High volumes of attacks were used to target video game companies and players between 2018 and 2020, an Akamai report reveals.

It also notes an uptick in attack traffic that correlates with COVID-19-related lockdowns. In addition, the report examines motivations driving the attacks and steps gamers can take to help protect their personal information, accounts, and in-game assets.

“The fine line between virtual fighting and real world attacks is gone,” said Steve Ragan, Akamai security researcher.

“Criminals are launching relentless waves of attacks against games and players alike in order to compromise accounts, steal and profit from personal information and in-game assets, and gain competitive advantages.