What Information Does Your Game Store Really Collect?

Game stores collect all sorts of personal details — and chances are, you wouldn’t even realise it’s happening. It’s not just when you walk into a physical store either. They’re gathering data through their websites, apps, and loyalty programs. That might include your email, where you are, your purchase history — even what time of day you tend to log in and play.

Curious about exactly what’s being collected? Let’s break it down — from the types of information game stores track, to why they do it, how open they are about it, and what you can do to look after your privacy. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at Epic Games — what they know about you, and how to stay in control. Not keen on handing over your personal details just to play? Game cards from Recharge are an easy and reliable way to keep things private.

What Do Game Stores Keep Track Of?

Whether you’re buying a new game, logging into an account, or using an app, chances are the game store is collecting data. Commonly tracked information includes:

• Which games you’ve purchased and played
• How often — and when — you tend to play
• Your favourite platforms and game genres
• Your location, especially through mobile devices
• Any linked accounts, like PlayStation, Xbox or Steam

This kind of data helps stores learn your habits and tailor what they offer — like recommending titles you’re more likely to enjoy.

Why Do Game Stores Collect Your Data?

A lot of the time, it’s aimed at improving your experience. With your data, they can suggest games you might like, send special offers, and make sure your progress carries across devices. But there are other reasons too, such as:

• Marketing and targeted ads
• Customer support and service upgrades
• Research, surveys and statistics
• Sharing details with third-party partners

Loyalty programs often play a role here — you might score discounts or bonus points, but you’re also giving permission for your behaviour to be monitored. It’s not necessarily a bad deal, but you should know what you’re signing up for. Always read the privacy policy properly before you opt in.

How Transparent Are Game Stores About Their Policies?

Usually, not really. If you want to know what information they’re collecting or how they’re using it, you’ll often have to go digging through a long, complicated privacy policy. Only a small number of platforms make it easy, with a user-friendly dashboard that lets you review or delete your personal data.

That means a lot of gamers don’t have a clue about what’s happening in the background — which is why it’s worth learning a bit about your digital footprint and how to manage it.

Epic Games: What the Platform Knows About You

Epic Games is a popular platform, but it gathers a lot more than just your payment history. It tracks how you use its services, what devices you’re on, and more. Some of the data they might collect includes:

• The games you play and how regularly you play them
• Your friends list and interactions with other players
• Payment options you’ve used
• Your IP address and devices you’ve logged in on
• Sometimes, even what other games are already installed on your PC

They use this information for everything from security and support to personalised game recommendations and targeted advertising.

Does Epic Games Monitor Your Activity?

Yes, it does. Through your account, browser cookies, and the Epic Games Launcher, your activity is being tracked. A fair chunk of that is used to fine-tune your experience — but it also means Epic builds up a detailed profile of your habits. The good news is, you can limit much of this tracking in your account settings.

Can Other People See Your Games or Friends List?

Only if you let them. By default, your game library, friend list, and online status are set to private. You can change your preferences any time through your Epic settings if you’d like to share more — or less.

What Is a ‘Cabined Account’?

This is Epic’s system for protecting younger users. If you’re under a certain age, your account will be limited until a parent or guardian gives the go-ahead. Some features are turned off automatically, including:

• Chat functions
• Sending or accepting friend requests
• Making purchases
• Accessing some multiplayer games

Once permission is approved — sometimes with extra checks — full access is unlocked.

Does Epic Ask for Your Age?

Yes — when you sign up. If you’re under 13 (or under 16 depending on your country), you’ll get a cabined account right away. Epic normally won’t ask for highly sensitive personal details like your tax file number. If they do, double-check it’s a genuine request coming from a secure source.

Can Epic See What Games Are Already Installed on Your Computer?

Yes — when you install the Epic Games Launcher or connect your account, it can scan your system to check what games are already on there. It uses this to make sure your device can run certain games properly and to better tailor suggestions.

How Secure Is Your Epic Account?

Epic includes decent security tools, including two-factor authentication. You should still set a strong, one-of-a-kind password and steer clear of clicking dodgy links in random messages or emails. Most account breaches happen because of small mistakes.

Can You Delete Your Epic Account?

You sure can — you can delete your account from your settings. Just be aware that once it’s deleted, it’s permanent. Your purchases, progress and personal data will be removed, except anything Epic’s legally required to hang onto.

Prefer Not to Share Personal Data? Use a Game card

Prefer not to share your personal details when buying games? A game card is a great way to stay private. It’s also worth setting up a separate email just for gaming accounts.

Recharge has game cards available for PlayStation, Steam, Xbox, and and more — no sign-up, no banking details needed. You’ll receive your code straight to your inbox.

Browse the full range  of game cards at Recharge

Take Control of Your Privacy as a Gamer

You don’t have to be a tech whiz to take better care of your data. Here are a few easy things you can do to keep your information safe:

• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Don’t link accounts unless you really need to
• Check your privacy settings now and then
• Use a dedicated gaming email
• Pay with a game card if you want to keep your details private

You Decide What You Share

Gaming should be fun — and shouldn’t cost you your privacy. When you know what kind of data game stores collect, it’s easier to make informed choices. Read the fine print, update your settings, and choose payment options that give you more control.

Using a game card from Recharge lets you enjoy your favourite titles — without giving away your personal information.