Learn about the most effective methods to detect cheating in online games, such as server-side, client-side, community, behavioral, and statistical detection.

In one of my larger projects, which hosted a vast number of users, the reliance on client-side measures became particularly evident. We implemented checks to verify the integrity of game files and processes on the user's device, a strategy that proved crucial in identifying altered game versions or background cheat programs. This dual approach not only preempted potential cheaters from exploiting the system but also complemented our server-side efforts by offering an additional layer of defense.

Last updated on Mar 26, 2024

What are the most effective ways to detect cheating in online games?

Cheating in online games is a serious problem that affects the fairness, fun, and revenue of game developers and players. Cheaters use various methods to gain unfair advantages, such as hacking, botting, exploiting, or colluding. To combat cheating, game developers need to implement effective detection and prevention strategies that can identify and deter cheaters without harming legitimate players. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective ways to detect cheating in online games, based on the type, frequency, and impact of cheating behavior.

1 Server-side detection

One of the most common and reliable ways to detect cheating in online games is to use server-side detection. This means that the game server monitors and analyzes the data and actions of each player, and compares them to the expected or normal range of values and behaviors. For example, the server can detect if a player is moving faster than possible, shooting through walls, or accessing restricted areas. Server-side detection can also flag suspicious patterns, such as repeated actions, abnormal scores, or unusual timings. Server-side detection is effective because it does not rely on the client-side, which can be tampered with by cheaters.

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Alexandre Jardim

Full Stack Python Developer | Quality Assurance Manager | Project Manager | Queue Manager | Gaming Industry | AI | Machine Learning | JavaScript | Flask | HTML | CSS | React.js | SQl | Docker | Git | Github
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Understanding truly the cheating methods of cheaters and how they behave is crucial to maintain the integrity of online games. In this context, server-side detection emerges as one of the most effective strategies. This method involves constant monitoring and analysis of each player's data and actions by the game server, comparing them with expected or normal patterns of values and behaviors. For example, the server can identify excessively fast movements, shooting through walls, or accessing restricted areas. Moreover, it can flag suspicious patterns such as repetitive actions, abnormal scores, or unusual times.

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Azindukht Salehifar

Senior Game Developer
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Incorporating server-side detection as a core component of an online game's anti-cheat strategy is crucial for maintaining fairness and integrity within the gaming community. By analyzing and comparing player data and actions directly on the server, developers can effectively identify and mitigate cheating behaviors that disrupt the competitive balance. This method is particularly valuable as it minimizes dependencies on client-side security, which can be more vulnerable to manipulation. Ensuring that detection systems are continuously updated to recognize new cheating patterns is also vital for keeping up with evolving cheat methods.

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2 Client-side detection

Another way to detect cheating in online games is to use client-side detection. This means that the game client, which is the software that runs on the player's device, scans and verifies the integrity and authenticity of the game files, processes, and memory. For example, the client can detect if a player is using a modified or hacked version of the game, or if a player is running a cheat program or script in the background. Client-side detection can also report any anomalies or violations to the server. Client-side detection is effective because it can prevent cheaters from launching or joining the game, or from using certain cheat methods.

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Azindukht Salehifar

Senior Game Developer
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In one of my larger projects, which hosted a vast number of users, the reliance on client-side measures became particularly evident. We implemented checks to verify the integrity of game files and processes on the user's device, a strategy that proved crucial in identifying altered game versions or background cheat programs. This dual approach not only preempted potential cheaters from exploiting the system but also complemented our server-side efforts by offering an additional layer of defense.

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3 Community detection

A third way to detect cheating in online games is to use community detection. This means that the game community, which consists of the players, moderators, and developers, can report and review suspected cases of cheating, based on their observations, evidence, or feedback. For example, the game can have a report system that allows players to flag and submit cheaters for investigation, or a replay system that allows players to review and verify the actions and results of other players. Community detection can also involve human or automated moderators that can review and sanction cheaters. Community detection is effective because it can leverage the collective knowledge and experience of the game community, and foster a culture of honesty and accountability.

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4 Behavioral detection

A fourth way to detect cheating in online games is to use behavioral detection. This means that the game can use artificial intelligence or machine learning to analyze and predict the behavior and personality of each player, and identify any deviations or anomalies that indicate cheating. For example, the game can use a neural network or a decision tree to classify and score the players based on their actions, preferences, and motivations, and detect if a player is acting in a way that is inconsistent or incompatible with their profile. Behavioral detection can also use natural language processing or sentiment analysis to detect if a player is using abusive or deceptive language. Behavioral detection is effective because it can capture the subtle and complex aspects of cheating that are not easily detected by other methods.

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Liam Bailey

IT, AV, Metaphysics, comparative mythology, comparative religion and skafology [The study of angelic vessels]
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Behavioral detection is good for catching bots and autonomous programs. These types of programs can be used to undermine the games economy through various types of farming. It's complicated to detect as it requires users to report if it cannot be detected by the client or server side. Due to the nature of how bots read the game landscape, there are usually visual signs to look for. A good example would be direct line movement. This is the bot reading the selectable points in game to navigate to the designated destination over and over again.

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5 Statistical detection

A fifth way to detect cheating in online games is to use statistical detection. This means that the game can use mathematical or statistical models to measure and compare the performance and outcomes of each player, and detect any outliers or anomalies that indicate cheating. For example, the game can use a probability distribution or a confidence interval to estimate and test the likelihood and significance of a player's achievements, and detect if a player is achieving results that are too good or too bad to be true. Statistical detection can also use a correlation or a regression analysis to examine and explain the relationship and causation between a player's variables, and detect if a player is manipulating or influencing the game state. Statistical detection is effective because it can quantify and validate the evidence and impact of cheating.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most effective ways to detect cheating in online games?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Server-side detection

2 Client-side detection

3 Community detection

4 Behavioral detection

5 Statistical detection

6 Here’s what else to consider

Gaming Industry

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What are the most effective ways to detect cheating in online games?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Server-side detection

2 Client-side detection

3 Community detection

4 Behavioral detection

5 Statistical detection

6 Here’s what else to consider

Gaming Industry

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