Watch the Film
Dangerous Games:
Roblox and the Metaverse exposed
Three young gamers expose the hidden dangers of the metaverse, where predators, extremists, and criminals thrive unchecked.
The dangers aren’t just virtual.
Through their stories, this documentary reveals how children are being exploited, radicalized, and targeted inside the platforms they use every day
and why urgent change is needed.
“The normalization of extreme rhetoric is perhaps the most nefarious thing that's happening in these Metaverse-like spaces today, because when hate is normalized in one space, it normalizes in all spaces.”
Dr. Rachel Kowert,
Author,
Gaming and Extremism
"I think the single biggest issue that young people are facing on the Metaverse is that people with institutional power do not understand this environment where children are spending their time."
Quintin Smith,
Journalist,
People Make Games
“Corporations like leaving it to us, so we feel the need to take control. If we don't band together, no one else will.”
Alex,
Main Participant,
Dangerous Games
MEET THE Participants
Alex
A metaverse safety advocate and content creator from Toronto, Ontario. Alex investigates predators and exposes exploitation in Roblox. With a massive following, Alex uses her platform to push for corporate accountability and safer virtual spaces for young gamers.
Janae
A Florida-based streamer and activist, Janae founded Black Minecraft to combat racism in gaming. By uniting marginalized creators and demanding industry change, she fights for inclusive, harassment-free online communities.
Katie
After being groomed by a prominent Roblox developer as a young teen, Katie’s story became a rallying cry against exploitation in virtual worlds. Her experience underscores the urgent need for platform accountability and stronger protections for young users.
Meet the experts
Dr. Rachel Kowert
Psychologyst & Author,
Gaming & Extremism
Dr. Rachel Kowert is a research psychologist, award-winning author, and globally recognized leader in the study of games and mental health. She works with international organizations to shape policy around safety and well-being in online spaces.
Quintin Smith
Journalist,
People Makes Games
Quintin Smith is a UK-based journalist with People Make Games, an investigative YouTube channel focused on the people behind the video game industry. He’s known for his deep dives into platforms like Roblox, uncovering risks young players face online.
Kavya Pearlman
Founder & CEO,
X Reality Safety Intelligence
Kavya Pearlman is the founder and CEO of X Reality Safety Intelligence (XRSI) and a leading expert in cybersecurity for immersive and emerging technologies. Known as the "Cyber Guardian," she’s passionate about tackling cybersecurity challenges in the digital world.
More to the Story
Experts answer your questions
ABOUT THE FILM
Frequently Asked Questions About DANGEROUS GAMES
Everyone’s heard of the metaverse—but few really understand what it is, or what’s happening inside it. Kids often know more about it than their parents—and it’s not all PG.
With over one billion users on platforms like Roblox Minecraft and Fortnite—many of them under 18—the metaverse is growing faster than anyone can regulate. Young users are increasingly encountering predators, radical groups, and even child labor—often with little moderation in place. Law enforcement is struggling to keep up.
DANGEROUS GAMES was born out of growing concern around these risks and the lack of accountability in immersive online spaces. As more young people spend time in these virtual worlds, our team set out to investigate the threats that can thrive in their shadows—grooming, harassment, extremist recruitment, and more.
But kids aren’t just victims—they’re also investigators and whistleblowers. The film follows three young people—Alex, Janae, and Katie—who’ve taken it upon themselves to expose the dark side of the metaverse from the inside.
Their stories, along with insights from experts in law, tech, and advocacy, reveal just how urgent this moment is. We’re at a tipping point—and our hope is that DANGEROUS GAMES sparks the conversation needed to drive real change and build greater safety for kids online.
DANGEROUS GAMES was created by Erica Leendertse, written by D. Cole and Erica Leendertse, directed by Ann Shin and produced by Fathom Film Group in partnership with TVO. The film was made with the generous support of Knowledge Network, Bell Media, Canada Media Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund, Rogers Documentary Fund, and Ontario Creates.
The French-language version of the film will premiere in Canada on June 4th on Canal D.
The German version of the film, titled „Missbrauch in der Welt der Online-Spiele“, is produced by Beetz Brothers Film Production and is scheduled to air on ZDF and ARTE. For more information, you can visit beetz-brothers.com and zdf.de/arte.
International distribution is handled by Sideways Film. For distribution inquiries, please visit sidewaysfilm.com.
Filming for DANGEROUS GAMES began in 2023 and wrapped in 2024.
To safeguard the privacy and well-being of minors and individuals who have experienced harm, some participants' identities are protected.
This ensures they can share their stories with honesty and courage, without the fear of retaliation,judgment, or further harm.
The production team reached out to all major platforms featured in the film for comment.
Roblox participated in an initial interview with VP Tami Bhaumik and later submitted a
written statement addressing safety concerns, but declined further interviews.
Discord submitted an official statement, while Minecraft did not respond by our publication deadline.
Due to its sensitive subject matter, the full-length version of DANGEROUS GAMES is recommended for viewers aged 16 and up.
A 60-minute version, appropriate for viewers 13 and up, will air on TVO in the fall of 2025
and be available for educational and community screenings.
DANGEROUS GAMES premieres on TVO on Sunday, May 25. It will be available to stream starting at 9:00 AM across all TVO platforms.
The national TV broadcast airs at 9:00 PM, with a re-airing on Thursday, May 29 at 9:00 PM.
We will post updates here on availability to stream or view outside of Canada
Yes. An edited educational version (13+) will be available for schools, libraries, and community groups beginning Fall 2025.
To host a screening or receive updates, visit fathomfilm.ca.
Yes. This documentary includes discussions of online grooming, sexual harassment, exploitation, and a subject’s personal experience with suicidal ideation and an attempted suicide.
Viewer discretion is advised, particularly for younger audiences or individuals with a history of trauma.
ABOUT THE ISSUES
Frequently Asked Questions about safety in the Metaverse
Most are not.
While platforms like Roblox, Meta, and others have community guidelines, moderation tools,
and reporting systems, enforcement is often reactive and inconsistent.
Investigations reveal that predators continue to exploit these digital spaces,
while moderation teams remain under-resourced and overwhelmed by the sheer
volume of content and interactions.
Immersive platforms like the Metaverse often operate in a legal gray zone with limited oversight.
Without proper regulation, many companies prioritize growth and user engagement over safety.
Efforts like Canada’s proposed Online Harms Bill (C-63) and the U.S. Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)
aim to address these issues by enforcing transparency and requiring companies to implement
protective measures for children and vulnerable users.
Current moderation tools often rely heavily on algorithms and user reports both of which miss context and nuance.
Predators adapt by using coded language, creating hidden chat rooms, and making new accounts after bans.
Without proper human oversight and sustained investment in safety infrastructure, many bans are too little, too late.
Understanding the Risks
Exact statistics are difficult to confirm, but law enforcement and investigative journalism
have consistently flagged these platforms as hotspots for predator activity.
Agencies like the UK’s CEOP and Canada’s CyberTip.ca receive
ongoing reports related to games like Roblox, Fortnite, and VRChat.
The immersive and anonymous nature of these environments makes
it easier for predators to blend in and build trust with kids.
Virtual reality presents unique risks. It’s more immersive, making online interactions feel more real and disorienting for kids.
Emotional bonds can form faster, and red flags may be harder to notice.
Many VR games also lack robust parental controls and allow real-time voice chat with strangers, increasing vulnerability.
Yes. Online grooming can escalate into serious real-world consequences,
including sexual abuse, sextortion, and psychological trauma.
Even when contact stays online, the emotional impact can be severe.
Absolutely. Grooming doesn’t always involve physical meetings.
Predators may manipulate kids into sharing explicit images, forming unhealthy emotional dependencies,
or engaging in roleplay that crosses boundaries all within the game environment.
Online Behavior & Warning Signs
Children might fear punishment, losing access to their favourite games, or not being believed.
Some don’t recognize the warning signs of grooming. Others may feel shame, confusion, or loyalty to the predator.
Watch for sudden changes in behaviour such as increased secrecy,
anxiety, mood swings, or distress after gaming.
Be alert to interactions with unknown users or signs that they’re being manipulated or isolated.
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Receiving gifts or in-game currency (e.g., Robux, V-Bucks)
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Excessive private messaging or chat activity
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Being asked to keep conversations secret
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Requests for personal info, photos, or videos
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Emotional dependency or flattery that feels intense or inappropriate
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What You Can Do
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Never share personal information (name, school, location)
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Use private or friends-only settings
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Block and report suspicious users
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Avoid unsupervised private chats or rooms
More safety tips: ConnectSafely.org | NetSmartz
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Set parental controls and adjust privacy settings on devices and platforms
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Monitor friend lists and chat histories
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Keep devices in shared family spaces when possible
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Encourage regular, judgment-free conversations about your child’s online life
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Most platforms have built-in reporting tools (e.g., “Report Abuse” on Roblox or Fortnite’s “Player Reporting”).
You can also file reports with:
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NCMEC CyberTipline (U.S.)
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Local police or cybercrime units
Yes. Monitoring doesn’t have to mean spying it’s about building trust and shared responsibility.
Use built-in tools to supervise activity, regularly review privacy settings and friend lists,
and create a safe space for kids to open up about their experiences.
More guidance: Common Sense Media-
Stay calm and supportive.
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Avoid deleting any messages, screenshots, usernames, or chat logs.
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Immediately block the user and report the incident to the platform, Cybertip.ca (Canada), NCMEC CyberTipline (U.S.),
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or your local police or cybercrime unit.
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Seeking support from a therapist or school counselor can also be helpful.
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Watch for sudden changes in behaviour secrecy, anxiety, mood swings, or distress after gaming.
Check devices and online interactions, especially with unknown users.
Most platforms include in-game reporting tools (e.g., "Report Abuse" on Roblox, "Player Reporting" on Fortnite).
You can also report through:
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Your local law enforcement or cybercrime unit
Schools play a vital role. They can:
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Integrate online safety and digital literacy into curricula
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Host education sessions for students, parents, and staff
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Partner with safety organizations like MediaSmarts or ConnectSafely
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Encourage students to speak up when something doesn’t feel right
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Learn More & Get Involved
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Promote digital literacy and online safety education via MediaSmarts
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Share this film to spark awareness and conversations in your community
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Encourage your school, workplace, or local government to prioritize online safety reform
Resources
Explore trusted organizations, expert tools, and mental health support for protecting children in digital spaces.
A valuable resource for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating online safety
Parent & Educator Tools
A national service for reporting online child exploitation, providing resources to help protect children and support law enforcement efforts
A comprehensive guide to understanding the Metaverse and how to keep children safe in virtual spaces.
Offers safety tips, interactive activities, and videos tailored to kids, parents, and educators.
A multimedia content production studio for the science of games and pop culture from Dr. Rachel Kowert.
Global Organizations Advancing Child Safety Online
An international coalition of governments, tech companies, and NGOs combating online child exploitation.
Global leader in child protection and legal reform to combat abuse, trafficking, and abduction.
Fights child exploitation and abduction through reporting, education, and outreach.
The world’s leading global nonprofit Standards Developing Organization providing critical intelligence and advisory services on safety, privacy, ethics, and human rights to build trust and safeguard the immersive and emerging technology ecosystem
Mental Health Support and Events
A 24/7 confidential support service for youth facing mental health challenges.
Dedicated to preventing suicide and providing resources for those affected
An annual awareness campaign to promote a safe and positive experience within immersive environments through global collaboration, awareness, and responsible innovation.
YOUTH COMMUNITY & SAFETY
A read-only space for young people to access tips on online safety, and find support. Includes exclusive content, and youth-specific resources.
Featured news
Latest media updates on metaverse safety and online threats.
"A fascinating foray deep into the realms of artificial intelligence, machine learning and biotechnology."
- National Post - Chris Knight
In the Press
"It’s been a while since I’ve been so engrossed in a documentary such as A.rtificial I.mmortality. Shin approaches the subject by intertwining the science with her personal interest in life, death, and immortality, which is refreshing compared to the traditional stoic science-guy voice."
- Film Threat - Alan Ng
In the Press
"A.rtificial I.mortality’ brings a heft of challenging, heady, and thought-provoking ideas to the table, and director Ann Shin (whose presence serves as its principal framing device) presents the film as a means to explore the veritable quandary of artificial intelligence and its role in possibly achieving immortality."
- Film Inquiry - Alexander Miller
In the Press
"Shin demonstrates an eclectic, inventive style. She applies artful animation to illustrate concepts, juxtaposes images artfully, and includes germane snippets from movies."
- Boston Globe - Peter Keough
In the Press
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