AFK Macros

Lionxoft

Today, a small group went to capture one of the enemy controlled resources near our home keeps. While ranging down the tower mage I saw some weird fireballs coming through the keep wall. I walked up and checked it out. It was a DC sorc just sitting there firing heavy attacks towards the wall. I hit him once to see if he would react but he didn't. I hit him again and the same. He just sat there shooting heavy attacks at the wall. I continued to sit there and just watch him for a bit (While recording) to see if he would do something else but he didn't. I then killed him and moved on.

It's quite obvious why he is doing this. Since the resource was enemy controlled he would gain a defense tick for each enemy that used this resource as a suicide resource. He doesn't even have to be at the computer but he still gains legitimate AP.

This is not only a problem on ZOS' end for not policing and preventing this but it's also a player issue. Why are we not holding each other accountable? Is it because of the No naming and shaming policy that ZOS has implemented?

It's sad because I enjoyed fighting this particular guy in the past so much that I even added him to my friends list as a cross faction buddy. Sadly, if I see him log in again I will probably stop playing this game.

It's my understanding that third party applications or scripts that modify the gameplay experience such as automation.

@ZOS_GinaBruno‌ @ZOS_JessicaFolsom‌, why is this not being handled appropriately? I'm tired of your policy that refuses to enforce the code of conduct that we all agreed to.

@All of ESO Players. We need to keep each other accountable. If you see someone cheesing their way through content or breaking the rules then you need to speak up. Hopefully ZOS will listen.

I'm so tired of this garbage.

5.1 Users are forbidden from using any unapproved third party applications, programs, scripts or any other game modifying mechanic used to change the game play experience on a ZeniMax Game, Service, forum, or other games or services provided by ZeniMax, including the distribution of said programs via ZeniMax services, sites, forums, communities, etc. This would include but is not limited to using or distributing speed hacks, aim bots, mouse controllers, spam bots, automated game play devices, etc. Third party applications are defined as any program, application or script written by an individual, company, corporation, or private party not employed by or contracted to perform services by ZeniMax.

5.2 Users will not exploit any bug, or abuse any game system (such as the scoring or award systems) in a ZeniMax Game, Service, forum, or other games or services provided by ZeniMax. Users will not intentionally use or share any bug found within any ZeniMax Game, real or fictitious, regardless of whether or not it grants an unfair advantage. You will not directly or indirectly communicate the existence of any such bug to any other user of the ZeniMax Service (in game or on a ZeniMax service). Report bugs and exploits using the in-game portal or via http://help.elderscrollsonline.com.

Source:
https://account.elderscrollsonline.com/code-of-conduct

Ezareth

I've seen EP players doing this on Haderus behind the gates.

I don't think you need a macro to do it. I imagine you could just sit something heavy on your left mouse button and the auto-heavy attack would keep firing although I've never done this myself.

This is hardly something to get upset about IMO.

Lionxoft

ezareth_ESO wrote: »

I've seen EP players doing this on Haderus behind the gates.

I don't think you need a macro to do it. I imagine you could just sit something heavy on your left mouse button and the auto-heavy attack would keep firing although I've never done this myself.

This is hardly something to get upset about IMO.

This particular situation is not the only case i've seen. Players sitting near wayshrines looking forward then looking up to shoot an arrow up in the air every 60 seconds. Another player was sitting near the home transitus cycling through their shield stack every 20 seconds...

@ezareth_ESO‌ if you truly think that automating your gameplay in order to stay logged in and/or continuing to accrue points while not even at the computer is ok... Well, that's the kind of player I'd rather not play the game with.

Ezareth

I don't think it is OK at all. I think it is shady as hell, I just don't let it anger me. What I do is kill the players I see doing it on the enemy side and ostracize them in game on our side. Same with the jokes who sit at suicide resources all day leeching AP and tagging people.

Lionxoft

ezareth_ESO wrote: »

I don't think it is OK at all. I think it is shady as hell, I just don't let it anger me. What I do is kill the players I see doing it on the enemy side and ostracize them in game on our side. Same with the jokes who sit at suicide resources all day leeching AP and tagging people.

That doesn't fix the problem. It's humorous probably but ineffective. I'm not sure why ZOS doesn't lay the smack down. Let them know what the Rock is cookin' instead of going all Betty White on them and protecting them.

How ZOS should respond:


How they actually respond:

Redlags

I'd rather see bloodgating fixed than some guy getting APs from them.

Maulkin

Lionxoft wrote: »

It's quite obvious why he is doing this. Since the resource was enemy controlled he would gain a defense tick for each enemy that used this resource as a suicide resource. He doesn't even have to be at the computer but he still gains legitimate AP.

Hold the phone, why would he gain any AP? For a def tick to dispense, AP has to be generated. For AP to be generated, someone would have to tag the player before he suicides. So if the guy is just sitting inside the tower, not tagging anyone, why would any AP be generated and a tick dispensed?

Lionxoft wrote: »

It's sad because I enjoyed fighting this particular guy in the past so much that I even added him to my friends list as a cross faction buddy. Sadly, if I see him log in again I will probably stop playing this game.

Overreacting much?

Umeil

mike.gaziotisb16_ESO wrote: »

Lionxoft wrote: »

It's quite obvious why he is doing this. Since the resource was enemy controlled he would gain a defense tick for each enemy that used this resource as a suicide resource. He doesn't even have to be at the computer but he still gains legitimate AP.

Hold the phone, why would he gain any AP? For a def tick to dispense, AP has to be generated. For AP to be generated, someone would have to tag the player before he suicides. So if the guy is just sitting inside the tower, not tagging anyone, why would any AP be generated and a tick dispensed?

Lionxoft wrote: »

It's sad because I enjoyed fighting this particular guy in the past so much that I even added him to my friends list as a cross faction buddy. Sadly, if I see him log in again I will probably stop playing this game.

Overreacting much?

Wrong you just have to be at a keep that gets hit even by one seige shot and you will gain AP all day long

Garion

Maybe the guy was just AFK and didn't want to get logged out while he ate his lunch, because an hour long 100 man queue is not fun at all.

Maulkin

Umeil wrote: »

Wrong you just have to be at a keep that gets hit even by one seige shot and you will gain AP all day long

Keeps are another matter, I was talking about the example given which was a resource not a keep. If you're at a keep you will of course get AP at some point from defticks.

Another example give by Lion was

Lionxoft wrote: »

Another player was sitting near the home transitus cycling through their shield stack every 20 seconds...

Again in that particular case, he is not gaining any AP.

I believe as Garion said it's mostly done to avoid logging off and having to queue to get in. Especially when it's done at the home/gate shrines.

Like ez said, you don't event need to have a macro you can jam the LMB and it'll keep firing. You can even put your char up against the wall and keep the W button jammed.

Sure, some people might be gaining some AP while they're AFK at a keep, but I think that a) that's not such a big deal and b) the problem is not with people doing what they are doing but with the current deftick mechanics.

Ticks should be calculated on the client and be a reflection of your personal AP contribution/gain during the fight. There would be no more leeching and no more lost ticks either. Simples

Komma

There are people behind the scene doing stuff during those big fights like keeping the FC's up, repairing walls or watching peoples backsides. You think only people who gain the ap through kills should get the def ap tick. pft.

Maulkin

Komma wrote: »

There are people behind the scene doing stuff during those big fights like keeping the FC's up, repairing walls or watching peoples backsides. You think only people who gain the ap through kills should get the def ap tick. pft.

Yeah pfft. While the current system where someone killed 20+ people but then completely missed the tick because he pushed the enemies to their camp is fair. Or when someone takes a deftick just for teleporting after a siege ended. Pfft.

Also:
Repairing walls gives you AP
Healing gives you AP
Firing Siege gets you kills which gives you AP

Watching people's backsides = sitting on your backside. Placing camps is noble but it shouldn't automatically give you def ticks. You have to be involved in the fight in some capacity.

If you have a fairer suggestion, I'm all ears. But before being so dismissive it would be nice if you offered something constructive. I still believe my suggestion is fairer than the current state we have.

Merlin13KAGL

Redlags wrote: »

I'd rather see bloodgating fixed than some guy getting APs from them.

Exactly. Death should not be a means of transport, unless it's to exit the area completely.

OP, I can't imagine it would be terribly difficult for them to implement pattern matching to some degree to identify things like this.

Fortunately, there are 'real world' checks (such as you happening along) that help remedy this.

Did you report him so they can investigate?

ZOS_TristanK

Hey, all. We want to pop in and let you know that we do take accusations of cheating or Terms of Service violations very seriously. All reports that you file in-game are investigated by our Terms of Service team who determine what, if any, action is appropriate to take. While the Terms of Service team will not inform you of the results of their investigation, rest assured that your reports are not falling on deaf ears.

As stated in our forum Code of Conduct, the ESO Community, Social, Moderation, and Tech Support teams cannot assist with in-game Terms of Service investigations or reports, which is the primary reason that we do not allow these reports on the forums. We also do not allow naming-and-shaming, because accusations posted on the forums can quickly turn into witch-hunts in-game. We do not allow players to be negatively called out on the forums to protect their privacy and safety.

That said, we encourage you to report anyone you suspect of violating our Terms of Service so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action.

Saet

Yes we know your standard comment on this type of subject by now ZOS. You never have anything of actual substance to say.

Lionxoft

ZOS_TristanK wrote: »

Hey, all. We want to pop in and let you know that we do take accusations of cheating or Terms of Service violations very seriously. All reports that you file in-game are investigated by our Terms of Service team who determine what, if any, action is appropriate to take. While the Terms of Service team will not inform you of the results of their investigation, rest assured that your reports are not falling on deaf ears.

As stated in our forum Code of Conduct, the ESO Community, Social, Moderation, and Tech Support teams cannot assist with in-game Terms of Service investigations or reports, which is the primary reason that we do not allow these reports on the forums. We also do not allow naming-and-shaming, because accusations posted on the forums can quickly turn into witch-hunts in-game. We do not allow players to be negatively called out on the forums to protect their privacy and safety.

That said, we encourage you to report anyone you suspect of violating our Terms of Service so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action.

I have reported and those players are still around. ZOS fails to handle their responsibilities appropriately. No player has been named or shamed on this thread...

But that raises the question @ZOS_TristanK‌. Why are you protecting cheaters?

Lionxoft

mike.gaziotisb16_ESO wrote: »

Lionxoft wrote: »

It's quite obvious why he is doing this. Since the resource was enemy controlled he would gain a defense tick for each enemy that used this resource as a suicide resource. He doesn't even have to be at the computer but he still gains legitimate AP.

Hold the phone, why would he gain any AP? For a def tick to dispense, AP has to be generated. For AP to be generated, someone would have to tag the player before he suicides. So if the guy is just sitting inside the tower, not tagging anyone, why would any AP be generated and a tick dispensed?

You gain AP just by being there. You don't have to do anything.

mike.gaziotisb16_ESO wrote: »

Overreacting much?

I don't think it's overreacting. Did you read the original post where I pasted 5.1 and 5.2 of the code of conduct? It specifically mentions automation scripts and abuse any game system (such as the scoring or award systems).

This is not only automating the AP accrual but it's also automating their Alliance War Assault and Support line progression. I hope that you understand why I think the punishment for these guys should be swift and solid.

Lionxoft

Garion wrote: »

Maybe the guy was just AFK and didn't want to get logged out while he ate his lunch, because an hour long 100 man queue is not fun at all.

Convenient that it was in a place where he accrued points just for sitting there.

Lionxoft

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

Redlags wrote: »

I'd rather see bloodgating fixed than some guy getting APs from them.

Exactly. Death should not be a means of transport, unless it's to exit the area completely.

OP, I can't imagine it would be terribly difficult for them to implement pattern matching to some degree to identify things like this.

Fortunately, there are 'real world' checks (such as you happening along) that help remedy this.

Did you report him so they can investigate?

Yes, I waited a while. Hit him with a few light attacks to see if he was there but he never responded so I reported him, recorded it and then killed him.

Lionxoft

mike.gaziotisb16_ESO wrote: »

Umeil wrote: »

Wrong you just have to be at a keep that gets hit even by one seige shot and you will gain AP all day long

Keeps are another matter, I was talking about the example given which was a resource not a keep. If you're at a keep you will of course get AP at some point from defticks.

Another example give by Lion was

Lionxoft wrote: »

Another player was sitting near the home transitus cycling through their shield stack every 20 seconds...

Again in that particular case, he is not gaining any AP.

I believe as Garion said it's mostly done to avoid logging off and having to queue to get in. Especially when it's done at the home/gate shrines.

Like ez said, you don't event need to have a macro you can jam the LMB and it'll keep firing. You can even put your char up against the wall and keep the W button jammed.

Sure, some people might be gaining some AP while they're AFK at a keep, but I think that a) that's not such a big deal and b) the problem is not with people doing what they are doing but with the current deftick mechanics.

Ticks should be calculated on the client and be a reflection of your personal AP contribution/gain during the fight. There would be no more leeching and no more lost ticks either. Simples

I also mentioned a scenario where the player had his shield stack cycling through on a 20s rotation... I hope you can see where that one is going.

eventide03b14a_ESO

Umeil wrote: »

mike.gaziotisb16_ESO wrote: »

Lionxoft wrote: »

It's quite obvious why he is doing this. Since the resource was enemy controlled he would gain a defense tick for each enemy that used this resource as a suicide resource. He doesn't even have to be at the computer but he still gains legitimate AP.

Hold the phone, why would he gain any AP? For a def tick to dispense, AP has to be generated. For AP to be generated, someone would have to tag the player before he suicides. So if the guy is just sitting inside the tower, not tagging anyone, why would any AP be generated and a tick dispensed?

Lionxoft wrote: »

It's sad because I enjoyed fighting this particular guy in the past so much that I even added him to my friends list as a cross faction buddy. Sadly, if I see him log in again I will probably stop playing this game.

Overreacting much?

Wrong you just have to be at a keep that gets hit even by one seige shot and you will gain AP all day long

Well that's just a stupid system then. You shouldn't get AP just for being present.

eventide03b14a_ESO

Komma wrote: »

There are people behind the scene doing stuff during those big fights like keeping the FC's up, repairing walls or watching peoples backsides. You think only people who gain the ap through kills should get the def ap tick. pft.

If they are repairing a wall yes they should. If they are healing damage then yes they should. If they hit a player yes they should. Standing there spamming an attack? No they shouldn't.

Redlags

This is obviously an AD emp farn issue, Just bad players leeching the system want you to ban or crack down on players they have to compete with.

Ezareth

There were times on Thornblade where I would AFK for a half hour or so while I handled other matters, every 15 minutes or so I would tab back over to the game to move around.

I think the most AP I've ever been rewarded while being AFK was 800 AP though haha.

As someone mentioned, 1 hour queues are no joke. If you see AD players doing this, it could be they just need to hit the head or something.

Lionxoft

ezareth_ESO wrote: »

There were times on Thornblade where I would AFK for a half hour or so while I handled other matters, every 15 minutes or so I would tab back over to the game to move around.

I think the most AP I've ever been rewarded while being AFK was 800 AP though haha.

As someone mentioned, 1 hour queues are no joke. If you see AD players doing this, it could be they just need to hit the head or something.

You gain a defense tick after each enemy suicides regardless of whether you hit them or not. Going to the bathroom doesn't require a macro, script or any further action... Let's hope. Simply just go to the bathroom.

There's no excuse for this... Especially if it accrues them AP while increasing their Alliance Rank, Emp leaderboard and Assault/Support lines all while they are not even playing the game. This isn't just a fault of the player but it's also the fault of Zenimax for creating such a cheeseworthy system.

Cody

ZOS_TristanK wrote: »

Hey, all. We want to pop in and let you know that we do take accusations of cheating or Terms of Service violations very seriously. All reports that you file in-game are investigated by our Terms of Service team who determine what, if any, action is appropriate to take. While the Terms of Service team will not inform you of the results of their investigation, rest assured that your reports are not falling on deaf ears.

As stated in our forum Code of Conduct, the ESO Community, Social, Moderation, and Tech Support teams cannot assist with in-game Terms of Service investigations or reports, which is the primary reason that we do not allow these reports on the forums. We also do not allow naming-and-shaming, because accusations posted on the forums can quickly turn into witch-hunts in-game. We do not allow players to be negatively called out on the forums to protect their privacy and safety.

That said, we encourage you to report anyone you suspect of violating our Terms of Service so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action.

I cant even read these anymore. its a waste of time

Gilvoth

Cody wrote: »

ZOS_TristanK wrote: »

Hey, all. We want to pop in and let you know that we do take accusations of cheating or Terms of Service violations very seriously. All reports that you file in-game are investigated by our Terms of Service team who determine what, if any, action is appropriate to take. While the Terms of Service team will not inform you of the results of their investigation, rest assured that your reports are not falling on deaf ears.

As stated in our forum Code of Conduct, the ESO Community, Social, Moderation, and Tech Support teams cannot assist with in-game Terms of Service investigations or reports, which is the primary reason that we do not allow these reports on the forums. We also do not allow naming-and-shaming, because accusations posted on the forums can quickly turn into witch-hunts in-game. We do not allow players to be negatively called out on the forums to protect their privacy and safety.

That said, we encourage you to report anyone you suspect of violating our Terms of Service so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action.

I cant even read these anymore. its a waste of time

please dont say things like that because it is our only way of speaking with the devs at this time.

Asgari

Cody wrote: »

ZOS_TristanK wrote: »

Hey, all. We want to pop in and let you know that we do take accusations of cheating or Terms of Service violations very seriously. All reports that you file in-game are investigated by our Terms of Service team who determine what, if any, action is appropriate to take. While the Terms of Service team will not inform you of the results of their investigation, rest assured that your reports are not falling on deaf ears.

As stated in our forum Code of Conduct, the ESO Community, Social, Moderation, and Tech Support teams cannot assist with in-game Terms of Service investigations or reports, which is the primary reason that we do not allow these reports on the forums. We also do not allow naming-and-shaming, because accusations posted on the forums can quickly turn into witch-hunts in-game. We do not allow players to be negatively called out on the forums to protect their privacy and safety.

That said, we encourage you to report anyone you suspect of violating our Terms of Service so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action.

I cant even read these anymore. its a waste of time

agreed :thumbsup

Maulkin

Lionxoft wrote: »

You gain a defense tick after each enemy suicides regardless of whether you hit them or not.

My understanding is someone has to tag them even if it's not you, so if they're suiciding before they've been tagged they wouldn't generate AP. So I believe you are wrong in this, but I will test tonight.

Lionxoft wrote: »

I also mentioned a scenario where the player had his shield stack cycling through on a 20s rotation... I hope you can see where that one is going.

Sure but like I said, I don't feel it's an exploit if they gain no advantage. And they clearly gain no advantage being in the home base going through the shield rotation are they?

As everyone said they could do this without a macro, so having one is pointless anyway. Since no advantage is gained in any way I fail to see why this is a problem, much less so why this of all issues would make you quit.

tengri

ZOS_TristanK wrote: »

... All reports that you file in-game...

There you go.
Bitching about *insert favorite PvP cheat/exploit of the week here* on the forums will go nowhere.
Do it where they want and need you to do it or... [snip].

[Moderator Note: Edited per our rules on Rude and Insulting Comments]

seneferab16_ESO

tengri wrote: »

ZOS_TristanK wrote: »

... All reports that you file in-game...

There you go.
Bitching about *insert favorite PvP cheat/exploit of the week here* on the forums will go nowhere.
Do it where they want and need you to do it or... [snip].

Like the multiple bug reports that has been filed on PTR and actual game and then brought up on the forums by frustrated players just to have a green reply that they had no idea about it?

Normally I would agree with you, but ZOS.. Bug/player reports seem to be either ignored or processed by just a few people so buried in reports they're lagging a couple of weeks/months behind.

I just have a feeling that the forums are the only way we have to communicate things that need to be brought to attention.
It's a weird feeling. Been playing MMOs for more than ten years, and _never_ before have I felt anything like it.

[Moderator Note: Edited quote to match moderated version]