is ReShade officially allowed?

[L W]

reshade is really cool thing for making cool photos especially when ingame camera (and steam screenshots) arent working. I'm using it already but i also don't want to be banned when some sort of anti-cheat will be added to the game, so is it allowed?

[Whorbean]

Hi. I am an active member over at the ReShade Discord, and a team member for Pascal (MartyMcFly) Gilcher.

Before starting, I want to state that I do not mean anyone harm in terms of "calling them out," however, there's a ton of misinformation that I am reading in terms of what ReShade can *actually* do.

I also want to preface this by stating that I have *not* played Sky, nor do I really have the means to, even though it does look entertaining and interesting to me.

So, that being said, let's start:

1. The first issue I see being represented is the use of VAC in this game. To my knowledge, there is no use of VAC - however, there is use of Steam's game banning feature with disallowes the use of online play to that game if the developers choose to. This feature flags the account and lets the developers choose what to do with this flag as they want. It's not an anti-cheat, but more of a database system instead. It doesn't actively prevent you from doing something unless a ban is given out.

2. I am seeing some misinformation in terms of what ReShade *can* do, such as the statement below.

> And like i explained, putting it on a whitelist risk security hole as one can then use ReShade to bypass the security check to inject their cheats into the game.

While ReShade *can* do this with an addon that is developed specifically for ReShade's addon function - the non-addon build of ReShade can be properly whitelisted as it has a seperate hash. The developers of Sky likely know this. Seeing as this is a community fourm, I do not expect individuals to know more complex situations like these, or how this functions - however, the short version is...

There are two versions of ReShade, one that allows addons to expand the functionality of ReShade and one that doesn't allow addons at all other than generic depth (and generic depth can only be used when no network activity is detected.)

The next thing that I can already hear is "well, what if someone modifies how ReShade works, it is open source afterall." To this I state the same thing as before. If the developers cared to block ReShade as a whole, or any other graphics injections, they could simply allow/disallow specific graphics injections meeting the requirements via a hash function so that only official builds of ReShade could be injected.... EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) does this very well.

3. Some more misinformation, but this time in the way that clients and servers communicate:

> And for modding and forced enhancing, only those players doing it will effect the servers, so in short, it's only a minority of the total players population doing it. But if it's a built in setting by default, everyone will be requesting the same amount of data traffic and yes, it will cause lag on the server when everyone's requesting more information than they needed.

This seems to be from the understanding that the client controls what the server can send and recieve. This is not true. If the server refuses to send what the client wants, the client simply just doesn't get it. So this will *never* happen unless the game developers specifically developed it that way (which is very unlikely.)

4. Putting this one bluntly and as simple as possible:

> And those using 3rd party tools to change the depth gives them advantages over other users who have less depth view, thus these modifications are not allowed in games and tools with these options are listed as illegal in their games.

ReShade cannot do this....
ReShade only captures depth of what is visable on screen, and that **CANNOT** be changed, at all. It is just simply, not how that works.

5. Extensions of Mark #4:

> There's a reason why depth setting is limited in some games, especially an online game, for Sky, there's the performance issue, especially with that many creatures flying around in the scenery, so if you set the range too high, the game starts to process stuffs and behaviors for tiny dots in far far distance or even out of screen, which could take up tremendous resource on your device (AND resources on the servers), yes, some do have insane hardware and specs to run such environment, but the average users don't, if the setting is there, the devs will be getting more reports on "my game crashed when i try to go into certain area", which will take up unnecessary man power and time dealing with them, especially when these reports floods the CS department...

Once again, not how ReShade works...

6. Misinformation of how Steam bans work:

> The main point going against ReShade is the possibility to get yourself banned OUTSIDE Sky, Sky is not the only game on Steam you know? And there are possibility that such bans could lead to an overall ban that forbid your Steam account to access to ALL Valve Anti Cheat protected servers/games.

This is not how Steam bans work. Steam game bans function on that game's specific ban unless the developer chooses otherwise. The risk of using ReShade and getting a ban is low. If the developers really didn't want you to be using ReShade, they'd just disallow it as a graphics injection - as it's something EXTREMELY simple to do on the programing/coding side of things.


TL:DR -
Many statements are being made that are simply not true - which is also being backed up by "Google Bard" (lmao, dont use ai for research...)

This tries to counter-act some of them.

I doubt that any of the statements that were made would scare the developers in banning/disallowing ReShade as they tend to be outlandish, and not really understanding of how anything works within the game space or the ReShade space. So it's worth almost ignoring most of the points here.

For the original question that was asked:

> I'm using it already but i also don't want to be banned when some sort of anti-cheat will be added to the game, so is it allowed?

It's likely not "allowed" by the publishers or developers - but that doesn't mean that it's "disallowed." Generally these statements are made for all modifications of games (especially those that are visual in nature) so that developers/publishers do not have to deal with the issues that come with users and their modification soups that they often like to create. So, it's "your millage may vary" but I would state that it's less likely for you to get banned by using ReShade than some users would have you think.

[Meowish]

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

1. The first issue I see being represented is the use of VAC in this game.

Again, Read Carefully before posting. No one in this thread said VAC is being used in Sky.

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

This seems to be from the understanding that the client controls what the server can send and recieve. This is not true. If the server refuses to send what the client wants, the client simply just doesn't get it. So this will *never* happen unless the game developers specifically developed it that way (which is very unlikely.)

And there we are, "assuming" how a devs would "likely" build a game.... whether your server replies to the request or not, its still gets the request and needs to process the requests before ignoring it.

And for your "theory", depth processed on server side, the server gets request from user, processed their current location, sends back the locations of objects and stuffs surrounding the users. Players with higher depth setting will not get the information about what are in the far distance thus those are rendered as "bare empty space" as i mentioned, until the user is within depth limit range... In such cases, the game will not even send out request about objects in distance, because it doesn't need to and do not support such function in the first place.

But there are games that set to process whatever that's inside the camera view (with a bit of "offscreen" buffer). And the higher the depth, the more this camera can "see".
These games often let the players set the depth themselves, so if one finds the game too laggy and processing too much info, they can lower the depth setting. So do not assume there's no games with such design...

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

Once again, not how ReShade works...

That's how "Depth" works, not ReShade, read carefully on what others wrote.

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

It's likely not "allowed" by the publishers or developers - but that doesn't mean that it's "disallowed." Generally these statements are made for all modifications of games (especially those that are visual in nature) so that developers/publishers do not have to deal with the issues that come with users and their modification soups that they often like to create. So, it's "your millage may vary" but I would state that it's less likely for you to get banned by using ReShade than some users would have you think.

Exactly what i said, with 2 extra points:

[1] You won't get trouble in THIS game, but you might get in trouble in OTHERS on Steam. And having the app installed is a risk by itself unless Sky is the only game you play on Steam.

[2] There are safe alternatives out there that does that same stuffs. Any good reason why one should take the risk and not the alternative safe routes?

[Jon]

OK, I'm trying to remain calm and respectful, asking you to do the same. But you feel entitled to judge me harshly and create conflicts? Well, you aren't. You need to act respectfully being a part of community. In your mind I'm your enemy apparently, but I also disagree to accept this role forced on me. I'm a fellow player, and want everyone to respect their opinions & give others the chance to be heard too.

I read your messages besides my physical troubles, but it seems you can't be friendly and abstain from such remarks. Showing no base empathy/respect. I addressed all your points in a very long message and I put the effort, so I ask you to respect it. I haven't twisted a thing, and you can't write a similar accusations while having no proof for any misbehavior or twisting someone's words. I addressed things you are simply incorrect about.

1. "QoL stuffs are only good when advantages out weights the disadvantages in using them, especially in the eye of business management, a bad decisions and waste of resources could lead less income, or worse, bankruptcy."

Cat out of the bag. Why are trying to manipulate the developer through fear, so they do what you think is 'correct'? Threatening their career or financial status is not only amoral, but also incorrect. What I said is that running shaders on our own machines doesn't strain the servers. Shaders are handled locally by our machines - Just like running the game with a bigger resolution (4k without ReShade) is handled locally by our machines. It doesn't strain any server whatsoever.

So allow devs to think on their own, and respect people who have different feedback than yours. Do not force your ways.

2. "For Depth being cheat in shooting game, well,"

Then why are you giving us links which list restrictions of hardcore competitive shooters? Sky is not a shooter, and disabling depth buffer access is not needed. Of course devs could do this, and this way only color space effects would be available. ReShade itself prohibits using depth effect shaders in online network games, to protect its users.

3. "You won't get trouble in THIS game, but you might get in trouble in OTHERS on Steam. And having the app installed is a risk by itself unless Sky is the only game you play on Steam."

You literally install ReShade per game and not globally.. It doesn't sound like you used it even once. So I don't understand why you want to pose as an authority. I know little about cooking for example, so I don't go on cooking forums to educate people how to prepare meals.

This is all for now, please change your approach. You can't fight with everyone who has different opinions.

[Meowish]

Publicado originalmente por Jon:

-snipped-

I am only throwing information out. If you see information as scary and "threatening", then yes, we can't force someone who doesn't wish to learn. If i am irresponsible i might say "live as you like and be carefree for the rest of you life".... but no, i feel and cared for you, so i am going to say "learn risk managing, it's going to safe your life at some point".

Also, relax and take a step back, you might be able to see a bigger picture from afar (depth pun not intended). And when you get a grasp of what really is happening, you won't start finding others being "offensive".

P/S: If i am in a bad mood, i won't even try to entertain and reply.

[Jon]

Publicado originalmente por Meowish:

There are safe alternatives out there that does that same stuffs. Any good reason why one should take the risk and not the alternative safe routes?

ReShade is safe. Please check what I already stated. You accuse me of doing something, then In see you doing it yourself. Towards your previous words:

"Especially the reason why most people like ReShade is the darker color that looks as if it's richer, but it's something we can tune to get a similar effect, e.g., setting gamma to a darker shade." "So it's not worth the risk of installing the app, and like I said, there are safer alternatives that do exactly the same thing."

So second time.

- There are no tools other than ReShade that allow any real color grading or the addition of other safe color space effects, for gameplay or video recording purposes. No other tool allows control over highlights, medium tones, shadows, black and white levels, saturation for each hue, vibrance, clarity. Changing gamma in monitor settings actually worsens the image to be incorrect, as it shifts the entire gamma curve and crushes shadows (if you lower it) or blows them out (if you boost it). ReShade allows loading a full Photoshop color grading and enjoying it in real-time in the game.

- You have incorrect information. Setting gamma is absolutely not equivalent to real color grading. It is not just a matter of making the image darker or brighter. I encourage you to visit ReShade's server on Discord, a friendly place which has nothing to do with cheating (talking it is actually prohibited there ⚠️), and see people's work. It is hardly just making the game darker.

[Sachiel]

Publicado originalmente por Meowish:

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

1. The first issue I see being represented is the use of VAC in this game.

Again, Read Carefully before posting. No one in this thread said VAC is being used in Sky.

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

This seems to be from the understanding that the client controls what the server can send and recieve. This is not true. If the server refuses to send what the client wants, the client simply just doesn't get it. So this will *never* happen unless the game developers specifically developed it that way (which is very unlikely.)

And there we are, "assuming" how a devs would "likely" build a game.... whether your server replies to the request or not, its still gets the request and needs to process the requests before ignoring it.

And for your "theory", depth processed on server side, the server gets request from user, processed their current location, sends back the locations of objects and stuffs surrounding the users. Players with higher depth setting will not get the information about what are in the far distance thus those are rendered as "bare empty space" as i mentioned, until the user is within depth limit range... In such cases, the game will not even send out request about objects in distance, because it doesn't need to and do not support such function in the first place.

But there are games that set to process whatever that's inside the camera view (with a bit of "offscreen" buffer). And the higher the depth, the more this camera can "see".
These games often let the players set the depth themselves, so if one finds the game too laggy and processing too much info, they can lower the depth setting. So do not assume there's no games with such design...

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

Once again, not how ReShade works...

That's how "Depth" works, not ReShade, read carefully on what others wrote.

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

It's likely not "allowed" by the publishers or developers - but that doesn't mean that it's "disallowed." Generally these statements are made for all modifications of games (especially those that are visual in nature) so that developers/publishers do not have to deal with the issues that come with users and their modification soups that they often like to create. So, it's "your millage may vary" but I would state that it's less likely for you to get banned by using ReShade than some users would have you think.

Exactly what i said, with 2 extra points:

[1] You won't get trouble in THIS game, but you might get in trouble in OTHERS on Steam. And having the app installed is a risk by itself unless Sky is the only game you play on Steam.

[2] There are safe alternatives out there that does that same stuffs. Any good reason why one should take the risk and not the alternative safe routes?

Lol, you just have no idea how Reshade works. That’s ok ofc but don’t try to educate others with your gish gallop, thank you very much.

[Jon]

Publicado originalmente por Meowish:

Publicado originalmente por Jon:

-snipped-

I am only throwing information out. If you see information as scary and "threatening", then yes, we can't force someone who doesn't wish to learn.

OK, the information you throw isn't correct still. Your statements are only as strong as the arguments you base them on.

Secondly, the information you throw is not only incorrect, but attempts to scare away the Devs, using what you perceive as their fears. Losing their careers and bankrupting. This is some serious accusation and you haven't provided any real reasoning to justify them. What you based this on was incorrect.

1. Running shaders locally on our machines doesn't strain the server. Our machines process it, same way they process higher resolution in games. No bankruptcy risk.

2. They don't risk career. Being officially tolerant of the non depth buffer version (base ReShade) is neither dangerous for players, nor dangerous for anyone's career. This sounds just wrong and aims at scaring the developer away by using their suspected personal fears. Which makes no sense, as it is enough to state 'ReShade with depth buffer access aren't allowed in an online game' - What all ReShade users already know as it's stated during the installation. So please stop this. Let people think for themselves (including the developer).

If you care for the developer: Simply support a balanced stance of tolerance towards base ReShade (with no depth buffer), and suggest an official statement 'ReShade with depth buffer access is not allowed in online game'. This way we don't lower their potential player base (us shader and graphics enthusiasts, a ton of people, including many famous YouTuber influencers) while taking care of doing this safely. The end.

[Meowish]

Publicado originalmente por Jon:

-snipped-

So you claimed that you have better information process ability than the devs here? And the devs rely on simple rumors and doesn't do research themselves?

2nd. Risk Management. IF there's a risk some dumb dumb will go and download the "other version" you mentioned, and they read "somewhere online someone said ReShade is safe"... are you going to be the one responsible for their ban? And put that in the dev's shoes, who have more power in saying things and getting others to believe... can you guaranteed what they said won't get "interpreted" as you already did with what i said here? Already those who support ReShade tried to come here and argue that they are right... you now see why a dev should keep quiet on such topic?

[Jon]

Publicado originalmente por Meowish:

Publicado originalmente por Jon:

-snipped-

So you claimed that you have better information process ability than the devs here? And the devs rely on simple rumors and doesn't do research themselves?

This sounds like a meme: https://cdn.swisscows.com/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgflip.com%2F235iou.jpg

No, and if you accuse me please serve proof.

- You aren't a developer. Your information wasn't correct, that's all.

- Absolutely not. You are the one bringing them out and all I say: Don't try to force them to do what you think is correct by using their supposed fears. Let them think on their own.

"Cat out of the bag. Why are trying to manipulate the developer through fear, so they do what you think is 'correct'? Threatening their career or financial status is not only amoral, but also incorrect. (...) So allow devs to think on their own, and respect people who have different feedback than yours. Do not force your ways."

You can't fight everyone who has an opinion other than yours. Be tolerant. Everyone can speak here and deserves respect.

[Meowish]

Publicado originalmente por Jon:

-snipped-

You're the one that don't see the picture and assumed the part you see is the whole picture. Yes, i know what you are trying to say, but ignoring it because i am showing you what's outside that picture you framed. And you assumed cautious against the subject you liked is being offensive ang targeting you. No... i am being neutral here. What's obvious and true often hurts the most, so i can understand why you think you are being targeted and offended...

Oh, and by the way...
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag

[Sachiel]

To answer OP’s actual question: Reshade will probably work just fine like in pretty much every other non-competitive game.

[Jon]

Publicado originalmente por Meowish:

2nd. Risk Management. IF there's a risk some dumb dumb will go and download the "other version" you mentioned, and they read "somewhere online someone said ReShade is safe"... are you going to be the one responsible for their ban? :winkycat:

Please, act mature and stop provoking. Stop spamming this topic and fighting everyone, showing them as worse etc. ReShade users who talked to you are holding a position in the community and simply corrected you where you were wrong. You never even used ReShade truly, yet you argue with its veterans and feel more knowledgeable about it? Please stop.

ReShade blocks depth buffer access to online games. It gives multiple warnings against what you just stated.. So stop. If someone breaks the rules it is on them, especially if warned that they shouldn't. Here of course we talk competitive shooters wirh harsh control again.. Not sure why.

You have a strong bias and want it disallowed. I have no reason to waste my time arguing.

Please don't respond to me further.

[Meowish]

Publicado originalmente por Jon:

If someone breaks the rules it is on them

Do not underestimate the IQ of a human being when it's on a topic they like, or "wanted to see".... they tell themselves little stories about how it's going to be alright, no one's gonna find out, just that one tiny dosage... hey, someone said it's okay! so why not?

Like you said, you're posting publicly on the internet, be responsible to what you said. If you can't take the responsibility when someone gets banned due to what you suggested (even when they didn't read your full post), you should refrain from giving greenlights to something that's risky.

[Jon]

Publicado originalmente por Meowish:

You're the one that don't see the picture and assumed the part you see is the whole picture.

Yes, OK.. You are more right. I'm this and whatever else you say. Now have a good day and let's get on with our lives.

I said what I had to say. Your fear arguments weren't correct. ReShade doesn't strain servers, it is absurd. Careers aren't at risk. Being officially tolerant of the non depth buffer version (base ReShade) is neither dangerous for players, nor dangerous for anyone's career. Makes no sense, as it is enough to state 'ReShade with depth buffer access aren't allowed in an online game' - What all ReShade users already know as it's stated during the installation. So please stop this. Let people think for themselves (including the developer).

[Whorbean]

Publicado originalmente por Meowish:

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

1. The first issue I see being represented is the use of VAC in this game.

Again, Read Carefully before posting. No one in this thread said VAC is being used in Sky.

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

This seems to be from the understanding that the client controls what the server can send and recieve. This is not true. If the server refuses to send what the client wants, the client simply just doesn't get it. So this will *never* happen unless the game developers specifically developed it that way (which is very unlikely.)

And there we are, "assuming" how a devs would "likely" build a game.... whether your server replies to the request or not, its still gets the request and needs to process the requests before ignoring it.

And for your "theory", depth processed on server side, the server gets request from user, processed their current location, sends back the locations of objects and stuffs surrounding the users. Players with higher depth setting will not get the information about what are in the far distance thus those are rendered as "bare empty space" as i mentioned, until the user is within depth limit range... In such cases, the game will not even send out request about objects in distance, because it doesn't need to and do not support such function in the first place.

But there are games that set to process whatever that's inside the camera view (with a bit of "offscreen" buffer). And the higher the depth, the more this camera can "see".
These games often let the players set the depth themselves, so if one finds the game too laggy and processing too much info, they can lower the depth setting. So do not assume there's no games with such design...

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

Once again, not how ReShade works...

That's how "Depth" works, not ReShade, read carefully on what others wrote.

Publicado originalmente por whorbean:

It's likely not "allowed" by the publishers or developers - but that doesn't mean that it's "disallowed." Generally these statements are made for all modifications of games (especially those that are visual in nature) so that developers/publishers do not have to deal with the issues that come with users and their modification soups that they often like to create. So, it's "your millage may vary" but I would state that it's less likely for you to get banned by using ReShade than some users would have you think.

Exactly what i said, with 2 extra points:

[1] You won't get trouble in THIS game, but you might get in trouble in OTHERS on Steam. And having the app installed is a risk by itself unless Sky is the only game you play on Steam.

[2] There are safe alternatives out there that does that same stuffs. Any good reason why one should take the risk and not the alternative safe routes?

> [1] You won't get trouble in THIS game, but you might get in trouble in OTHERS on Steam. And having the app installed is a risk by itself unless Sky is the only game you play on Steam.

That's not how ReShade works....
Please stop shouting nonsense.

ReShade works on a game by game basis as a graphics based injection....
It's not going to get you banned in other games for having it installed in Sky....

> That's how "Depth" works, not ReShade, read carefully on what others wrote.

No. That's how render distance works. Not depth.
Render distance at it's highest level is set by the server, not the client.

If the client doesn't have the data required to render on screen, it simply just won't....
You can't get information that you simply just *don't* have.