How can you prevent anti-cheat measures from disrupting legitimate players?

1 Use multiple layers of detection

One way to prevent anti-cheat measures from disrupting legitimate players is to use multiple layers of detection that can verify each other and reduce the chances of false positives. For example, you can combine server-side checks, client-side checks, and external tools to detect and prevent cheating. Server-side checks can monitor the game state, player actions, and network traffic for anomalies and inconsistencies. Client-side checks can scan the game files, memory, and processes for modifications and injections. External tools can use third-party services, such as Steam or Epic, to authenticate and verify the game and the player.

2 Implement progressive penalties

Another way to prevent anti-cheat measures from disrupting legitimate players is to implement progressive penalties that can escalate based on the severity and frequency of the cheating. For example, you can start with a warning, then a temporary ban, then a permanent ban, and finally a hardware ban. This way, you can give the players a chance to correct their behavior and avoid harsh consequences for minor or accidental violations. You can also use a grace period, a cooldown, or a reset mechanism to allow the players to redeem themselves and restore their reputation.

3 Communicate clearly and transparently

A third way to prevent anti-cheat measures from disrupting legitimate players is to communicate clearly and transparently about your anti-cheat policies and procedures. For example, you can inform the players about what constitutes cheating, what are the detection methods, what are the penalties, and what are the appeal options. You can also provide feedback and updates to the players about their anti-cheat status, such as warnings, bans, reports, and reviews. This way, you can educate the players about your anti-cheat standards and expectations and avoid confusion and frustration.

4 Optimize performance and compatibility

A fourth way to prevent anti-cheat measures from disrupting legitimate players is to optimize performance and compatibility of your anti-cheat solutions. For example, you can test and benchmark your anti-cheat code and tools to ensure that they do not affect the game's framerate, loading time, or stability. You can also ensure that your anti-cheat solutions are compatible with different platforms, operating systems, hardware configurations, and software applications. This way, you can prevent your anti-cheat measures from interfering with the game's functionality and quality.

5 Respect privacy and consent

A fifth way to prevent anti-cheat measures from disrupting legitimate players is to respect privacy and consent of your players. For example, you can avoid collecting or accessing personal or sensitive data from the players' devices or accounts without their permission. You can also allow the players to opt-in or opt-out of certain anti-cheat features or tools that may require more invasive or intrusive methods. This way, you can protect your players' rights and preferences and avoid legal or ethical issues.

6 Update and adapt regularly

A sixth way to prevent anti-cheat measures from disrupting legitimate players is to update and adapt your anti-cheat solutions regularly. For example, you can monitor and analyze the cheating trends and patterns in your game and the industry and adjust your anti-cheat algorithms and parameters accordingly. You can also review and revise your anti-cheat policies and procedures based on the feedback and suggestions from your players and the community. This way, you can keep your anti-cheat measures relevant and effective and prevent them from becoming outdated or obsolete.

7 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?