Resources Hack

BeeDee10 · #1 June 11th, 2001, 12:03 AM

I expect I will indeed give PBW a shot as soon as the new patch comes out (I've heard that the current Version doesn't work with it due to a bug in command line execution). I've been holding back so far because retrofitting/scrapping/etc. is so badly broken in simultaneous mode. I like to retrofit a _lot_ in peacetime, always keeping my forces cutting-edge. Having to do it one ship at a time is such a pain. But I've been getting myself used to it, and perhaps the next patch will fix that too.

Now that I think about the "cheating" issue more, we've already seen Aaron be quite responsive and quick to close security holes in the past; when he released the map editor he promptly patched the game to disallow saving maps during play so that multiplayers couldn't use the editor to view systems they hadn't visited yet. I'm sure if this trainer becomes a problem there'll be ways to have SEIV verify other players' honesty.

mottlee · #2 June 11th, 2001, 12:19 AM

Dang I don't like CHEATERS but I hear (read) all sorts of thing I can try in solo games

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mottlee@gte.net
"Kill em all let God sort em out"

Kimball · #3 June 11th, 2001, 12:33 AM

I am not sure what a "trainer" is, but there are programs that allow a person to actually edit memory locations. The programs allow the user to search for a specific number, say 23,145 minerals, and acutally change that value. This could be done DURING the turn, making it impossible to catch.

The only way to keep an eye out for cheating is to monitor the scores screen. Any reqular player can see that if someone has 150 tech levels, and you only only have 100, there is something funny going on. Or if a player has 500 ships to your 200, there could be something going on as well. You just have to play with players you trust.

Beck · #4 June 11th, 2001, 04:14 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Kimball:
This could be done DURING the turn, making it impossible to catch.

There are ways of catching this. The game Stars! used such a method, if you changed the number of something using a memory editor and processed the turn, the game reverted you back to the proper number. Its just a pain that time, effort and code that could be used to made the game better has to be used to thwart such mindless drivel. If they're so good at programming and want to show off, left them create their own work instead of trying to defeat someone else's.

Sirkit · #5 June 11th, 2001, 06:35 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Richard:

However this is your only warning another post like that and I will not only lock this thread down but I will also lock your acount out.

Threats and verbal abuse/language are NOT allowed on this forum or appreciated.

May I ask to what you are refering the largest threat I saw was a 'use my e-mail and something bad will happen' hardly worth such a harsh reprisel.

Richard · #6 June 11th, 2001, 04:08 PM

Actually i was responding to both of the guys. One was using language he should not have and yes the other is a threat. Actually believe it or not that threat alone is enough to have local law enforcement look into the issue.

Not saying I would do that but as a long time Systems Admin I have seen folks investigated by law enforcement for much less as far as threatening Online goes.

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Sarge is coming...

Richard Arnesen
Director of Covert Ops
Shrapnel Games
http://www.shrapnelgames.com

tja · #7 June 11th, 2001, 05:04 PM

I know I risk the wrath of most of you but let me try to make a point in favour of cheating:
:]

Sometimes I like a game. But perhaps not enough to invest all my free time. So I'll miss some of its features. Like for example I play a scenario and after 100hours of play just befor I am to discover the technology I wanted to get to know to an enemy kills me off. That's when I LOVE savegameeditors, cheats, trainers ...

As for the problem of fairness in Online games - yes, it is a shame! But computers are powerful tools and crackers will always find their ways around protections. So by condemning trainers(and their like) you'll IMHO only create a false sense of safety. Do I have a solution? None but to proactively deal with the problem. e.g. Other Online communities have "clans" where each and every member has proved her fairness in many games...

Conclusio:
I'd really like to cheat myself.
=)