The Dangers of Using Game Cheats
Game cheats are methods, codes or tools that give gamers an advantage in a video game. They can unlock hidden features, provide infinite resources or make a game easier and more fun. Cheats have been around for decades, from built-in cheat codes in arcade games to third-party software and mods that modify a game’s code before or during execution. Some cheats are undetected while others can be detected by anti-cheat systems. The harm of using cheats depends on the intent and the game. Some players use cheats to test out new gameplay options or overcome challenging situations, while others do so to gain a competitive edge or skip the grind of a long progression system. Regardless of the reason, gamers need to be aware of the risks involved when trying out cheats in games with active anti-cheat systems.
Some game cheats are implemented by modifying the game software despite EULAs (end user license agreements) that forbid modification. These can include external software hacks that scan for values in memory or a file such as DLL (dynamic link library) or internal cheats that hook directly into the game’s source code and override functions. An example of an external cheat is a glow hack that makes the player invulnerable or invisible, and an example of an internal cheat is a ESP or aimbot that automatically locks onto opponents for superior accuracy.
Many modern game cheats are developed and sold by groups that specialize in writing these kinds of hacks, but some cheats are created by individuals or small teams for their own private use. These private game cheats are often more sophisticated than their public counterparts, and they may bypass anti-cheat systems more effectively. However, they can also be more expensive because of the time and effort that goes into their creation.
Most private game cheats are written in C or C++ and utilize a range of techniques to bypass protection systems including memory manipulation, function interception and function overloading. Some of the most common techniques include pattern scanning and reverse engineering, while other hacks involve using Windows APIs to interact with a process or by working around file formats (e.g., Sony’s PS console uses SPRX files).
Most private cheats are sold by “pasters” who take leaked code from open sourced or GitHub repositories such as hazedumper and then write their own drivers, loaders, mappers and bypasser’s to implement these cheats into their own systems. These types of people are very easy to expose because they make their money by taking advantage of the open sourced code and selling it to unsuspecting users which is a very bad way to make a living in this industry. Most of these people also come with a narcissistic personality and are quick to claim that their cheats are the best in the market. These people are not recommended to work with.
