The gaming world has grown exponentially over the past decade, transforming from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon. According to Tech Report, there are currently around 1.13 billion online gamers worldwide. By 2027, this number is expected to reach an astonishing 1.25 billion. This surge in popularity has led to increased competition and higher stakes.
However, it’s also made the gamer-verse a prime target for cyberattacks, with Akamai reporting that web application attacks have grown 167% year-on-year (YOY) from May 2021 to April 2022. This underscores the need for a tool that promises a smoother, more secure gaming experience — a virtual private network or VPN. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using a VPN for gaming, helping players understand how to enhance their gaming sessions while staying safe online.
How a VPN elevates the gaming experience
Lowering lag and ping rates
Lag and high ping rates are the bane of any online gamer’s existence. Lag – the delay between a player’s action and the game server’s response – can make or break a gaming session. High ping rates result in slow and unresponsive gameplay, often causing players to lose matches they could have won. A VPN can be a game-changer in this context by optimizing these connection routes between a player’s device and the game server.
When you connect to a game server, the data packets travel through various networks and nodes, which can sometimes take inefficient routes, causing delays. A VPN helps by allowing you to choose a server closer to the game’s server, thereby creating a more direct path for your data packets. This can substantially reduce ping times and lag, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
Additionally, some VPNs offer dedicated gaming servers optimized for speed and reliability, further enhancing gameplay performance.
Mitigating DDoS attacks
Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks are a common threat in the online gaming world. Malicious players may attempt to overwhelm your network, causing your game to lag or disconnect entirely. In early May 2024, players of the video game Final Fantasy had trouble logging in due to a series of ongoing DDoS attacks flooding its servers with a large volume of junk traffic. The attack lasted over 24 hours, impacting players all over the world.
If hackers breach a gaming company, intruders can steal in-game currencies and assets as well as account information or entire gaming accounts. A VPN provides a robust defense against such attacks. NordVPN uses IP packets to establish secure connections over public networks. These IP packets contain encrypted data that is transmitted between the VPN client and the server privately and securely.
This encryption ensures that your real IP address remains hidden, making it nearly impossible for attackers to target you. Even if they try to launch a DDoS attack, the VPN’s servers absorb the impact, keeping your gaming experience uninterrupted and your data safe.
Stopping ISP throttling
Internet service providers (ISPs) sometimes throttle or intentionally slow down your internet connection when they detect high bandwidth usage – like during online gaming sessions. For example, T-Mobile updated its usage policy for 5G Home Internet service users. As of January 2024, customers exceeding the 1.2 TB monthly data allotment will experience slower internet speeds. This can lead to increased lag, or longer load times, and a generally poor gaming experience.
Since VPNs mask your online activities from your ISP, gamers equipped with one can circumvent this issue. Without the ability to monitor your activities, your ISP cannot selectively throttle your connection, allowing you to enjoy consistent and high-speed internet performance. This means smoother gameplay, quicker response times, and an overall enhanced gaming experience.
Overcoming geo-restrictions
Geo-restrictions are another hurdle for gamers, as some games, updates, and downloadable content are only available in specific regions. This can be frustrating for players who want to access the latest content or play with friends from different parts of the world. As we discussed in a previous post, regional server outages also occur in popular games like Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). This leaves players unable to connect, play, or even access their accounts. To jump into a match, players can switch to a different region where server loads might be lower, which can be done with a VPN.
By connecting to a server in the desired region, you can unlock region-limited content, participate in international game releases, or access gaming servers that are less crowded. This not only expands your gaming horizons but also ensures you are always at the forefront of new content and updates.
Precautions to take when using a VPN for gaming
While VPNs offer numerous benefits for gamers, it’s important to take certain precautions to maximize their effectiveness and avoid potential pitfalls. One of the most critical considerations is ensuring that using a VPN does not violate the terms of service (ToS) of the games you play. Violating these terms can result in temporary suspensions or permanent bans from the game.
To avoid this, always review the ToS of any game before using a VPN and consider using the VPN for less sensitive activities, such as accessing geo-restricted content or protecting your data during casual play. If you’re unsure, consult the games support or community for clarification.
Moreover, although VPNs can help reduce lag and bypass the issues above, they can sometimes slow down your internet connection due to the extra encryption and routing steps involved. To mitigate this, choose a high-quality VPN service known for its speed and reliability. Look for VPNs with dedicated gaming servers, low latency, and a widespread global server network.
Additionally, make sure to connect to a server that is geographically close to your location or the game server you are trying to access. This minimizes the distance your data packets need to travel, reducing potential delays. Regularly updating your VPN software and choosing a VPN with a strong reputation for performance can also keep speeds optimized.
Conclusion
As the global gaming community grows, so does the need for tools that enhance and protect gaming sessions. VPNs offer a range of benefits, from lowering lag and mitigating DDoS attacks to stopping ISP throttling. By understanding these advantages and taking necessary precautions, gamers can enjoy a smoother, safer, and more fulfilling gaming experience. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive enthusiast, a VPN can be a valuable addition to your gaming toolkit.
