The Intersection of Gaming and Terrorism: Exploring the Role of Online Gaming in Terrorist Recruitment Methods

Abstract This paper examines the intersection of online gaming and terrorism, highlighting how terrorist organizations leverage online gaming and mods platforms to recruit and radicalize new members. Terrorist organizations have increasingly utilized online gaming and other digital platforms to recruit and radicalize individuals. Video games are multifaceted creative works integrating various art forms, including music, writing, narrative, visual arts, and character design. These complex productions require human engagement and interaction to unfold, leveraging computer programming and specialized hardware to bring the gaming experience to life. However, terrorist organizations have explored this avenue in recruiting members into their organizations. Seventy per cent of terrorist organizations have used online gaming platforms for recruitment and radicalization. The paper used social learning theory as its theoretical construct. The paper relied on secondary data-gathering techniques. The paper reveals the complexities of this phenomenon, including the use of mods to promote extremist ideologies, the exploitation of online gaming communities, and the role of social media and other digital channels in facilitating terrorist recruitment. Hence, the paper recommend amongst others a synergy among the Law enforcement agencies and counter-terrorism organizations aimed at monitoring and disrupting terrorist activities on online gaming platforms.