Preventing bots from playing online games

• ACM Computers in Entertainment

As multiplayer online gaming gains in economic and social importance, an increasingly large number of players is beginning to rely on ''bot'' (automated player agents) to gain unfair advantages in games. In this paper we study the problem of restricting participation in online games to human players, so they can enjoy the game without interference from these bots. We propose a range of techniques, both software and hardware based, to distinguish human players from bots. Our techniques are applicable in a wide variety of online games - from poker to ''shoot'em ups.'' They are cost-e®ective, immune to cheating, and preserve the human players' enjoyment of each game. We conclude with a discussion of how game-theoretic approaches to deter the use of bots may complement our techniques to detect bots.

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citation

Golle, P. ; Ducheneaut, N. Preventing bots from playing online games. ACM Computers in Entertainment. 2005 July; 3(3):3.