[Noxxy]

This post will have some serious repercussions for the entire EQ2 multi-boxing community if it can be further validated - if you do send any questions to SOE, make sure you query the legality of the 'simultaneous sending of keystrokes'

NB: Before you rush of and post 'but but but my GM said keyclone/HKN/vetra was ok' - please ensure your GM knows that they are simultaneous keystroke casters

Your 'constructive' input into this thread would be appreciated


Simply:
- The use of either hardware or software for the simulatenous sending of keystrokes to the same or across multiple pcs is considered character automation. As such, it is against SOE EULA and is illegal.

Had an interesting night last night. Introduced myself to a new server (went to try pvp) and, in summary, was told by several GMs that the simultaneous broadcasting of keystrokes is considered character automation and as such is illegal.

This simply means that plug-n-play hardware solutions such as the vetra megacaster and software applications such as keyclone, hkn and any other 'simultaneous keystroke broadcaster' are illegal in EQ2

After reading the GM replies, I checked their understanding against previous GM responses posted in Khatovar's MB & Current MMOs.

In Khat's post I found the reference to Ticket 090210-001499 where CSR Xavier "Spadaccino" M. replied:
'Every action taken by a character has to be the result of a unique keystroke. Usually this is accomplished by multiple computers with multiple keyboards, though it is permissible to use one keyboard to control several computers through a selector switch. You are allowed to use 3rd party software, as long as you do not in any way manipulate or change the client (EQ2) program and as long as you are at the controls and capable or responding from each character.'

If we analyse this further - Every action taken by a character has to be the result of a unique keystroke. - the simultaneous sending of keystrokes is not as such 'unique' - it is cloned. Whilst Xavier does go on to mention 'You are allowed to use 3rd party software' - I believe this is in relation to a software selector and defineately not a 'key cloner'

For your information, I have included an edited version of the incident report I submitted last night:

Incident: 091215-002136

Response (GM Yxyran)
12/16/2009 12:49 AM

[shortened]…The problem occurs when you…send commands…at the same time…it is important that you understand why you cannot use any device or program to allow you to control more than one character with one key stroke.

It offers you an unfair advantage over players using the game and interface as designed. It essentially accomplishes an action that…could not be done in the course of play. There is no way to link the actions of two separate characters in game. No way to make them work in sync where you take action with one character and it triggers an automatic action from another. You have to use separate keystrokes for each character's actions. Each character must be under the direct control of the player at all times. Anything that circumvents that direct control constitutes automation. Automation makes them a bot.

Thank you for your time,
Game Master Yxyran
"The Moon Moth"


Response (GM Kaerytha)
12/15/2009 08:58 PM

[Shortened – message relayed from the Lead GM on Nagafen]…In addition, simultaneous key broadcasting is not permitted. So if you are pressing one key on your keyboard, and it's causing all 6 of your characters to cast, or attack or perform any action simultaneously then that is something we would consider character automation, which is prohibited….

Safe Travels,

GM Kaerytha
EverQuest II
Sony Online Entertainment

[Fursphere]

Each character must be under the direct control of the player at all times.

Keystroke broadcasting *IS* direct control. The character does nothing without you pressing keys.

You could argue that you could have 2x PCs and 2x keyboards, and use one hand on each to cast at the same time? Is that still automation because you are using BOTH hands? What if you use 4x PCs and 4x Keyboards with hands and feet?!

Or two people practice enough that they are perfectly in sync with each other, to appear to be multiboxing? (like, synchronized swimmers)

[Fursphere]

Further, you may want to read this thread (post #2)

http://www.dual-boxing.com/showthread.php?t=26643

[Ualaa]

So, within EQ2, the best option (if you want to stick with the game) is Steps, or the equivalent for the software of choice.

Each keystroke is a step.
Step 1 - Toon A
Step 2 - Toon B
Step 3 - Toon C
Etc.

And then spam the key, as many times as you'd like actions to occur.
Maybe Key 1, is tank only.
But Key 2, is your four DPS toons, so you'd spam this key four times in rapid succession.

Which then gives four unique keypresses, with only a single action across all toons on each action.
The faster you could spam the key, the better.
But its still only a single action, on only one of your toons, from a single keypress.



Honestly, if this is Sony's stance on boxing.
I would tend to think, a new game might be a better option.
They clearly don't want you to play their game, as a boxer.

[Noxxy]

Hey Furs,

I totally agree re the direct control but I think the problem comes from the fact that the keystrokes aren't unique to each pc - as they are being cloned, well more appropriately the keystrokes are split in my case - and even if I could join the circus and use both hands'n'feet - there'd still be enough randomness going on to ensure the keystrokes weren't exactly the same for each pc therefore making the hands approach legal

As for the linky - I sure did read that one too to get more information. As for how I send in my querys, I always send all questions via the ingame game customer support website (not directly to random GMs etc) - this avoids a lot of problems. The issue seems to be that more GMs are sprouting the 'simultaneous keystroke' philosophy which imho is totally out of the blue


Hi Ualaa,

The only problem with staggering the keystrokes is the shear number of keys in eq2 - for example, each character has about 25 - 30 spells, etc. Times that by 6 chars = somewhere around 150 - 180 keys - that's a big keyboard not to mention some pretty fast keyboard spamming


Just has totally floored me as I have been happily playing for years and now it's as if there's a eula change in the wind

[Velassra]

Reminded me I hadn't cancelled my accounts. Anyway, I cancelled and for lol's I took their survey. They do list multibox as a style of play multiple times in their survey, so idk.

I listed a change in policy as reason for cancellation....but if they look they'll see I hadnb't played in like months anyway.

[Twiz]

Yeah, if this is the case, I'll have to cancel accounts. Shame.

[Noxxy]

Before anyone does anything drastic it will be well worth confirming the facts for yourselves via ingame support

[Twiz]

Yeah, I'll see what I can dig up first before anything happens!

[Gomotron]

Hmm if this is indeed true, at least it makes my decision easier. I've been wrestling with boxing Aion or EQ2 or LOTRO as my non-WoW habit.

Please keep us posted on developments.