difficult to detect. That’s the base nature of a VPN – it’s designed to be undetectable and as effective as possible. Here are some of the core reasons why you should use a VPN for gaming:
It Can Protect Your Identity
If nobody knows where or who you are, you can be kept safe from ‘swatting’, DDoS attacks, and doxxing.
It Can Help You Navigate Around Restrictions
Using a VPN can allow you to access games ahead of their official release time, restricted by geoblocking, or that may be banned in your home country.
It Can Offer Up A More Stable Experience
Using a VPN for gaming can help you circumnavigate bandwidth throttling and high ping, and even avoid lag.
It Can Help You Escape a Ban
Bear in mind that this is essentially negative – but using a VPN for gaming can help you work around an IP-based ban.
It Can Connect You With Your Friends
Some games have localisation features in place, which means that someone in Europe might not be able to connect with friends in North America – VPNs get around that.
It Can Get You Easier Lobbies
This is one of the greyest areas possible for VPN users. On games like Call of Duty, using a VPN to connect to a server with ‘less talented players’ is how many content creators make such impressive gameplay clips and montages.
Overall, is a VPN Good for Gaming?
It’s most subjective, but overall, using a VPN is good for gaming – provided it’s not used in a malicious manner. If you’re trying to stay safe or better your experience, then it’s all fair and above board. However, if you’re making use of a VPN for gaming on easier lobbies, using it to navigate around bans, or to get access to content that you’re legally prohibited from accessing, then you’re flouting rules, potentially breaking laws, and then all of a sudden, you become part of the problem.
It’s a fine line with VPNs, and that’s why many developers avoid the confusion and just write them off entirely. However, if you want to make use of the best VPN for gaming and gain the upper hand or advantage, there really is nothing anyone can really do to stop you. As we’ve stressed, they’re designed to be undetectable, and even your viewers (even if you’re one of the most subscribed streamers out there) will only be able to suspect that you’re using one.
Why use a VPN for gaming? Hopefully, we’ve answered that question for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using a VPN For Gaming
Do Pro Gamers Use a VPN?
It’s well known that professional streamers and gamers make use of VPN services for certain games – most commonly Call of Duty.
Should I Use a VPN While Gaming?
There’s nothing stopping you from using a VPN while gaming and the benefits outweigh the negatives – so yes, you should.
[faq-item headline=”Does a VPN Help With Gaming PING?”]
VPNs certainly can help with ping issues, but in some cases, they can make them worse – especially if you’re connecting to a server that’s far away.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Gaming?
It’s totally legal, but it may get you banned from the specific game that you’re playing.
Does VPN Interfere With Gaming?
Almost all VPN services operate in the background, and you should never know they’re even running when you’ve got one turned on.
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