Can DDoS attacks be used for extortion, and how does this impact game companies?

Yes, DDoS attacks are often used as a form of extortion. Attackers may demand a ransom payment in exchange for ceasing the attack. This puts significant pressure on game companies like Square Enix, forcing them to potentially pay to restore service or face prolonged outages and reputational damage. Refusing to pay can result in continued disruption, while paying can encourage further attacks. Game companies often prioritize resilience and defense over ransom payments.