Excel = Cheating

[ZuG]

If I understand correctly, using excel (or some other program) to make a map is cheating? Is that correct?

That seems kinda hard to enforce..

[Eric]

If I understand correctly, using excel (or some other program) to make a map is cheating? Is that correct?

That seems kinda hard to enforce..

No, Excel is fine.  Go ahead and do any mapping you wish.  It's automated mapping programs that are banned.  A program like this will automatically map the game for you as you move.  I haven't seen anyone make one yet, but it is possible and the code is set up to detect it.

[taintedjay]

would it also be concidered cheating if i were to code a program that would require the user to manually input their location and what was contained in that space?


(basicly really advanced graph paper on pc)

[Eric]

would it also be concidered cheating if i were to code a program that would require the user to manually input their location and what was contained in that space?


(basicly really advanced graph paper on pc)

I don't see any problem with that.  Go for it.  I just don't want automated programs giving people an unfair advantage over others.

[taintedjay]

right on.
and if you would like i can provide admin with the coding and program to check to verify that it is not cheating and to sell in the purchasable upgrade section to earn a bit of extra money for the game budget.

[Rob]

would it be possible to make the map dynamic - perhaps using server-generated "earthquakes" to shake things up from time to time, defeating any attempts at mapping?

[Eric]

would it be possible to make the map dynamic - perhaps using server-generated "earthquakes" to shake things up from time to time, defeating any attempts at mapping?

I'll probably do that about once every month or two.  Any map changes will be posted on the home page before they happen.

[Rob]

would it be possible to make the map dynamic - perhaps using server-generated "earthquakes" to shake things up from time to time, defeating any attempts at mapping?

I'll probably do that about once every month or two.  Any map changes will be posted on the home page before they happen.

that's exactly what i had in mind - it'll keep the playing field level for everyone (except paying players, but that's different :wink:  )

[Lukeonia1]

Here's another question you should consider: What if people share (or sell) the maps they create? Even if the maps were created manually, would buying/downloading accurate maps constitute cheating? What about sharing maps between members of your Alliance?

Also, would rearranging the map pose problems for people who have established settlements in a certain area? I don't have any radar upgrades yet and I haven't done much exploring, but suppose a person wanted all their settlements to be near their homestead? Would it matter in-game? I'm thinking not, but I'm not sure. Any thoughts?

[Rob]

i believe there is no advantage to having settlements near your homestead

[Eric]

Here's another question you should consider: What if people share (or sell) the maps they create? Even if the maps were created manually, would buying/downloading accurate maps constitute cheating? What about sharing maps between members of your Alliance?

We frown on sharing maps, but there's really not much we can do about it.  If someone tries to sell you a map, please report it to admin@exodus3000.com.  

Also, would rearranging the map pose problems for people who have established settlements in a certain area? I don't have any radar upgrades yet and I haven't done much exploring, but suppose a person wanted all their settlements to be near their homestead? Would it matter in-game? I'm thinking not, but I'm not sure. Any thoughts?

That's a good point, but since it doesn't matter where your settlements are, it shouldn't be a problem.

[CaptainAngry]

Besides the fact that having a map doesn't really give you an advantage because when someone registers for a new username it will change one of the spaces on your pretty little map to a homestead. The best thing to do would be to upgrade your compass so you can make the best choices.