GEMS Project on ERT3: The Exploitation of Online Gaming Platforms by Extremists

Bledar Feta, Research Fellow at the South‑East Europe Programme of ELIAMEP, appeared on the ERT3 public broadcaster’s show “SYNORA” with journalist Kalli Zarali, where he presented some of the findings of the research project GEMS – Gaming Ecosystem as a Multi‑layered Security Threat. The discussion focused on how online gaming environments are exploited by extremist actors to approach, influence, and manipulate young users.

During the interview, Feta highlighted several concerning trends emerging from the project’s fieldwork in Athens and Pristina, including the normalization of hate speech, toxicity, and misogyny within gaming spaces. These dynamics weaken young players’ resilience and create openings for extremist narratives to circulate unnoticed. The research also revealed cases where gamers were approached to financially support extremist groups, demonstrating how these platforms can be used not only for ideological influence but also for resource mobilization.

Feta noted that the scale of the problem is reflected at the European level. A recent Europol operation, conducted with eight partner countries, identified and removed thousands of links to illegal and extremist material hosted on gaming platforms and related online spaces, underscoring the need for coordinated action.

He emphasized that effective prevention requires a combined approach: technological tools capable of detecting harmful content, stronger cooperation between platforms and authorities, and targeted awareness‑raising among players, parents, and educators. As part of this effort, the GEMS project is developing a practical guide to help young gamers, families, and teachers better understand the risks present in gaming environments and how to respond to them.

You can watch the interview by clicking here. 

Learn more about the GEMS project here.

Watch the interview in Greek with English subtitles: