Video games can benefit companies by giving employees a recreational outlet to build cooperation and morale. But they can also create problems if misused. This policy will help you establish the ground rules for permitting or prohibiting the use of company systems and networks for video gaming purposes.

Where gaming is allowed

Video gaming is permitted by the company but is to be conducted only on organization-approved computers or devices during timeframes that are specifically permitted in advance. Gaming should never interfere with business applications and networks nor consume unnecessary bandwidth and/or storage.

Games should be approved for use in advance by the IT/HR departments as well as respective managers.

Gaming consoles, equipment and online subscriptions may be purchased by the organization for employees at the discretion of management.

No pirated games or “cracks” to unlock functions in legitimate games are permitted. These constitute a possible copyright violation and/or malware risk.

Anti-malware programs that are updated regularly must be in use on any systems used for company gaming (where applicable).