World of Warcraft - English (NA) Forums -> Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating

Cauthon

< Premonition >

Windrunner

0. Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 01:10:14 PM PDT

Hello Blizzard,

After unsuccessfully attempting to get clarification via an in-game ticket, I would like to see if the rules can be clarified regarding key repeating software. In light of recent bans, it is unclear what is or isn't allowed, and bearing in mind the majority of players want to follow the rules, it would be of great help if a statement could be made regarding key repeating software.

Previously, the apparent community understanding had been: if it doesn't automate gameplay, and requires you to be present at the keyboard playing the game, then it is legal. It seems with recent bans, this may not actually be the case.

My specific question is: is it okay to use software (or hardware drivers, or external hardware devices) that continually repeat ("spam") a key bound in-game to a macro or ability while another key is held down and while a player is present at the keyboard playing the game? For Hunters, for instance, spamming our shot rotation macro. I'm sure other classes have similar needs, perhaps not 10-20 times per second like a Hunter, but the same idea. Many aspects of the game make key spamming desirable, but is it legitimate to use external drivers/software to achieve it?

I'd love to not have to break my keyboard, fingers, and wrist to achieve maximum DPS, but I would also hate to wake up one morning and find I was banned for using a repeater. Please help myself and other Hunters follow the rules :)

Thanks.

Ðenial

Illidan

1. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 01:11:15 PM PDT

Any software that automates an action for you = B&HAMMER

[ Post edited by Ðenial ]

Q u o t e:
You forgot the part where you didn't fail.

Kwichang

< Cursed >

Frostwolf

2. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 01:13:31 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
Any software that automates an action for you = B&HAMMER

If all it does is prevent your from having to spam a key over and over and over then I don't see it being an issue.. Heck it will probably reduce many a gamer's potential for capel-tunnel or however it's spelled..

Huge nerf? Its something that lets everyone know what you're doing back there.

what if you were beating it when we walked around that pillar, it'd be way too awkward to keep playing the match. - W

Sanura

Azshara

3. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 01:13:44 PM PDT

I use the motor out of some massage thing to mash my shadowbolt key...you can do the same =P

Glaz

< Twist of Hate >

Ysera

4. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 01:13:50 PM PDT

Just map your shot rotation macro to your mousewheel.

Thunderwulf

Bonechewer

6. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 01:30:24 PM PDT

Q u o t e:

More specifically in this situation, any software that turns 1 keypress into more than one keypress into wow is not allowed.

Bingo.

42
90% of all computer problems are caused by the PEBKAC Virus.
READ THE STICKIES BEFORE POSTING

Goatmansmith

< Sanctuary >

Suramar

7. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 01:32:49 PM PDT

http://www.wowwiki.com/Dual_box

If you go to the listed hardware and software forums, the owners tell you what is legal and what is not.

I know for sure that autohotkey and hotkeynet will fix you right quick when you do something wrong pertaining to wow.

.*. (\,M,/) .*.
('''\(OvO)/''')
' ' '( VVV)' ' '
...../ | | \......
/buttpat

Malkorix

Blizzard Poster

8. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 01:41:32 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
Hello Blizzard,

After unsuccessfully attempting to get clarification via an in-game ticket, I would like to see if the rules can be clarified regarding key repeating software. In light of recent bans, it is unclear what is or isn't allowed, and bearing in mind the majority of players want to follow the rules, it would be of great help if a statement could be made regarding key repeating software.

Previously, the apparent community understanding had been: if it doesn't automate gameplay, and requires you to be present at the keyboard playing the game, then it is legal. It seems with recent bans, this may not actually be the case.

My specific question is: is it okay to use software (or hardware drivers, or external hardware devices) that continually repeat ("spam") a key bound in-game to a macro or ability while another key is held down and while a player is present at the keyboard playing the game? For Hunters, for instance, spamming our shot rotation macro. I'm sure other classes have similar needs, perhaps not 10-20 times per second like a Hunter, but the same idea. Many aspects of the game make key spamming desirable, but is it legitimate to use external drivers/software to achieve it?

I'd love to not have to break my keyboard, fingers, and wrist to achieve maximum DPS, but I would also hate to wake up one morning and find I was banned for using a repeater. Please help myself and other Hunters follow the rules :)

Thanks.

This is not okay. One hardware function = one action, according to standard macro rules. A hardware function is a keypress (including press/release) associated with movement and an ability/item. Obviously, our default macro rules enable you to use 'modifying' trinkets or abilities, such as nature's swiftness, plus a single spell all in a single press.

To clarify: No, you may not use hardware or software to auto-spam your shot rotations - period.

Malkorix has the largest range of any wild land animal in the Americas. His range spans 110 degrees of latitude, from northern Yukon in Canada to the southern Andes.

Styc

< Forbidden >

Shandris

9. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 01:44:39 PM PDT

one keystroke for ever action that you make. in order to have a macro or anything automate it is creating a hardware event (IE you pressing the key a second time).

I never thought of the mouse wheel option thanks!!

The gnomes haven't quite got cloning down yet - the last experiment was, well - a bit messy.
-Orlyia

Cauthon

< Premonition >

Windrunner

10. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 02:57:58 PM PDT

Thanks for the clarification, Malkorix. Much appreciated!

Azgru

Suramar

11. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 04:08:05 PM PDT

I hope you have the authority to make such a sweeping policy change, Mr. blue I've never heard of. Screwing with the play style of you customers does not seem wise.

Arrch

Blackrock

12. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 04:11:09 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
I hope you have the authority to make such a sweeping policy change, Mr. blue I've never heard of. Screwing with the play style of you customers does not seem wise.

You've heard of it, it's called the Terms of Service. Try reading it.

People will always be right, unless they disagree with you.

Thunderwulf

Bonechewer

13. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 04:12:27 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
I hope you have the authority to make such a sweeping policy change, Mr. blue I've never heard of. Screwing with the play style of you customers does not seem wise.

He didn't make a "sweeping policy change". It was already policy

On another note? Arch has the powah too!

42
90% of all computer problems are caused by the PEBKAC Virus.
READ THE STICKIES BEFORE POSTING

Azgru

Suramar

14. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 04:48:48 PM PDT

Yea I looked through it, maybe you could point me to the section regarding this.

Malkorix

Blizzard Poster

15. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 04:56:01 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
I hope you have the authority to make such a sweeping policy change, Mr. blue I've never heard of. Screwing with the play style of you customers does not seem wise.

This policy has *never* changed. Automation is not okay. Creating macros that are legal according to the default macro system to create a shot rotation is fine. Using a G15, or a G9 to macro a full shot rotation with delays, that you can hit a single button to execute is not fine.

It's not a question of my authority. This is just the way it is.

Perhaps you should read the various posts regarding this issue more carefully.

I'm wounded that you've never heard of me though ='(. I've never heard of you either. Should I have?

Malkorix has the largest range of any wild land animal in the Americas. His range spans 110 degrees of latitude, from northern Yukon in Canada to the southern Andes.

Azgru

Suramar

16. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 04:58:20 PM PDT

The G15 has been supported by Blizzard in the past, I must have missed it when they changed their minds. :(

And no. :)

Edit: if you're feeling generous could you provide some links to this change in Blizzard's stance?

[ Post edited by Azgru ]

Samdonorey

< El Pollo Diablo >

Uldaman

17. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 04:58:55 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
I hope you have the authority to make such a sweeping policy change, Mr. blue I've never heard of. Screwing with the play style of you customers does not seem wise.

Is that a small fertilizer plant you have in your trousers or do I detect your a mite concerned?

What's the matter with this thing? What's with all that churning and bubbling? You call that a Radar Screen?
No sir, we call it Mr. Coffee. Care for some?

Sam.CSF@googlemail.com

< Big Booty >

Thorium Brotherhood

18. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 04:59:20 PM PDT

I've made it through crawling, six-hour raids hitting my shot rotation macro manually.

If you seriously believe you need key repeating software for your "playstyle" -- and I use the term loosely -- I believe you should readjust your view of what constitutes a playstyle and fair play.

Proud (?) Owner of [Leash of the Fel Bear Cub]
Gnawing on your ankle flesh is his way of saying hello.

Malkorix

Blizzard Poster

19. Re: Seeking Blue clarification: key repeating 05/28/2008 05:01:01 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
The G15 has been supported by Blizzard in the past, I must have missed it when they changed their minds. :(

And no. :)

I use a G15. Using the G15 macro functions to create macros which incorporate delays, or otherwise use multiple abilities that each have a global cooldown on a single keypress has never been supported. It is automation, and is against our policies listed here:

Terms of Use, Part 4, Section B
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/legal/termsofuse.html

Q u o t e:
You agree that you will not (i) modify or cause to be modified any files that are a part of the Program or the Service; (ii) create or use cheats, bots, "mods", and/or hacks, or any other third-party software designed to modify the World of Warcraft experience; or (iii) use any third-party software that intercepts, "mines", or otherwise collects information from or through the Program or the Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may update the Program with authorized patches and updates distributed by Blizzard, and Blizzard may, at its sole and absolute discretion, allow the use of certain third party user interfaces.

How To Stay In The Game (Part 2 of 2)
http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=21507

Q u o t e:
Prohibited Software (Botting, Speed/Teleport Hacks, Data Mining, Software Hacking)

World of Warcraft is a persistent online role-playing world where the actions of each player can have a far-reaching effect on numerous other players, whether directly or indirectly. The game is designed to be run by itself, with no supporting software. Any effort to alter or "hack" World of Warcraft will not be tolerated. Any software which allows a player to circumvent the intended use of the game is not permitted. CONSEQUENCES: Any evidence uncovered by Support investigations that the account has been involved in the exploitation of World of Warcraft by running software at the same time as World of Warcraft that enables any of the following behavior may result in immediate account closure, whether or not any of the software's features are actually used on, with, or against the World of Warcraft software:

* Botting (automated gameplay, whether or not a human is present at the computer).
* Speed/teleport hacking (character movement speeds greater than those achievable through normal in-game means, including teleportation that is not the direct and unmodified result of an in-game spell, ability or effect).
* Data mining (gathering of information that is not normally available through the in-game user and/or scripting interfaces).
* Software hacking (manipulating the World of Warcraft client and/or server software or the communication between them in any way).

This thread in our CS Forum Information Haven!, to which I've replied previously, may help illuminate the issue for you:

G15 Keyboard Legality
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=6440947520&sid=1
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=1371550895&pageNo=1&sid=1#4

Q u o t e:
Aside from that, as long as you use those macro keys as 'extra space', without using them to perform functions that the default macro system could not, then you *should* be okay.

Those macro keys are pretty useful (I use a G15 myself, though that's a personal statement, not a Blizzard endorsement). On the other hand, they can be dangerous too.
Do not use them to automate game play in any fashion.
Do not use them so that a single macro press results in multiple actions.
Do not use them to insert time delays between hardware functions. For example, making a macro that causes your character cast a spell, delay one second, then cast another spell would be unacceptable.

Honestly, if in doubt? Don't do it.

The UI & Macros forum is an excellent place to get input as well.

Q u o t e:
Essentially, for the purposes of this discussion a hardware function incorporates a single keypress consisting of press/release (the functional moment of a single keypress, which is normally not distinguished in the context of World of Warcraft outside functionality like that of your n52) and associated with character movement, and/or use of an ability (which we'll call a 'function' generically). Delays between any element of keypress/release/function or between two or more uses of keypress/release/function, as well as automatic repetition would therefore be unacceptable.

[ Post edited by Malkorix ]

Malkorix has the largest range of any wild land animal in the Americas. His range spans 110 degrees of latitude, from northern Yukon in Canada to the southern Andes.

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