An important topic discussed in class today by the in-class hosts was the topic of cheating, specifically dealing with macros, glitches, and cheat codes and whether or not utilizing these detract from the original intent of the developers or enhance the gaming experience. In chapter one, Galloway notes that cheats and hacks are often built into games, yet they are discouraged by many as a way of taking shortcuts when others are playing according to the rules. But macros and add-ons are “tolerated, even encouraged.” (pg. 13) Galloway’s overall view regarding cheats, glitches, macros, and add-ons is that they shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as entirely hostile to the gaming experience, but rather should be viewed as part of the gaming experience. This topic, brought up as almost a side topic by one of the members of the presenting group devolved into a rather interesting argument regarding cheating.
The traditional view is that all games should be played by the rules, video games not being an exception. However, there are those who argue that if a cheat code can be entered or a macro can be used that the developers intended that element be included in the game. Using that element would, in turn, not offend the developers’ intentions for the game.
Perhaps, given the changing times and the changing “game landscape,” it is more appropriate for me to have an evolving, more progressive view on cheating in video games. Call me conservative if you will, but I feel as if cheating takes away from the intentions of the game (to play through each level fairly and eventually win) and can even put other, much less experienced players at a disadvantage. In many cases, the actions of certain players, particularly in the realm of online, PC gaming, can be especially abhorrent. As former PC owner, I used to really enjoy playing Battlefield 2. Most of the time, players were honest, and servers would be quick to kick players whom they determined to be cheating, exploiting a glitch, or using a bot. Once, I would be on a server and there was a player who exploited every possible glitch, and use one part of the map as a portal to get to another part. This player was also able to exploit a glitch that allowed him or her to become invisible when standing in a particular alleyway, which would allow him or her to kill other players without detection. Players noticed this, and attempted to contact server admins for assistance in kicking the offending player. When no assistance was rendered, people began leaving the server and it stopped being fun to play on that map.
Although I get on my soapbox and rail against cheating, I admit that I have done it, particularly when I was the owner of an XBOX console. My reason for employing cheat codes was simple: I got stuck.
This article from Forbes Magazine provides a great insight to the main reasons why people cheat and why, in some cases, it may be good for us.