Data mining, the practice of analyzing game files to find traces of hacked content or clues to future DLC, has always been a controversial topic among developers and casual gamers. However, Respawn Entertainment, developer of Titanfall and Apex Legends , took the plunge and permanently banned Osvoldatore and Hypermyst, two of Apex's most popular data processors, on September 29th.
The amount of data they uncovered allowed them to reveal details about upcoming maps and skins before they were officially introduced in the game. In live multiplayer games like Apex , data for future updates is packaged into the current version for easier implementation. Osvoldatore and Hypermyst collected this data and shared it on social media, amassing tens of thousands of followers and giving the game's loyal audience a taste of what's to come. However, according to recent statements, Respawn does not seem to have this. . excessive fog.
Interestingly, the reason given is "cheating" as the data processing doesn't actually require changing game files and doesn't provide players with the knowledge of what Loba's next unlockable skin will be or what game modes will be added next season. important tactical advantage. The ban itself is most likely manual, since auto-detection does not implement data processing, which means, as Hypermyst suggests, it is provided by the developers of Respawn themselves.
On the one hand, Respawn's position is clear. Showing an unfinished work before its official debut is not good for any creator. What's even more cynical is that prematurely disclosing this type of information can throw off marketing plans. Respawn reserves the right to do so if it comes to that; Section 6 of the Electronic Arts User Agreement, which every Apex player must agree to and which you can read in full here, expressly prohibits users from using “robots, spiders, or other automatic devices or processes to access the EA Services for any purpose “. “Purposes such as collecting data, misusing the EA Services, creating an account, or copying materials.” Very similar to data processing.
On the other hand, data mining is a great tool to generate organic excitement in the community; You only have to look at all the followers of Hypermist and Osvoldatore to see this. When players enjoy a game, they will do whatever it takes to continue with new and interesting content. Apex players have already criticized Respawn's decision by replying to the post above, and one wonders whether it would have been wiser for Respawn to build on this and use data processing as an unofficial teaser for the future.
Whether this decision will be overturned or the data processors will not be blocked is still a question, but it could set a precedent for others. Respawn's actions send a clear message. Don't touch our stuff and we won't stop you.
