The ethics of cheating (in video games)

Cheating in video games is almost as old as video gaming itself. It’s never long before someone decides that he wants to take the easy way out. This would seem unfair to others who choose play by the rules of the game, however.

But what is cheating anyway? And when is it allowable, and when is it unfair?

Cheating in video games is almost as old as video gaming itself. It’s never long before someone decides that he wants to take the easy way out. This would seem unfair to others who choose play by the rules of the game, however.

As a gamer I have to admit that I did my fair share of cheating through a game. Most of the time, nothing major. If I get stuck in a level to the point that I feel a migraine building up, I’ll consult a walkthrough.

Some people consider this cheating, while others won’t. Some who consider this cheating will consider this fair and allowable, others won’t. But what is cheating anyway? And when is it allowable, and when is it unfair?

So this piece may just be my way of rationalizing my own actions, or just to appease my own gamer friends, but a part of me really wants to know. As a gamer, am I breaking some unspoken, unwritten law when I cheat? Mind you, this is an opinion piece and should not be taken in any other way than as opinion.

To go to the farthest end of the spectrum on this question, I shall define cheating as “any action done or information gathered in or outside of the game that allows the player to progress through a game outside of his or her own capabilities in relation to the dynamics set by the game.”

This includes walkthroughs and asking people what to do to get to the next level. It also includes hacking, trainers, taking advantage of bugs and even using the game’s own built in cheat codes (remember “black sheep wall”?).

All of this could be typified as unfair, essentially because it gives an advantage over others who are playing the game under their own steam and skill. It cheapens the overall challenge the game presents and awards less (and in some situations totally cancels out) bragging rights. Gamer’s honor, if you will.

With that in mind then, what are the situations where gamer’s honor doesn’t matter? For example, I’ve already finished the game. Many, many times before. Would it really hurt if I used god mode just for the fun of it?

Another situation would be if I got myself stuck in a level and have exhausted all my mental resources and I’m about to go insane (it’s happened). It’s either read a walkthrough or drop the game I paid good money for.

However, there comes a point where cheating is abused and becomes a tool to gain the upper hand over someone else. In the end a line has to be drawn where “cheating” can still be called “assisted gaming.” One writer from the Washington Post describes it this way: it’s one thing to cheat to explore all the the games has to offer, it’s another thing to use it for dominance. I heartily concur.