The biggest cheat operation anyone might experience is people sharing codes. As each video game becomes complex, many develop a distaste for the online aspect. But there is something people have found to make it more enjoyable. And is it worth the trouble that it can bring?
Cheat Operation Busted in China by Police and Game Publisher
A video game like Overwatch or Call of Duty Mobile takes some skill. Many play for a short time before simply giving up. Others, who disregard any TOS agreement, may still feel like looking to a cheat operation before absolutely giving up. Recently, a group had begun selling exploits to each title, which had reached hundreds of places and countries.
Tencent is a company we are all familiar with in the world of video games. Because they are so lucrative, any exploit is a threat to their potential revenue. In order to combat cheaters, the company decided to enlist the help of the authorities. To catch the criminals, Tencent and the police created ‘Operation Chicken Drumstick’. Police in the province of Kunshan arrested 10 people in connection with the exploits. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that 17 cheats were created by the group.
The total revenue for the video game cheat operation amounted to $76 million. Revenue was acquired by charging people for a subscription to the cheating service. These subscription fees could range anywhere from $10 to $200 per month. In addition, police obtained $46 million in assets after executing the search. The cash also afforded the criminal ring enough cash to get each a luxury vehicle.
One would hope the results of the operation result in fewer cheaters.
Does a cheat operation like this undermine the multiplayer of a video game? Is there anything else a company can do to curb cheaters? Have you experienced dealing with cheaters? Let me know in the comments!