The approach of using a VPN when playing online games has skyrocketed in recent years. Offering a dedicated VPN for gamers was a sensible and cost-effective move for many of the industry’s most influential operators, and today, more than ever, gamers are rushing into VPN-supported multiplayer games. However, there is still some confusion: why use a VPN for gaming?
Let’s explore if a VPN is useful for gaming and what are the benefits of using a VPN for gaming. We will also clarify if this is an action that will get you banned, as using a VPN can give a player an unfair advantage for some developers, publishers and operators.
Let’s get to know VPN technology. VPNs (virtual private networks) are useful technologies that allow you to improve your digital security and access previously geo-restricted websites and services.
Since a VPN encrypts all incoming and outgoing data from your device and hides your real IP address, using it can greatly improve your privacy and prevent prying eyes from watching what you’re doing. And it’s relatively easy to set up a VPN and start using it right away.
By joining a server in another country, you can trick websites into thinking you’re physically there because the VPN will assign you a new, temporary IP address based on that location. This is known as “location spoofing”, and is an important incentive for any VPN, just like the security benefits. However, service providers have started selling their products to gamers as well.
Using a VPN is considered malicious by many developers and publishers because it can give the player an unfair advantage over the competition. It can also bypass various security features of the game, such as geoblocking, which is a cause for concern.
However, using a VPN while gaming isn’t illegal – you won’t get jail time for using a VPN while playing Warzone, for example. However, if you are caught using a VPN while logged in and playing a multiplayer game, you could face suspension or a permanent ban.
It’s important to note that this depends a lot on your game, as some developers recognize the benefits of a VPN for gaming. For example, the makers of PUBG have indicated that you can use a VPN in their game, but the makers of Overwatch 2, Fortnite, and World of Warcraft have unequivocally stated that they will not accept the use of VPNs.
With all this in mind, should you use a VPN for gaming?
Unblocking the server
Games, such as MMOs, that group people based on language or region will often use your IP address to identify which server to connect to. However, a VPN allows you to place yourself anywhere on the world map and play with your friends, even if they are thousands of miles away.
The titles are also released at different times around the world. This is due to time zones and licensing agreements. However, it can be frustrating to look forward to a release only to see other people enjoy it first because they live in the “right” region – and avoiding spoilers online is tricky at the best of times. Plus, since a VPN lets you switch between locations in seconds, you can connect to wherever the game is available.
Ping improvement
Is there a more painful feeling than finally settling down and playing Baldur’s Gate only to find your internet refusing to cooperate? There will be a noticeable lag with all of your abilities, and the game will freeze and freeze multiple times. When it comes to slow connections, MMOs and fighting games suffer the most – and unfortunately, a VPN probably won’t help. Because your VPN has to do the extra work of encrypting your connection and sending data over a (possibly) remote server, you’ll notice a small drop in performance.
However, in certain circumstances, a VPN can improve your gaming experience. If your device is too far from the game server, connecting to a VPN server that is geographically nearby could make a difference.
Similarly, a VPN can bypass ISP throttling, a method adopted by some unscrupulous providers to prevent gamers from taking up all the bandwidth, resulting in slow connections. The encryption provided by a VPN hides your online activities from your ISP. They won’t know if you’re playing games, browsing social media, or working on a Google Doc; therefore, it will not be able to throttle your bandwidth.
Protection against DDoS attacks
One of the most important aspects of selling a gaming VPN is its protection against DDoS attacks. Even if you’re not familiar with the word, I’m sure you’ve had it at some point. A DDoS attack occurs when a thief floods an IP address with an overwhelming amount of traffic it can’t handle, forcing it offline.
While DDoS attacks affect everyone who relies on game servers, competitive FGC players trying to win money or points (or prestige) are especially vulnerable to them. A DDoS attack can disrupt a player’s tournament streak, and they can also be targeted, given how easy it is for someone with the necessary resources and knowledge to launch an attack. Fortunately, a VPN can thwart its goals by masking your original IP address – because a DDoS attack needs an IP address to work.
It’s pretty subjective, but using a VPN for gaming is generally beneficial – as long as it’s not used maliciously. It’s fair and especially if you’re trying to stay safe or improve your experience. However, let’s say you’re using a VPN to play in easier lobbies, bypass bans, or gain access to things that are legally prohibited. In that case, you’re breaking the rules, potentially breaking the law, and becoming part of the problem.
Categories: How to
Source: newstars.edu.vn