Since the beginning of online multiplayer, game developers have been dealing with hackers in largely the same way – by wielding the mighty ban hammer. Rockstar, however, has come up with a different solution for cheaters exploiting the multiplayer portion of Max Payne 3, the company’s newest bullet-filled action title. “Anyone using these nefarious methods will be dealt with,” the developer said. In a post on the Steam forums titled “Taking Aim at Cheaters,” a Rockstar representative outlined the new policy in which cheaters will be quarantined from the rest of online players. In the aptly titled “cheater pool,” hackers will only be allowed to play against one another, getting a healthy dose of the same exploits they’ve been using against innocent players – trapped in an environment which the developer hopes will cure them of their ways. But Rockstar isn’t completely without heart, as these marked men do have the opportunity to redeem themselves. “In the event we decide to absolve any of these cheaters for their past transgressions they may re-enter play with the general public, however a second offense will result in their indefinite banishment,” Rockstar said. Most recently Blizzard banned several thousand Diablo III players for running hacked or modified clients of the online-only title. The game, released in mid-May, has seen a variety of hacks popping up in the community, including duplicating items and revealing event locations on the in-game map. “Maintaining a stable, safe, and fun online-gaming experience for legitimate players is a top priority for us,” said a Blizzard community manager. Rockstar’s unconventional approach to online cheaters seems to be the best solution for curing malicious hackers of their griefing ways. After these cheating players wallow a while in the cesspool of un-fun, exploitative gameplay they’ve created, they’ll be wringing the bars, begging to be let out.
