GameGuard - Good or Evil?

[thedarkwolf25]

I have a post up (somewhere) about the latest game in the works by NCsoft, Aion, and I recently learned that it uses a PunkBuster-like program.

I am well aware of what these programs do and though I think that for hack protection the code is best kept server-side, what do you guys think?

I have seen multiple forums about GameGuard and some hate it, some like it, and some tolerate it. Has anyone here had any issues with it or have any advice as to how it acts? Do you consider it too invasive? Does it cause any system instability? Does it do it's job?

Please Discuss.

Note for anyone new to the forums DO NOT post anything about hack/bot programs or known ways to get around GG, I am just asking for opinions, not ways to hack or bypass the program.

[GoSuNi]

It's okay. I never was concerned anything like that.

[5NIPER_WOLF]

I personally love GG, it updates the fastest, it's the hardest to bypass. It does NOT invade your computer/privacy at all, it's not annoying at all. It does an excellent job. occasionally it will cause an error that you will have to reinstall the game, but nothing big.

PunkBuster sucks, it's so easy to bypass and it's annoying.

VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) is the best so far, Ahn Labs Hack Shield is another good anti-hack device, not as good as GG but better than the rest.

[Zealex]

I think all the anti hack programs stink, I disagree with Ahn labs hack shield, correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't that used for Combat Arms and still used? I remember all the hacks, god mode, chams, speed hacks, aimbot, super jump, no spray etc. Punkbuster games don't have that much hacks! That is why I quit Combat Arms, hackers...
But punkbuster sucks too, sometimes it randomly kicks you.
I like VAC the best, never kicks me does a okay job I guess.
I admit I kind of miss Combat Arms, but I find the new things they added in very immature in my opinion.

Besides listed, what games use GG?

[thedarkwolf25]

You can find a complete list HERE.

The list is pretty long and includes LineageII, Aion, Exteel, and The Chronicles of Spellborn to name a few.

The opinion most people have is that it is garbage and fails to do what it was designed to, in addition of being invasive, causing system instability, and being hard to remove as it is a root kit. But that doesn't mean that it is true, that's just what I've heard on various forums.

[fej2008]

Some online games here in our country uses gameguard which is helpful especially if you're playing in computer shop. It doesn't do much as it just protects your account from keylogs or programs that will hack your online game account. I like it and I tolerate it since it doesn't do much on my system and it protects me as well.

[5NIPER_WOLF]

Zealex, you should play again and with me, they got a patch that killed most of the hackers. There is so much new things.

[thedarkwolf25]

If you guys enjoy MMOs then check out my other thread related to Aion. HERE is the link. I plan to pre-order come monday.

[Zealex]

I would love to play with you 5NIPER
A.My computer can't run CA
B.I don't have enough for a new weapon 19k..use to have 100k
C.I find the "nut" shots bothersome....
When I get my computer, I'll think about it. Maybe i'll just play time to time and get day stuff.

[Mcninjaguy]

I don't see one decent game that uses Gameguard, so it doesn't concern me.

[thedarkwolf25]

Aww, not into MMOs? I personally enjoy both MMOs and FPSs, I play BF2142 just to kill time now while I wait for Aion's release. I've also played FFXI, WoW, and WAR (in that order) and never really seen any programs like GG except for BF's PunkBuster (which fails at life).

[5NIPER_WOLF]

Don't get ninja started, he has a.... different preference with games.
The main reason Punkbuster is a horrible anti hack shield, is the fact that it gives you the ability to disable it! from within the game! allowing hackers to hack and only disabling things like ranks or score.

[Mcninjaguy]

Yea I got problems with some games as I think they're terrible and then I go into big rants that make less and less sense. It is fun times.

I personally don't mind any of these games guards as long as they do 3 things.

-Don't impede performance
-if broken, can be easily fixed
-keep hackers and cheats out

[Zealex]

I don't think any of the antihack programs keep any hackers out. I mean it prevents some but not all.

[thedarkwolf25]

Yeah I agree but that is the price that the devs pay when they don't keep the code server-side. On a lighter note I just pre-ordered so now I can get into the 3rd closed beta coming up around 4th of July weekend!

[Mcninjaguy]

Personally I'm one of those people that try to keep ,my name for every game I play. I usually play fair and don't make fun of the other players.

One of the best things you can do is find servers that have people that play nice. The human factor is there as always, and I'm prepared to try and report horrible people to admins so the games can improve and be enjoyable.

[thedarkwolf25]

I know exactly how you feel! A good example is one of the BF2142 servers that I play on, they don't allow things such as hacking/glitching/stat padding, RDX abuse, verbal abuse or disrespect to other players, high-roofing etc etc.

There are other servers with similar rules but with this one (=WCK= City Maps 64) there is almost always an admin on who enforces those rules. Having people who worry about more than just being "the best" and actually caring about other people's enjoyment of the game can make even the worst made games truly enjoyable!

Sorry to get on a soapbox but I am really passionate about that type of stuff.

Oh BTW I just got my A+ certificate in the mail today (yay me)!

[Mcninjaguy]

Good for you thedarkWolf25! Yay for computers!

I play a lot of L4D and it makes the world of difference with people you play on it. I don't rage quit and don't care if I'm getting pummeled if I'm by myself. I prefer to play with people I know buti I wouldn't know them if I just didn't randomly join games. I get asked by a lot of people asking if I can join their games. I know I'm pretty good at L4D but thats not why I think they always invite me. I Think its becasue I like being a nice team player and not insulting the other team members unless one of them is being horrible, then I go to town and have some fun with that person.

[Zealex]

Originally Posted by thedarkwolf25

I know exactly how you feel! A good example is one of the BF2142 servers that I play on, they don't allow things such as hacking/glitching/stat padding, RDX abuse, verbal abuse or disrespect to other players, high-roofing etc etc.

There are other servers with similar rules but with this one (=WCK= City Maps 64) there is almost always an admin on who enforces those rules. Having people who worry about more than just being "the best" and actually caring about other people's enjoyment of the game can make even the worst made games truly enjoyable!

Sorry to get on a soapbox but I am really passionate about that type of stuff.

Oh BTW I just got my A+ certificate in the mail today (yay me)!

Tactical Gamer Server? I am actually in their community group.

[thedarkwolf25]

Not sure who Tactical Gamer Server is, I think that =WCK= is West Coast Killaz.