Xbox cheaters get major smackdown

Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:15PM EDT

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Video game cheating comes in many forms, the most notorious of which involves people who use dirty tricks to make themselves more effective (or invincible) in multiplayer combat games. The solution for people caught engaging in this form of cheating has long been permanent cancellation of the account and a lifetime of shame... at least until he or she gets a new account, that is.

But with the rise of Gamerscore and Achievements on Xbox Live, a new form of cheating has become popular: people who manipulate their save files and account information to artificially boost their Gamerscore by unlocking Achievements they didn't actually earn. Of course, neither Gamerscore nor Achievement unlocking will help you actually play a game better—both serve as mere bragging rights... and so they have become something that cheaters have begun to manipulate relentlessly.

Better watch out, says Xbox Live's Major Nelson, the well-known public face of Microsoft when it comes to all things Xbox. Starting today, Xbox is punishing Gamerscore cheaters with some pretty heavy penalties. If you've used a cheat on your account, better check it out to see if you've been affected. How will you know?

Well, your Gamerscore will be reset to zero. You won't be able to regain any Achievement you previously unlocked (legitimately or otherwise), though you will be able to gain new Achievements. And your account will be permanently labeled as a cheater account (see blurry pic above for an example). At least you still get to keep your account.

There you have it. It's like your mom always told you: Cheaters never win, and... well, you know the rest. 

LINK: Gamerscore Correction 

Comments on 4th of July fireworks photography tips

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  • 1 Posted by pb_enial on Wed Jun 24, 2009 5:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    Thanks for the tip. Just bought a Canon A480.

  • 2 Posted by alexgannis on Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    You're 100% correct thanks, I made some great shot last year on my Canon 40D ISO 100 bulb setting. bulb is not a fla----- s a setting in pro camera manuel mode.

  • 3 Posted by lubbcraig on Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:17AM EDT Report Abuse

    i guess this is a yearly post for you eh? XD

  • 4 Posted by rogueist on Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:20AM EDT Report Abuse

    You forgot the most important tip - dont stand over the fireworks expecting to catch a firecracker (or M80) exploding on the ground, or a bottle rocket or roman candle as they launch.

  • 5 Posted by gullwingdoors on Thu Jun 25, 2009 10:13AM EDT Report Abuse

    Good article. I think I'll try some of this stuff with my A590IS. Another tip for those whose camera does not have those settings, if it is a Cannon, try the CHDK firmware. http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK It adds a ton of extra features including the ones mentioned in this article (rapid fire, long exposures, etc).

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