Is it cheating?

[PROM]

As VoiceAttack gives you an edge in gaming would it be considered by some as cheating and can you be banned from certain groups for using it?

[gmagenheimer]

Up front, I can say that VoiceAttack has been around since 2009 and has never been involved in an incident where a player is banned for using it. Much like your macro-enabled keyboards, mice and joysticks, VoiceAttack still requires a human to be in control to make things happen. Granted, the macros in VoiceAttack can be very elaborate, but there is nothing built in to VoiceAttack that can actually give you an upper hand that nobody else has access to. Since everything seems to be macro-enabled these days, if a developer bans players for using something that is macro-enabled, that's an indication that the developer probably didn't plan (properly) for it ( ::gets off soapbox :: ). [EDIT - To be more clear, developers can actually restrict the use of, 'virtual' input.]

As a way to instill some confidence, I would like to share that Valve actually approached me about putting VoiceAttack on Steam, with a statement something like, 'Hey... some of our guys are using your software. Why is your software NOT on Steam?' I've also worked with Frontier's marketing and was told that David Braben (Elite) uses VoiceAttack. Also, I have personally met Chris Roberts (Star Citizen) who is familiar with VoiceAttack (I didn't ask him directly if he used it). Sorry for all the name dropping, but I'm just trying to make sure you are comfortable in your decision to use VoiceAttack.

[Wyld]

well I wasn't worried about groups i didn't pay them money just is it hate to loose all the games I have on steam and the good money I spent here. And yes I know some peeps would concider it cheating. but have the people who think its cheating ever tried it or just making an opion with out any first hand knowledge I got it for elite dangerous and for vr not games like ark conan exiles or fps but if it was running because I was using it in lets say Elite Dangerous and hopped over to another game and forgot to turn it off because a friend needed my help I didn't want a ban thats why i asked another reason my question was aimed towards the devolpers.
But thank you for your response you have given me the answer I did expect from some players. Take care and happy Gaming

[PROM]

Strange Wyld I thought it was me who asked the question!

[PROM]

Thanks Gary

[gmagenheimer]

Originally posted by PROM:

Strange Wyld I thought it was me who asked the question!

Wylde actually asked the same question in a different thread that was answered by Pfeil that I forgot about o_O

Originally posted by PROM:

Thanks Gary

NP ;)

[Wyld]

sorry Prom I thought you were responding to mine is all

[PROM]

NP :)

[Xmerwynd]

VOice Attack is no different than using a progammable keyboard or autokey macros to play. That is my humble opinion.

[ikkuranus]

World of Warcraft's ToS prohibits anything that allows you to perform more then 1 action per keypress. For instance, if you were to create a chain of spells or abilities that only require 1 voice command or keypress Blizzard would likely suspend or ban your account. On the other hand, if you just used VA to macro one spell or ability to one key or voice command it would be perfectly fine.

[TissueBox]

im just using VA for immersion. mostly sci-fic games. They look so cool with Voice Pack and all. Here are some of my test attempts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jioS5C5Gmz0

[lordlethris]

Its not cheating at all. It makes some game more immersive. and there is just as long as a delay between speech and command as there would be if you just did the commands yourself.

I use it not just for games, but to run windows applications too.

[Keanucleaves]

I have been ban in runescape for using this but still love the program

[gmagenheimer]

Originally posted by neathernes:

I have been ban in runescape for using this but still love the program

@neathernes

Would you mind sharing the email you got from RuneScape's dev/support team as well as the actions you were using that allegedly got you banned? I'd be happy to talk to them for you, as there are lots and lots of folks using VoiceAttack with RuneScape for years and have run into zero trouble. If you don't want to post it here, please make sure to send it over to [e-mail] (I monitor that inbox).

Until I receive this information and can confirm it, I will not be convinced because there is no evidence that VA is the source of your, 'ban'. If you were indeed banned for using VA, you would be the very FIRST person in the (over) ten years of this product to be outright banned for using it. This is a situation that I would take seriously and not waste time speculating. If you cannot produce this information, or you are just assuming it was VA, OR you feel that you were doing something outside of Runescape's Terms of Service, you may want to retract your statement, as it will give others the wrong impression.


Note to those reading along:

If you're using VA for basic input, there is no difference between VA and a keyboard or mouse. That is, one verbal command presses a key, one verbal command clicks the mouse and so forth, just like one motion of your hand presses a key or one motion of your hand clicks a mouse. You would not be banned if this is the category you are in, as a keyboard or mouse are standard for pretty much everything.

If you're using VA for simple macros/automation (repeat holding a key down, moving a mouse and then clicking the mouse, and so forth), there's no difference between VA and a macro-enabled keyboard/mouse/Nostromo/Tartarus/etc. Most people fall into this category, including those that are mobility challenged. You will need to check with the developer of the game to find out if this is OK (it generally is OK, as the developer would have to ban everybody with just about every keyboard or mouse made today). This is the probably majority of VA users, and again there have been no bans in over ten years.

If you're using VA to automate extensive functionality in your game, you run the risk of being banned. This goes for ANY software that you might utilize to handle such tasks, not excluding VoiceAttack. Most game developers frown on this, as their games are designed and built around fairness from direct human interaction. If you are banned because of this, it is because you either didn't read/understand the developer's Terms of Service, or chose to ignore it - and you should probably be banned. Just like everything - if you know the rules and don't play by them, there will be consequences.

Hope that helps!

[BlueAuran]

Zero way IMO this could actually be labelled as cheating. There are LOADS of players with various handicaps that require such HARDWARE/SOFTWARE to be able to game properly in the first place. If you were to consider this cheating they would all get that...which is obviously completely ludicrous of a thing to do...as WE ALL WANT to play together :)

So really that is the B ALL and end all of the discussion. Of coarse you can flit around the topic more and more with small variables, etc. yet the basics stand. SOMEDAY I may even require this, as may you. In the meanwhile it also makes gaming MORE fun due to more options etc. Which is almost always a good thing. Besides WE ALL KNOW the starTrek computer is just the most asz kickin thing ever, and this brings us all one step CLOSER to it!

[1ArmBandit]

I’m using voice attack due a motorcycle accident and not longer being able to use my entire right arm all the way to my hand. Since I downloaded voice attack is like finding a dream come true. I’m able to some how play most game that I wasn’t able to play one handed. I really appreciate this program like you can’t believe I was devastated when I wasn’t able to play specially now that I’m so limited. I can’t stress enough how thankful I am for this program. I really hope is not considered cheating or potentially get ban on any game. Thank you developers for this gem 🙏🏼