This Splinterlands season has started off hard, but I am hoping that with the release of the latest Terms of Service (ToS) it might get a bit easier. Currently, there are a lot of bot or battle helper supported accounts at the top of Modern Campion League, but the new ToS should affect this, if they adhere to the conditions.
So, what are the Terms and Conditions?
I don't speak legalese. But a funny story
I was once proofreading a contract for a client who didn't want to pay for a proper legal proofer and found a potential error in the wording, which could have meant that the buyer could have possibly been able to get out of paying under certain conditions. The contract was for €400,000,000.
Hire a professional.
But, let's have a look at the Splinterlands terms and conditions that were updated during the scheduled maintenance and required acceptance to log back into the game. These are excerpts of the restriction clauses I am interested in, but the entire thing can be found at the prior link.
Restrictions mean "not allowed" - for those unsure.
(xiii) use any automated-player, spider, algorithmic card selection/suggestion services, site search/retrieval application, or other device to retrieve or index any portion of the App or the content posted on the App, or to collect information about its users and gameplay for any unauthorized purpose;
Does this mean that for example, the Battle Helper services aren't allowed to collect and use the data? Does this mean that they might be able to have their service running, but can't add new data automatically? Or does "collect" mean manual collection also?
(xvi) utilize automated-players within the following contexts: A. Modern format ranked matches. B. Any Brawl matches. C. Tournament matches. For the purposes of this provision, an "automated-player" is defined as any software, script, or automated program that performs gameplay actions, including making card selections and submitting battles through the API, without the direct and immediate input or control of a human user.
Now, this is the one that should effectively end bots and battle helpers in Modern Ranked, Brawls and Tournaments, but I have a question. Does this actually ban battle helpers, or does it allow for battle helpers, as long as they don't automate the card selection? In my opinion, whether that process is automated or not, "card selection" is a gameplay action, as it is a compulsory act before submission (unless surrendering), so it should ban them. But I am unsure.
Having read through a few times now, I think it covers the banning of battle helpers too.
Which means, henceforth (sounds legal-y) anyone who uses a battle helper or any automated service in Modern Format, all Brawls and all Tournaments are in violation, so everyone playing in these formats right now, should be adhering to the updated rules, otherwise, there may be consequences:
Violation of these anti-automated-player provisions may result in consequences determined by the App's administrators, including but not limited to temporary or permanent suspension of user accounts, removal of game progress, or other appropriate measures. By continuing to use the App and participating in Modern format ranked matches, tournaments, or brawls, you explicitly acknowledge and agree to abide by these anti-automated-player provisions."
Back to fun?
I think I got about a season of returned enjoyment when there was a period without the battle helpers and bots. When they returned, it was more painful having had that short period of respite. However, now that the ToS are updates, I am hoping that from now on, it will become fun again and more humans will interact.
With the release of Land, perhaps those who don't want to play will have a place to put their cards, which will mx up the formats again, as there will be more "holes" in decks as people look to maximize their rewards on Land. This should affect the rental market also, which is good and bad, as I have to rent to be able to compete.
Rules or Not
While I do think that many people will adhere to the terms once they realize they have been updated, I know that when value is on offer, there are always going to be people who are going to try and intentionally break them for personal gain. Unfortunately, we don't live in a world of "good" people, we live in a world driven by incentive. And when incentive to break rules is greater than the risk or moral costs, people will break them. Because of this, there will have to be some kind of punishments delivered, otherwise it just festers, as we have seen many times before.
The ToS are not hardcoded into the game, but they are a legal code that people agree to and therefore, if they break the rules, they expose themselves to penalty. I would prefer people enjoy playing the game, rather than risk penalty for short gains, but I doubt I am going to get my preferences. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and, who is taking score and keeping records.
A New Phase
Splinterlands is entering into a new stage of its evolution with the release of Land, but it shouldn't be forgotten that it is a game too, not just an investment farm. In order for all of this to have long term value, the game has to be solid and that requires having it be fair for players, where player ability is the determining factor the majority of the time, not versions of bots. This means the game designers have to be bold and not only look to keep a handful of investors happy. However, while a small battle might have ended here, I feel that this is a war that will never be completely won.
Let's Play.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]