i think i found a way to remove botters/afk farming bots (probably gold sellers too)

lailoken · October 2017

Random encounters is probably the best way to deal with bots. I'm sure bots are programmed to deal with mobs based on the route they're on, and if an aggro mob comes within range, it'll know what kind of mob it is, and how to deal with it. Just randomly throw a world boss-type mob in certain areas and let the special mob deal with them. Better yet, use an enrage timer to boot/tempban (10 minutes?) the players in the area off the server if they can't kill the mob in time (*cackling diabolically*)

Anyone actively playing would see the WB-class mob, leave the area looking for safer places, and leave the clueless bots to deal with the WB-class mob. Of course, active players could take the risk and farm the WB-class mob for that special drop, as long as they can beat the enrage timer.

SirAndy · October 2017

PlagueSD wrote: »

This can't be used to reliably identify a specific machine due to how easy it is to change certain system settings.

You can't change your MAC address (which is unique) and you can't change your processor serial either, those are embedded in your *hardware* ...

lagrue · October 2017

Turelus wrote: »

This would once again only effect consoles (like the dolmen changes), as PC bots can be scripted to do much more.

Once again the solution is better tools and people working actively to read tickets attend to the reports. This is how other companies have managed to stay somewhat on top of it. We don't really know the inner workings of ZOS very well though, I am just speaking from what I see as the issues.

Console is starting to have legitimate full on scripted bots as well. I've seen them myself, multiple names like "nnnno1" "nnnno2" and so on, and they run in perfect patterns (not achievable with rubber band). This is only very recent - I'm part of PS4 hacking communities (I like to mod, but not online games like ESO) and they've made significant progress recently in breaking through that wall. We now have people who can easily make mod menus for games, scripted/macros being added and alot more.

In short, OPs ideas probably wouldn't help console either at this point.

Nestor · October 2017

Also, ZOS does not need to come up with a 100% hacker proof system. Remember, these are people who grind on a video game because they can't get a real job. I don't see much sophistication there. Also, just like a deadbolt on your door is not going to stop someone with a crowbar, it will stop the vast majority of the robbers. They will simply find an easier house. Same with a locked car or a PC with a firewall. All those can be broken into, but only the easy ones are typically targeted.

So, ZOS just has to make it difficult for most of the botters to play in the system.

Besides a Robust Hardware Signature is not easy to spoof.

PlagueSD · October 2017

SirAndy wrote: »

PlagueSD wrote: »

This can't be used to reliably identify a specific machine due to how easy it is to change certain system settings.

You can't change your MAC address (which is unique) and you can't change your processor serial either, those are embedded in your *hardware* ...

Can't change my MAC address, huh?
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Spoof-Your-MAC-Address/

Emmagoldman · October 2017

Really an active gm in game. A bot ticket is recieved, they insta port and ban each account. Move quick and shut them out. Gold sellers are motivated to make money. Recreating accounts and not being able to farm might make the cheeto and dorito funds dry up and the cost benefit not worth it

purple-magicb16_ESO · October 2017

"Rubberbanding" is just a name given to botting. There's actually no rubber band involved in it. Not to my knowledge at least (I'm not a botter and so don't exactly know what's involved).

Riejael · October 2017

starkerealm wrote: »

Honestly, you want to kill off botters? Give enemies more elaborate patrol paths. Throw in some minibosses with clearly telegraphed moves that hit very hard, like the old zombie vomit. Let them wander around. Ask us to bounce around between enemies, and chose the right moment to attack. Make it so that if you're grinding, you need to react to where the enemies are.

This.

If a predetermined set of actions can defeat content. Its too easy.

PlagueSD · October 2017

purple-magicb16_ESO wrote: »

"Rubberbanding" is just a name given to botting. There's actually no rubber band involved in it. Not to my knowledge at least (I'm not a botter and so don't exactly know what's involved).

Yes there is. Rubberbanding used to refer to latency experienced in game where you would run somewhere, then teleport back to a previous location. Now it refers to attaching a rubber-band to your mouse to hold down your attack button. ZOS already fixed this exploit at dolmen's by requiring movement, or else getting blown up by AoE.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_banding

lailoken · October 2017

PlagueSD wrote: »

purple-magicb16_ESO wrote: »

"Rubberbanding" is just a name given to botting. There's actually no rubber band involved in it. Not to my knowledge at least (I'm not a botter and so don't exactly know what's involved).

Yes there is. Rubberbanding used to refer to latency experienced in game where you would run somewhere, then teleport back to a previous location. Now it refers to attaching a rubber-band to your mouse to hold down your attack button. ZOS already fixed this exploit at dolmen's by requiring movement, or else getting blown up by AoE.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_banding

I *HATED* the rubberbanding AI in the last several Need for Speed games. "Thrill of the win!", MY ASS! Those !@$!@$ AI cars drives like rockets on rails!