In-game chat

In-game chat: what parents and carers need to know

Parents text content

What is in-game chat?

In-game chat is a feature in online games that lets players talk to each other while they play. It can be used to:

  • Send text messages

  • Speak using voice chat

  • Share emojis or reactions

Players can use in-game chat to work together, make friends, or just have fun.

How does in-game chat work?

Common in-game chat functions. Built-in open chat functions let players talk through a headset or send typed messaged with other people in the game. Quick chat functions have set phrases, so players can send short, automatic messages to another player. For example, sending ‘Nice shot!’ to a team mate who scores a goal. Platform messaging is on many gaming platforms such as PlayStation Network. They let players send voice or text messages to other players, just like a messaging app or social media. Players can send their gaming tag (username) to other gamers and add them to a game or chat with them privately. ‘Ping’ systems allow players to use non–verbal communication to ‘talk’. For example, a ‘ping’ is where you can alert other players to a useful item or hazard by ‘pointing’ at it and pressing a button. External chat or messaging apps (like Discord or WhatsApp) can be used by players to talk to each other during the game. This chat can be voice, video or text. Some apps can even be set up to look like they are part of the game (called in –game overlay).

 

What are the potential risks of in-game chat?

  • Chatting with people they don’t know.

  • Inappropriate or unmoderated chat.

  • Requests to chat in private.

  • Offering gifts or trades. 

 

How to help protect your child

  1. Get to know the online games your child plays. 

  2. Use family controls. Use family controls and in-game settings to manage, limit or turn off in-game chat.

     
  3. Keep devices in a shared space for younger children.

  4. Support your children to report inappropriate chat. Support your children to tell you when a chat makes them feel worried or uncomfortable and help them report directly to the game or console.

Need more help?

For information on specific games and guides for different ages, visit: