Vyndree
06-11-2008, 05:18 PM
Ellay edit* the old link broke, just copy/pasted.
Vyndree's Guide to Guides:
Q: What is Multiboxing?
A: In short, a multiboxer plays several characters at the same time. There can be several kinds of multiboxers, from dual-boxers or 2-boxers ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=106') to 5-boxers ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=1455') (sometimes called "quinboxing ('http://www.wowbash.com/image-159.html')") to 40+-boxers ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=498'). The number is only limited to the amount of processing power you have in your computer(s), and your own brain's ability to multitask and macro? ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-editpage.php?page=macro').
Q: Macro? Isn't that against the rules?
A: Of course not, silly! Macroing can be done by anyone, even non-multiboxers, and is built within the WoW interface. You can access your macros by typing "/macro? ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-editpage.php?page=macro')".
Q: What can a macro do that a normal button pusher can't?
A: Absolutely nothing.
However, macros are useful for binding multiple actions into a fluid keypress, such as trinket+AP+PoM+Pyro ('http://www.wowwiki.com/Useful_macros_for_mages#The_I_Win_Button') (otherwise known as the "I Win" button ('http://www.wowwiki.com/Useful_macros_for_mages#The_I_Win_Button'))
Q: What do multiboxers use macros for?
A: Multiboxers will use macros for almost EVERYTHING. For example, each spell cast the a multiboxer makes will have to be targeted. A very simple macro would have to be implemented for each DPS spell a multiboxer wanted to use.
For example:
/assist Vyndree
/cast Lightning Bolt
This also needs to be done for healing. As you can probably tell, we very quickly run out of buttons and usually fill up every single macro spot with different spells.
Multiboxers also use macros for movement. Unfortunately, you cannot put movement into a macro like you can use your "wasd" or arrow keys. Therefore, multiboxers use the in-game /follow
Q: So what do you DO with your 2/3/4/5+ characters? Do you have no life?
A: On the contrary, most multiboxers have very fulfilling real lives. Most of them hold steady jobs, which is why they don't consider the extra account costs/hardware costs excessive.
From what I've come across, the majoriy of multiboxers don't see much of a challenge in the solo game, or even the raid game for that matter. WoW isn't exactly rocket science. In order to spark a little interest in the game again, they put challenges in front of themselves to make gameplay more interesting. It's not just multiboxers who do this. Like the naked troll project ('http://ntproject.blogspot.com/'), or Noor the pacifist ('http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/01/08/15-minutes-of-fame-noor-the-pacifist/').
Q: Hey... you seem like a powerleveler to me. How much are you making off selling those characters?
A: > >Already ahead of you ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=20'), buddy.
In short, the "profit" a multiboxer would make from breaking the rules — IF they manage to not get banned in the process — is less than half of the american federal minimum wage.
Q: Ok, fine. You're not selling your characters. So what are you, a bot?
A: Multiboxers are typically offended when being confronted with such a nefarious accusation. However, since you're new, I'll let it slide.
All of the abilities a multiboxer can do are built right into the WoW game. No actions are automated, and everything that each character is doing can be traced back to an action made by the player.
Q: Then how can you be all synchronized? I mean, there's no gap in time for you to alt-tab between windows?
A: That's because we use this thing called a "keyboard multiplexer Sometimes it's an emulated, in the case of software? ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-editpage.php?page=software') multibox solutions. Sometimes it's fancy hardware? ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-editpage.php?page=hardware').
Now, there are many ways to do this, but in the simplest form, envision syncing a single wireless keyboard to multiple wireless keyboard receivers. When you press a button on the keyboard, it will be sent to all computers at the same time.
Q: You said software! BOT BOT BOT!
A: Not all multiboxers need to use software. Typically the type of software used has no functionality outside of emulating a hardware keyboard multiplexer. The use of any software OR hardware ('http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=207130785&sid=1&pageNo=1#18') to automate gameplay is against the Terms of Use ('http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/termsofuse.html').
In any case, using software keyboard emulators is an acceptable practice ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=1049') as long as no behaviors are automated.
Q: Well I still think it's cheating. I mean, that person in arenas is unkillable!
A: Of course Ellay ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=1785') is killable! Would you make a PvP video with anything other than lucky crits, or would you fill it with all those times you got steamrolled? Multiboxing in competitive arenas is actually harder than what a normal group would run into. Coordination on spike-teams, similar to guild wars, where everything is measured and prepared prior to battle — even server latency — to ensure the exact moment of a spike... Sure, Multiboxers have that small little benefit. But movement, positioning, CC'ing multiple targets, managing cooldowns... there are several weak areas for every strong area in Multiboxing.
Multiboxing is not done because it's "easysauce". It's done because it's challenging. Ellay ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=1785') is very skilled, and that is the reason why he wins.
Q: OMG, nerf! You know how much money you can get just from dailies! So unfair!
A: This is true, but I also have 5 times the repair bill, 5 times the mount/training costs, and 5 times the people to gear up. If you look at each character, they would earn the exact same as each one of your characters.
Sadly, we cannot have our cake and eat it too.
Q: Omg mai keyclone it duz nt wurks!11!
A: I personally use a hardware multiboxing solution and have never touched Keyclone Read the Keyclone FAQ ('http://solidice.com/keyclone/faq.html') and contact him ('http://solidice.com/contactus.html') if you still have issues.
Q: Still, this has GOT to be against the rules... A: Quoting Anncoxstrong from the WoW forums:
Q u o t e:
"Multi-boxing is not a violation of the Terms of Use, Sincast. On the contrary, it's a fairly common practice and extremely fun to watch. :)"
Syndri, Customer Service Member
" wcf_href="http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=2856144935&postId=29491813990&sid=1#16http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif" >http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=2856144935&postId=29491813990&sid=1#16 ('http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=2856144935&postId=29491813990&sid=1#16%3Cimg%20src=')http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif
Q u o t e:
"Badkarma, we do not stop players from owning and playing multiple accounts...There are all manner of ways to use two accounts that are not outside of our in-game policies and legal documents..."
Berghe, Customer Service Member
" wcf_href="https://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=77594054&postId=776776019#1http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif" >https://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=77594054&postId=776776019#1 ('https://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=77594054&postId=776776019#1%3Cimg%20src=')http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif
Q u o t e:
"We do not prevent people from owning multiple accounts, nor playing those accounts simultaneously as long as they abide by our Terms of Use and EULA."
Vrakthris, Customer Service Member
" wcf_href="http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3168405460&pageNo=1&sid=1#9http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif" >http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3168405460&pageNo=1&sid=1#9 ('http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3168405460&pageNo=1&sid=1#9%3Cimg%20src=')http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif
Q u o t e:
"multi-boxing,..., it's not considered a violation of policy."
"It ('http://v-boxing.net/v/It') is viewed simply as a clever, yet tedious play style, but not altogether counterintuitive to the spirit of the game"
Syndri, Customer Service Member
" wcf_href="http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3159886078&postId=31680816892&sid=1#8http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif" >http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3159886078&postId=31680816892&sid=1#8 ('http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3159886078&postId=31680816892&sid=1#8%3Cimg%20src=')http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif
For a more complete list of GM conversations and links, see Dual-boxing.com's wiki ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/../wiki/index.php?title=GM_Conversations')
Vyndree's Guide to Guides:
Q: What is Multiboxing?
A: In short, a multiboxer plays several characters at the same time. There can be several kinds of multiboxers, from dual-boxers or 2-boxers ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=106') to 5-boxers ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=1455') (sometimes called "quinboxing ('http://www.wowbash.com/image-159.html')") to 40+-boxers ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=498'). The number is only limited to the amount of processing power you have in your computer(s), and your own brain's ability to multitask and macro? ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-editpage.php?page=macro').
Q: Macro? Isn't that against the rules?
A: Of course not, silly! Macroing can be done by anyone, even non-multiboxers, and is built within the WoW interface. You can access your macros by typing "/macro? ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-editpage.php?page=macro')".
Q: What can a macro do that a normal button pusher can't?
A: Absolutely nothing.
However, macros are useful for binding multiple actions into a fluid keypress, such as trinket+AP+PoM+Pyro ('http://www.wowwiki.com/Useful_macros_for_mages#The_I_Win_Button') (otherwise known as the "I Win" button ('http://www.wowwiki.com/Useful_macros_for_mages#The_I_Win_Button'))
Q: What do multiboxers use macros for?
A: Multiboxers will use macros for almost EVERYTHING. For example, each spell cast the a multiboxer makes will have to be targeted. A very simple macro would have to be implemented for each DPS spell a multiboxer wanted to use.
For example:
/assist Vyndree
/cast Lightning Bolt
This also needs to be done for healing. As you can probably tell, we very quickly run out of buttons and usually fill up every single macro spot with different spells.
Multiboxers also use macros for movement. Unfortunately, you cannot put movement into a macro like you can use your "wasd" or arrow keys. Therefore, multiboxers use the in-game /follow
Q: So what do you DO with your 2/3/4/5+ characters? Do you have no life?
A: On the contrary, most multiboxers have very fulfilling real lives. Most of them hold steady jobs, which is why they don't consider the extra account costs/hardware costs excessive.
From what I've come across, the majoriy of multiboxers don't see much of a challenge in the solo game, or even the raid game for that matter. WoW isn't exactly rocket science. In order to spark a little interest in the game again, they put challenges in front of themselves to make gameplay more interesting. It's not just multiboxers who do this. Like the naked troll project ('http://ntproject.blogspot.com/'), or Noor the pacifist ('http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/01/08/15-minutes-of-fame-noor-the-pacifist/').
Q: Hey... you seem like a powerleveler to me. How much are you making off selling those characters?
A: > >Already ahead of you ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=20'), buddy.
In short, the "profit" a multiboxer would make from breaking the rules — IF they manage to not get banned in the process — is less than half of the american federal minimum wage.
Q: Ok, fine. You're not selling your characters. So what are you, a bot?
A: Multiboxers are typically offended when being confronted with such a nefarious accusation. However, since you're new, I'll let it slide.
All of the abilities a multiboxer can do are built right into the WoW game. No actions are automated, and everything that each character is doing can be traced back to an action made by the player.
Q: Then how can you be all synchronized? I mean, there's no gap in time for you to alt-tab between windows?
A: That's because we use this thing called a "keyboard multiplexer Sometimes it's an emulated, in the case of software? ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-editpage.php?page=software') multibox solutions. Sometimes it's fancy hardware? ('http://v-boxing.net/v/tiki-editpage.php?page=hardware').
Now, there are many ways to do this, but in the simplest form, envision syncing a single wireless keyboard to multiple wireless keyboard receivers. When you press a button on the keyboard, it will be sent to all computers at the same time.
Q: You said software! BOT BOT BOT!
A: Not all multiboxers need to use software. Typically the type of software used has no functionality outside of emulating a hardware keyboard multiplexer. The use of any software OR hardware ('http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=207130785&sid=1&pageNo=1#18') to automate gameplay is against the Terms of Use ('http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/termsofuse.html').
In any case, using software keyboard emulators is an acceptable practice ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=1049') as long as no behaviors are automated.
Q: Well I still think it's cheating. I mean, that person in arenas is unkillable!
A: Of course Ellay ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=1785') is killable! Would you make a PvP video with anything other than lucky crits, or would you fill it with all those times you got steamrolled? Multiboxing in competitive arenas is actually harder than what a normal group would run into. Coordination on spike-teams, similar to guild wars, where everything is measured and prepared prior to battle — even server latency — to ensure the exact moment of a spike... Sure, Multiboxers have that small little benefit. But movement, positioning, CC'ing multiple targets, managing cooldowns... there are several weak areas for every strong area in Multiboxing.
Multiboxing is not done because it's "easysauce". It's done because it's challenging. Ellay ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=1785') is very skilled, and that is the reason why he wins.
Q: OMG, nerf! You know how much money you can get just from dailies! So unfair!
A: This is true, but I also have 5 times the repair bill, 5 times the mount/training costs, and 5 times the people to gear up. If you look at each character, they would earn the exact same as each one of your characters.
Sadly, we cannot have our cake and eat it too.
Q: Omg mai keyclone it duz nt wurks!11!
A: I personally use a hardware multiboxing solution and have never touched Keyclone Read the Keyclone FAQ ('http://solidice.com/keyclone/faq.html') and contact him ('http://solidice.com/contactus.html') if you still have issues.
Q: Still, this has GOT to be against the rules... A: Quoting Anncoxstrong from the WoW forums:
Q u o t e:
"Multi-boxing is not a violation of the Terms of Use, Sincast. On the contrary, it's a fairly common practice and extremely fun to watch. :)"
Syndri, Customer Service Member
" wcf_href="http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=2856144935&postId=29491813990&sid=1#16http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif" >http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=2856144935&postId=29491813990&sid=1#16 ('http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=2856144935&postId=29491813990&sid=1#16%3Cimg%20src=')http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif
Q u o t e:
"Badkarma, we do not stop players from owning and playing multiple accounts...There are all manner of ways to use two accounts that are not outside of our in-game policies and legal documents..."
Berghe, Customer Service Member
" wcf_href="https://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=77594054&postId=776776019#1http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif" >https://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=77594054&postId=776776019#1 ('https://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=77594054&postId=776776019#1%3Cimg%20src=')http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif
Q u o t e:
"We do not prevent people from owning multiple accounts, nor playing those accounts simultaneously as long as they abide by our Terms of Use and EULA."
Vrakthris, Customer Service Member
" wcf_href="http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3168405460&pageNo=1&sid=1#9http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif" >http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3168405460&pageNo=1&sid=1#9 ('http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3168405460&pageNo=1&sid=1#9%3Cimg%20src=')http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif
Q u o t e:
"multi-boxing,..., it's not considered a violation of policy."
"It ('http://v-boxing.net/v/It') is viewed simply as a clever, yet tedious play style, but not altogether counterintuitive to the spirit of the game"
Syndri, Customer Service Member
" wcf_href="http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3159886078&postId=31680816892&sid=1#8http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif" >http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3159886078&postId=31680816892&sid=1#8 ('http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3159886078&postId=31680816892&sid=1#8%3Cimg%20src=')http://v-boxing.net/v/img/icons/external_link.gif
For a more complete list of GM conversations and links, see Dual-boxing.com's wiki ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/../wiki/index.php?title=GM_Conversations')