Defining the term "exploit" under the 'Restricted Content' rules and guidelines.

[Adamisk]

I feel it is not specific enough to group the phrase "game exploits" in the same bullet point the FAQ states "Discussions of piracy, cheating, hacking, game exploits."

I worry that this includes situations in games that are rare and difficult to achieve, but are designed that way intentionally and working as intended.

I completely understand the necessity of the rule if it's defineing "Game Exploits" as...
"a software tool designed to take advantage of a flaw in a computer system, typically for malicious purposes such as installing malware."

That said, I must use an example to explain. "The Binding of Isaac" is a wacky game with tiered items. Some are absolutely useless 99 times out of 100 when found, or hold a specific/uncommonly desired purpose while others are always desireable or even viewed by some as "OP"(Over-powered).
With such a large degree of niche items, the "Nicalis" team knowingly programmed the synergizing of some of these to approach a task in a way that isn't possible in any other way- or "exploiting" the game mechanics.
At the same time, the odds of a player getting the items to do so are extremely low (some items are programmed to appear a huge degree less frequently than other items).
Not only that, but it's even lower odds that the player is actually in a position to benefit at all.

"Exploit" is a dirty, misunderstood word to many people. Before such thing as a "software exploit" was invented, the definition of the verb is...
"To make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource). To put something to good use, make the most of, capitalize on."

It is true that the word "exploit" is often misunderstood and used to describe an unintended situation mostly due to an oversight during initial bug testing. Abusive players use to bypass the intended experience/flow of a game in a way that greatly diminish the experience or gain an unfair advantage over other players.

I sit writing this mini-novel because I'm concerned that while broadcasting, I may recieve a question about how I'm doing something in-game- and my initial choice of wording would go something like ...
"Well you need ITEM-1, get lucky enough to get ITEM-2- and hopefully be able to take ITEM-3 to AREA-C and exploit it's ability to direct you to AREA-A. Ect."

I fear that simply using the word exploit or describing how to use a rare opportunity- despite being a completely intended feature of the game - could get me in trouble simply for referring to situation by it's proper definition... "exploit".

If the Rules & Guidelines are refering to abusive or 3rd-Party software exploitation, I feel like it should specify just that. "Abusive manipulation of unintended game mechanics."

So am I worried too much about phrasing, my use is legitimate? Or could simply using the word "exploit" give possibility of some sort of punishment? I feel like this is a big grey area.

Thank you~

[Prissy Old Lady]

I think "exploit" will always be defined by the game master who "catches" you using it, has been called attention to it by someone else, or happens upon it herself. Obvious exploits such as creating or using a cheat from a third party without permission from the designers, (EULAs really do need to be completely read before loading a game on your comp, or at the least, copy the EULA for later reading), will get you banned. It just makes it unfair to the other players competing against you.

Most games are designed to have "psuedo-cheats" built it. Example: Killing a boss over and over until you finally find that exact series of steps you and your companions need to do to bring the boss down. This information inevitably gets passed on to other players who have no experience with that Boss but now have the "cheat" knowledge to do so. Check out the innumerable how-to videos on YouTube. And there is a walk-through for probably every game that has ever existed somewhere on the internet. In a way, these can be considered exploits.

The definition of the word exploit really is mired in confusion.

[R.A.T. Army *MST3K*]

If you're talking about a single player game, Valve does not care. You can hack, cheat and exploit all you want in a SP game. This isn't Sony, if you bought it, and it's just you, do what you want with it.

[Adamisk]

I think with the three of you we have properly outlined the definitive use of both the word, and it's meaning in the context of gaming whether it's privately or broadcast. While detailing safe and correct ways that an exploit (or even hack in single player) is not a risk, the abusive use of an exploit is likewise detailed here, and made very clear.

It would seem like a shame to simply delete the thread now and lose this discussion and info. that other people concerned about the Rules & Guidelines' vague wording, could find in the future and save a lot of time.

That said, I don't really think there is much left to be discussed here unless it were to delve deeper into possible alternative ways to better label in-game exploits that are harmless versus those that abuse mechanics and/or unfairly split a multiplayer community. . . (And I don't think a small group of us could change the way the word "exploit" is used, even if we could give it a new and simple descriptor.)

So if it's okay with you all, I'm just going to let this thread necro. If you havn't already, it would be a good idea to unfollow the thread so it doesn't become an annoyance in the future if someone revives it by mistake. I'll continue to stay subscribed and quote your good explanations of key elements if anyone ever has questions.

Thanks so much for being a part of the discussion! It's been really cool to get other opinions and confirmation about this subject that is rarely openly talked about.