Guild Wars 2

I understand that some 3rd party software is acceptable, and others or not. I also understand the terms concerning 3rd party software, that it shouldn’t provide an advantage, one key press per action, etc.

My question is: Would it be permissible to contact CS, either by ticket or email, when one is wanting to use any 3rd party program, but is unsure if it meets the standards set forth by Anet?

For example: I want to use a 3rd party DPS meter. So I contact CS and report which software I am using, the purpose of why I want to use it, etc. (Notifying CS of my intended use of said program).

I know CS, and Anet, cannot directly approve or disapprove such software, but I don’t want to be in violation and get my account banned. So having notified CS of my intentions and which software I am using, if it turns out that it does in fact violate the terms (without my knowledge and according to my understanding of the terms and the program). At such point CS can inform me that the software I am using is in violation, and request I remove it before just issuing a ban or suspension.

Maybe something like issuing a suspension until said software is removed as long as CS has been notified in advance.

Thanks!

If I were to do something like this, would it be better to send an email? or a ticket? I am leaning toward an email, as a ticket would take up more resourses than an email. But the question is, to what address would I send it?

Thanks!

Their ticket system is via email. They are one in the same. At the same time, they won’t tell you yes or no because the information can be used by those who create third party software to cheat the system. It will also clog up their support system from being able to assist those who need assistance with their accounts.

I understand they won’t provide an answer. My purpose would be to at least notify them that I intend to use such apps, that way if it is not allowed, instead of a ban, I can just get a notification to discontinue use, as that program doesn’t match their standards.

I am not intending to cheat or anything, but would to have a heads up if I’m doing something not allowed.

Creating a ticket for that reason is only a waste of their time, especially when they’re currently under a heavy load due to recent announcements. Notifying them beforehand will have no effect, nor will they inform you if they eventually target that program. If you contact them, they will likely respond with their 3rd party software policy and close your ticket.

The safe bet is not to use the program.

Healix.5819:

Creating a ticket for that reason is only a waste of their time, especially when they’re currently under a heavy load due to recent announcements. Notifying them beforehand will have no effect, nor will they inform you if they eventually target that program. If you contact them, they will likely respond with their 3rd party software policy and close your ticket.

So submitting a ticket wouldnt be the way to go. I agree, any response would just be met with the policy.

What about a way to have your account tagged that such apps were going to be in use, to avoid any unpleasant actions?

abomally.2694:

The safe bet is not to use the program.

While that is the safest, Gaile Grey has stated on several occasions that such software CAN be used but only if certain requirements are met. They wont right out say X app is good or Y app is bad. I’m not looking for that. I am just wondering if there was a way to notify Anet of my intentions before hand, just in case, to avoid a ban IF it is part of the Y apps.

There really isn’t a way to notify the CS Team and get a pass on using a third-party application that they may not approve of. You can take a chance, but if they decide it is actionable, your account will be actioned. Whether you told them in advance, or not, I am afraid.

If in doubt, err of the side of safety. Don’t use the program.

Good luck.

pdavis.8031:

What about a way to have your account tagged that such apps were going to be in use, to avoid any unpleasant actions?

It doesn’t work that way… unless you have a friend on the inside.

There is nothing you can do. Think about what you’re asking for for a moment. How would that be fair to everyone else? If they were going to allow individuals to get on a special warning list, they would instead publicly announce that they would start banning X the following week. Since they didn’t publicly allow it in the first place however, it will continue to be a gray area.

These basic programs aren’t even detected however, so for now, there’s basically no risk. It’s not until you do something that actually affects the game that it can be detected.

Inculpatus cedo.9234:

There really isn’t a way to notify the CS Team and get a pass on using a third-party application that they may not approve of. You can take a chance, but if they decide it is actionable, your account will be actioned. Whether you told them in advance, or not, I am afraid.

If in doubt, err of the side of safety. Don’t use the program.

Good luck.

I guess my line of thinking is that Anet does take these types of things into consideration before issuing bans. It is my hope that if there was prior notification, and a statement of intent, then such things would be looked on favorably before actions are taken.

Also I do not advocate using cheat programs, but only those which conform to the policy and standards. However even a seemingly innocent program can do things in the back ground which may not be intended by the user.

Healix.5819:

pdavis.8031:

What about a way to have your account tagged that such apps were going to be in use, to avoid any unpleasant actions?

It doesn’t work that way… unless you have a friend on the inside.

There is nothing you can do. Think about what you’re asking for for a moment. How would that be fair to everyone else? If they were going to allow individuals to get on a special warning list, they would instead publicly announce that they would start banning X the following week. Since they didn’t publicly allow it in the first place however, it will continue to be a gray area.

These basic programs aren’t even detected however, so for now, there’s basically no risk. It’s not until you do something that actually affects the game that it can be detected.

Maybe not a special list, but at least a note in an accounts “file” stating that notification was made before hand, and such a note would be taken into account before a ban is issued.

I think ‘your line of thinking’ is, unfortunately, just not what truly happens. I don’t think they keep a list of players who inform them that “someday I might do something you, as a company, may disapprove of, and if I do, please give me special consideration”.

Still, you seem determined, so…best of luck! =)

Inculpatus cedo.9234:

I think ‘your line of thinking’ is, unfortunately, just not what truly happens. I don’t think they keep a list of players who inform them that “someday I might do something you, as a company, may disapprove of, and if I do, please give me special consideration”.

Still, you seem determined, so…best of luck! =)

Check out Anets responses on the BBB (the customers are rather amusing too). But it seems they are fairly lenient, and forgiving in their bans.

I have read that site, previously.

Again, do as you so desire, and good luck.

The question you have to ask yourself is this, “Will what I gain from using this third party software be worth the complete loss of my account?” If you believe you must use this third party software, then you probably will use it regardless of the fact you have been warned it could cost you your account. Just be aware that ArenaNet can and most likely will permanently ban your account if they detect the use of said third party software.

Since GW2 does not support exporting a combat log, a third party DPS meter has to acquire its data either by packet sniffing or (most likely) directly reading the game memory. This is a violation of the GW2 User Agreement. You can read that document by following the Legal Documentation link at the bottom of the forum page. Just to point out what you can search for, here is the relevant section (snipped to show just the specific items touching your software of interest).

8. PROHIBITED AND IRREPARABLY HARMFUL ACTIVITIES CONCERNING NCSOFT
—snip—
Use, obtain or provide data related to operation of the Game, including but not limited to:

software that reads areas of computer memory or storage devices related to the Game;
software that intercepts or otherwise collects data from or through the Game;

LyricDawnhagen.7803:

The question you have to ask yourself is this, “Will what I gain from using this third party software be worth the complete loss of my account?” If you believe you must use this third party software, then you probably will use it regardless of the fact you have been warned it could cost you your account. Just be aware that ArenaNet can and most likely will permanently ban your account if they detect the use of said third party software.

Since GW2 does not support exporting a combat log, a third party DPS meter has to acquire its data either by packet sniffing or (most likely) directly reading the game memory. This is a violation of the GW2 User Agreement. You can read that document by following the Legal Documentation link at the bottom of the forum page. Just to point out what you can search for, here is the relevant section (snipped to show just the specific items touching your software of interest).

8. PROHIBITED AND IRREPARABLY HARMFUL ACTIVITIES CONCERNING NCSOFT
—snip—
Use, obtain or provide data related to operation of the Game, including but not limited to:

software that reads areas of computer memory or storage devices related to the Game;
software that intercepts or otherwise collects data from or through the Game;

I am well aware of the policy. And a DPS meter was an example. My question is whether or not I can somehow contact CS and notify them of my intended use of any software, not to get approval or disapproval as the case may be. But to cover my bases IF the intended software happened to be incompatible with the policy. Thats it.

Here’s the thing.

One, I think most posters understand what you want. You want to notify ArenaNet that you will be using a third-party application, and should they find it unacceptable, you want a pass on any actions that would normally apply to your account.

Two, you want either confirmation that this is a good idea from the playerbase that uses the forum…or a Dev to post that that is what will happen if you should go ahead and use said third-party application.

I have no idea if any forum-poster will support your idea. I do believe, though, that no Dev will green-light your request, because that would just open an avenue for anyone and everyone to flood CS with ‘notifications’, and use that as a reason to dispute CS actions.

Again, if you feel confident that the program/application in question will not be found unacceptable by ArenaNet, use it. If you feel it may cause concerns and flag your account for action, you will have to decide if whatever it provides is worth the chance of having your account permanently closed, or the hassle of having your account re-instated after being only temporarily closed.

Good luck, either way. =)