Buddies: Cheats or not cheats?

If you play games on popular sites like Yahoo, Pogo, or MSN, you've surely heard of “cheats”. The word “cheat” implies a person is playing the game in a way to ensure a win. This is commonly achieved by using a programmed application known as a “bot” or “auto” to play the game on your behalf.

Play Buddy bots have an unfair advantage since they’re programmed with an ability to play most games with an intelligence superior to that of most human opponents. Speed is also an advantage in badge situations on Pogo or MSN, since a bot can complete game rounds tons faster than human players.

Yes, Play Buddy bots can be used as autos – thereby allowing users to have the bot complete the game in their stead – and as such could be deemed as Pogo cheats or Yahoo cheats or MSN cheats. However, what if the aid of the application is sought, and it is not used to automatically play the game? What if, instead, it was used as a helping tool or teaching aid? Is it still considered a game cheat?

You see, what makes Play Buddy Buddies absolutely unique is their “show hint” and “play hint” features. This enables users to play their game and to access the Buddy only when they get stuck, or aren’t sure which move to make. Furthermore, a diligent user could utilize the Buddy as a tutor or instructor of the game. In other words – theoretically speaking – you could learn to play a game with the use of a Play Buddy auto’s hint features.

Another option that encourages learning is the “always hint” option in the Buddy’s settings. This means that the Buddy’s GUI always displays the next suggested move. Users learning how to play and who want to practice their skills can turn this feature off. Then he or she can press “play hint” or “show hint” when they’ve made their own guess as to which move should be made. If their guess matches the Buddy’s move, they know they’re catching on! And of course some Buddy engines (i.e. Chess, Tumblee, Sudoku to name a few) are near brilliant so users who learn how to play from the Buddy will be more impressive / intelligent players than those who’re learning on their own and have to guess which move to make.

So, always wanted to learn how to play backgammon? Wish you could be taught how to make great chess moves? Perhaps now is the time to consider some new Buddies in a new light!

Questions for Readers:

What do you think of the use of autos or “cheats” in the online gaming world?
Have you or would you use a Buddy to learn a new game?
Do you agree or disagree that a Buddy is a cheat?