Author Topic: PunkBuster (Read 966 times)

quig · « **on:** June 01, 2004, 09:15:38 AM »

I downloaded America's Army and was about to install it when I found this gem in the license agreement for the PunkBuster software that comes bundled with it:

I don't really think I have any use for this crap.

Anyone know how to go about installing the game without installing this also? The license agreement says it's optional, but the game wouldn't install when I clicked 'Cancel' (not that I expected it to).

Or maybe there is a way to turn it off in-game?

Chairboy · « **Reply #1 on:** June 01, 2004, 09:18:50 AM »

Is your objection to the fact you're being forced to install the anti-cheating tool? Or that it might take screenshots of your playing when you're suspected of cheating and upload them to the server?

If the invasiveness was outside the game (eg, screenshots of non-gameplay or running when the game was deactivated), I would totally agree, but the scope of this is limited to preventing cheaters who are playing, as far as I can see.

jamusta · « **Reply #2 on:** June 01, 2004, 09:26:07 AM »

Cheating is out of control in Americas Army. The aimbots recoilless see through fog super soldiers totally ruin the game. Punkbuster is doing everything it can to prevent cheating. There is always someone finding a way tho. All official servers require PB. Matter of fact most servers require PB.

Curval · « **Reply #3 on:** June 01, 2004, 09:29:42 AM »

I stopped playing BF1942 because of all the cheating...aim bots, map hacks etc.

When they forced PB on everyone it made the game enjoyable again.

Bodhi · « **Reply #4 on:** June 01, 2004, 09:42:10 AM »

If you have sensitive copyright files on your computer and Punkbuster were to take them and share them, they would be sooo in trouble. There licensing agreement is soley to search your HD for cheat software / hardware, that is the purpose plain and simple. Lastly, if you keep any files that are that sensitive permanently on your HD, you're a fool to begin with.

Morpheus · « **Reply #5 on:** June 01, 2004, 09:53:43 AM »

Looks to me as if someone is upset he can't cheat or not have the option to with out being caught.

quig · « **Reply #6 on:** June 01, 2004, 10:03:24 AM »

Guys, I think we are missing the point here

I just want to install and play the game offline and see if I like it. Without the PunkBuster software.

Later, if the game is good enough and I HAVE to put PunkBuster on my system to play online, I might do it.

For now I just want to try out the game.

I don't know anything about the company that makes PunkBuster... and I just don't feel like turning them loose with my machine.

No sensitive info and no porn on this computer.

Now... anyone know how to install America's Army without installing PunkBuster?

quig · « **Reply #7 on:** June 01, 2004, 10:06:06 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by MoRphEuS
Looks to me as if someone is upset he can't cheat or not have the option to with out being caught.

I don't have the brains or patients to cheat.

capt. apathy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 01, 2004, 10:11:44 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Chairboy
Is your objection to the fact you're being forced to install the anti-cheating tool? Or that it might take screenshots of your playing when you're suspected of cheating and upload them to the server?

If the invasiveness was outside the game (eg, screenshots of non-gameplay or running when the game was deactivated), I would totally agree, but the scope of this is limited to preventing cheaters who are playing, as far as I can see.

this is likely the part that bothers him. it does me too.

Quote

Licensee understands that PunkBuster software inspects and reports information about the computer on
Which it is installed to other connected computers and Licensee agrees to allow PunkBuster
Software to inspect and report such information about the computer on which licensee installs
PunkBuster software.

Licensee understands and agrees that the information that may be
inspected and reported by PunkBuster software includes, but is not limited to, devices and any
files residing on the hard-drive and in the memory of the computer on which PunkBuster
software is installed.

I'm no lawyer but it sounds to me you just gave them free access to your system. anything they want to know about it they can look, and not just send it to the company who you have this agreement with but also "other connected computers". why would they need access to (but not limited to) your whole hard-drive? seems they could still get the job done if they limited their invasion of your system to files that are in use while you are connected to the game.
the wording of this agreement gives them to much access and surrenders more of your privacy than necessary to accomplish their goals.

what would happen if they decided to increase their revenue by writing into their code an access for a data mining company to connect to games in play and harvest info off of the computers while the game is running?
legally would there be anything you could do about it? as I read the form there isn't. you've given permission to check anything on your system and share it with any computer connected to you through their software.

also, as to your last paragraph. the software may only run while the game is playing, but I see nothing in the wording of this agreement that limits they type of data harvested to information relevant to game-play.

SunKing · « **Reply #9 on:** June 01, 2004, 10:59:16 AM »

I love how people just assume things. Alot of people have problems with Punkbuster accessing thier systems at will. With AA its a joke. Consider that game a waste of space on your HDD.

I came back to the game after 5 months and decided to give it a try. My 1st 3 servers I tried, I find kids duping weapons like mad. Logged and deleted.

vorticon · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2004, 12:26:32 PM »

no you cant not install without getting PB, its built into the game...what you can do however is only play on servers athat dont use PB, if your that worried about the anti cheat software (wich has been programmed to scan only the files in the AA folder) going over your harddrive and detecting what sort of porno you were watching last night...

as for cheating in AA i can honestly say i have only seen someone cheating once or twice (and only since homelan stopped hosting)...the trick is to play only on clan servers, since those usually have an admin monitoring and cheaters generally avoid them as it doesnt get them more of the "honour" points...

quig · « **Reply #11 on:** June 01, 2004, 02:44:09 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by vorticon
(wich has been programmed to scan only the files in the AA folder)

^^ That is not what their agreement says.

You told me what I wanted to know anyhow.

Thanks.

Chairboy · « **Reply #12 on:** June 01, 2004, 03:04:51 PM »

It's my experience that legal agreements are usually as wide spread as possible, not as tight as needed, to perform a 'CYA' function. If they said 'PunkBuster will only scan your game directory', then some wag would

a. write a cheat tool that sits outside the directory
b. use the tool
c. get caught
d. Sue the bejeesus out of PunkBuster for proving that they exceeded the legal agreement.
e. Profit!

vorticon · « **Reply #13 on:** June 01, 2004, 04:07:44 PM »

agreement doesnt say that but a dev said over on there board at one point that PB does not scan the .ini files (because they dont want to waste bandwidth and time scanning those) in your folder. from this and a couple other comments i have come to the conclusion that it only scans the core game files for changes. try asking what files that its setup to scan by asking over at forums.americasarmy.com

rpm · « **Reply #14 on:** June 01, 2004, 04:53:52 PM »

It's from The United States Government. What are ya worried about?