Amsterdam, Netherlands — Popular gaming and entertainment website IGN is facing growing criticism from users who accuse the platform of misusing geolocation data to force visitors onto localized versions of the site without asking for consent.
Many international visitors report that when they try to access the American version of IGN, they are automatically redirected to a regional subdomain — such as the Dutch edition — based solely on their IP address. This happens even when users directly navigate to the U.S. homepage, making it impossible to access the content they want without using technical workarounds.
No Way to Opt Out
The frustration stems from IGN’s lack of an opt-out or manual site selection option. While regional versions often include translated content and localized promotions, they also tend to exclude certain articles, reviews, and features available on the American site. This results in a restricted and incomplete experience for readers outside the U.S.
Some privacy advocates note that the practice could potentially breach GDPR requirements, as geolocation data is being processed without explicit user consent. Under EU regulations, websites that collect or use location information are generally required to inform users and request permission before doing so.
Frustrating Experience for Global Readers
For many international gamers who follow worldwide gaming news, forced localization creates delays, missing stories, and increased exposure to region-specific sponsored content. Some users have resorted to VPNs or browser add-ons to bypass the redirect and regain access to the full U.S. site.
“This isn’t just about preference — it’s about control,” said one irritated gamer. “I should be able to choose what version of a site I want to read, without my location being used against me.”
Community Pushback and Calls for Change
The issue has sparked discussion across online forums and social media, with many calling for IGN to add a simple setting or toggle that lets users choose their preferred region permanently. Others have accused the company of putting advertising revenue and localized sponsorship deals ahead of user freedom and transparency.
At the time of writing, IGN has not commented on the backlash. However, with rising awareness about online privacy and the legal implications of unconsented location tracking, pressure on the company to change its approach is likely to intensify.
