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This post outlines the official game policy regarding cheating and unfair play. Its purpose is to provide a clear, comprehensive, and unambiguous set of rules and consequences for all players.
Definition of cheating
Cheating is defined as using any external tool, script, or method to interact with the game that is not intended, automates gameplay, or provides a significant and unfair advantage over other players.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Automation: Anything that allows gameplay to continue without direct, real-time human input. If you can walk away from your computer/phone while your bot continues to perform actions (e.g. initiating battles, refreshing showroom, etc.), you are using automation.
Unfair advantage: Using scripts or tools to perform actions faster or more efficiently than a human player reasonably could. This includes, for instance, scripts that automatically purchase items from the showroom the instant they become available.
HTTP manipulation: Modifying or interfering with the data sent between your browser and the server.
What is NOT cheating
It's important to differentiate between breaking the rules and optimizing within them. The following are not considered cheating:
Using multiple bots: Creating and playing on multiple bot accounts simultaneously is a core part of the game.
Optimizing game mechanics: Strategies like "dumping" (using a network of bots to funnel energy to a primary scorer) are considered legitimate, if advanced, ways of playing the game within the established rules.
Using helper scripts: Certain quality-of-life scripts that assist with gameplay but do not automate it are permitted. This includes tools that provide hotkeys for common actions (e.g. the battle keyboard hotkey script) or that help calculate stats like exp/hour. If you are unsure if a script is allowed, ask first.
When in doubt, the principle is simple: One click from you should equal one intended action in the game.
Consequences of cheating
Protecting the integrity of the game and the efforts of legitimate players is my highest priority as the game's administrator. The consequences for cheating are severe and final.
If a player is found to be cheating, the following action will be taken:
All bots locked/reset: All bots associated with the offending player will be immediately locked and reset. This may include bots with shared ownership and/or usage, so be careful with who you allow access to your bots.
Permanent ban: The player will be permanently banned from playing. This ban applies to the person, not just their current set of bots. Any attempt to return to the game on new bots will result in those being locked/reset as well.
Forfeiture of stars: All stars, whether purchased or traded for, on all associated bots will be forfeit without refund.
Investigation and enforcement
Evidence: Actions are only taken based on clear and conclusive evidence gathered from logs and other detection methods. I maintain a strict standard to ensure no false positive detections. No player will ever be punished on rumor or circumstantial evidence alone.
Reporting: If you suspect a player of cheating, please do not accuse them publicly on the forums. Report your suspicions to me via bmail with any supporting details or observations. All reports will be investigated confidentially.
Thank you for helping to maintain a fair and competitive environment for everyone.