Before diving into what’s changed, we first need everyone to understand how some users try to cheat on JamLegend. Cheating takes two main forms: (1) hacking, which means attempting to technologically manipulate JamLegend, or (2) botting, which fakes JamLegend gameplay. Here’s how we address both.
1. Hacking (e.g. Cheat Engine)
We recently started using a new engine in the main game that was previously only in the JamBox and Showdowns. The new engine directly helps combat hacking, as some users have known for some time. Furthermore, hacked scores tend to be easily detectable because of their diversion from the norm. It is our policy to ban those users found hacking or attempting to hack.
2. Botting
Since botting fakes human behavior, bots are very hard to detect. We limit daily play to what is humanly possible (even for VIPs), which has disincentivized many botters but not dissuaded them all. As with hacking, it is our policy to ban users found using bots. Sometimes, botters admit to the act and, at other times, inhumanly high stats are a clear indication. In both cases, we ban the accounts.
We investigate all user reports alleging hacking or botting, since all forms of cheating ruin the experience for everyone. Unfortunately, some users send us intentionally false accusations. At face value, these are hard to distinguish, so we investigate all claims, which can slow our response to legitimate reports. The bottom line is this: Without evidence, we will not ban a user.
OK, let’s move on to what’s new...
Ever since we started JamLegend, some of the most popular suggestions have been multipliers, star power, bonus notes, and other power-ups. Here are just a few GetSatisfaction threads:
- http://getsatisfaction.com/jamlegend/topics/suggestions_a_lot_of_them
- http://getsatisfaction.com/jamlegend/topics/multiplier_and_star_power_bonus
- http://getsatisfaction.com/jamlegend/topics/bonus_notes
We’ve also received countless e-mails over the years suggesting power-ups and our response was always the same: “We agree! Some day...” Well, as of this week, we’ve delivered on that promise. Power-ups are finally here: http://blog.jamlegend.com/jamlegend-power-ups
Since the first introduction of power-ups, we’ve released these additional changes:
Power-up usage is transparent:
For every score on JamLegend, you’ll see what, if any, power-ups were used and, in the future, you’ll even be able to see when!
Power-ups can be earned by leveling-up:
Each earned power up can be used once per play. For example, when you reach level 7, you get 1 free Lighting Power per play. Combine your skill with the strategic use of power-ups to score score your best ever. For the full list and descriptions, go to http://www.jamlegend.com/power-ups
Found cheaters are excluded from leaderboards:
Previously, banning accounts stopped the cheater, but their scores lived on. That day has passed; the scores die with the account.
Now, let’s address some of the common concerns:
Power-ups let cheaters take over leaderboards:
The leaderboards have long been dominated by cheaters. This is a problem that needs fixing, and power-ups help us do that.
Power-ups increase the variability of points on a given track; using a few or a lot, and when you use them, can make a big difference. This helps us identify hacked or bot scores because we can see when a score was achieved with an unusual number of power-ups. For example, if a track normally requires 2 Lightning Powers to earn over 200,000 points, and somebody did it without power-ups, then that user likely cheated.
Being able to more easily identify hacked and bot scores leads to a better leaderboard that highlights real users and real achievements.
Only the rich will get on leaderboards:
Skill is more necessary than ever to earn a place on the leaderboard, because power-ups create an additional skill to learn. When and how you use a power-up determines its overall effect. Think of it like Fire Power in Super Mario Bros; sure, you can try to beat the entire game as a little plumber, but everybody can benefit from a few fireballs now and then, and what really matters is when you use them!
Power-ups benefit new users:
New users are actually at a disadvantage, because they do not have the benefit of free power up uses that users of higher level have earned.
Users are leaving because of power-ups:
Many users are leaving not because of power-ups, but because of a daily play limit in their country. Advertisers in those countries were unwilling to support free play. We're upset by the situation too, but some countries simply don't contribute their share and continuing to operate for free in those countries hurts everybody else on JamLegend.
For those users unable to upgrade to VIP, we recommend playing unofficial songs: http://www.jamlegend.com/jam. You can play normal usage on those songs as if you lived in a country where advertisers are willing to support free official play. You can still play great tracks, attain high scores, and participate in all social interactions on JamLegend.
The staff is greedy:
This accusation is the most hurtful to us. It costs a lot to run JamLegend. Think of how much you play, how much you played before the limits, then multiply that by millions of people and a few years.
From the outset of JamLegend, we have had a single goal: to make JamLegend self-sustainable. After two and a half years, we’re still not there. We’ve tried big things and small things, but every day it still costs more to run JamLegend than the money brought in. That needs to change, or there won’t be a JamLegend for us to build and for you to play and enjoy. We’re not trying to drive you away from JamLegend. We don’t want to block your country or restrict your play. We’re just trying to make sure there is a JamLegend for anybody.
When you buy a power-up, you support JamLegend. When you become a VIP, you support JamLegend. We’re literally just guys in small apartment running JamLegend 24/7 with our blood, sweat, and tears. We’re not evil. We care enough about JamLegend to continue working for you. Do you care enough?
Stay tuned... Andrew, Arjun, Ryan, and Rob