Dual Loggin & Two Boxing - Your Thoughts

[Calren]

I was just reading a typically flame filled moronic discussion over on the Vanguard VNBoards about buff bots. This got me thinking, a lot people seem to hate the idea of a "buff bot" being in their game, but really what's the big deal?

If any of you aren't sure what I'm talking about I'll explain. Dual logging or two boxing as it's often called is the act of one person running two characters at the same time, commonly you'll see a fighter class with a healer behind them. You either need one very powerful rig or two separate ones to do this, and of course, two accounts for the game.

When people talk about a buff bot then don't mean something that's controlled automatically (as the word bot implies). Usually it means someone running a second account with a high level healer/caster character and using that character to buff another character on a different account. This means that you can solo with lots of buffs and heals if need be, complete group quests on your own etc.

I used to dual log with UO, DAoC, WoW, and EQ2. Lots of fun to be had if you ask me, yes it means you can powerlevel, it means you get a better change of rolling on that item you want, it means you can solo content that would normally require you to play with other people. It also means you can have some fun and make the game more challenging, I played a fun Paladin/Rogue combo in WoW, let me tell you it's pretty hard to play both characters at once and still be effective!

It's only when PVP comes in to the equation that people seem to get upset about the whole thing, it can be problematic in a PVP environment. But the argument is this, if I have the money and want to buy a second account, surely that's my right, it's no different that two people playing in the same house sitting side by side, it provides the same advantages.

Anyway, what are you thoughts on this issue?

[Iendan]

if someone has the skill to play two characters at once, i say they should be allowed to.

[Kato]

Originally Posted by Iendan

if someone has the skill to play two characters at once, i say they should be allowed to.

Cant see why they shouldnt be alowed either... they pay for 2 subs instead of one, which means more money for Sigil, and maybe the use of that money will benefit us all

[Ysharros]

Two doesn't bother me one bit. I have already, however, seen 6 chars being run in tandem (you know - one person in front and 5 behind all in a lump) and I find it hard to believe that's for legitimate entertainment. When I've encountered those in other games they're usually part of some levelling service, which I really object to. :-\

[Nil]

If you're not playing PVP, then there's nothing wrong with a buff bot. When you move it into PVP, you have someone who is vastly more powerful than a solo character should be (and this is achieved by using real-world resources, rather than in-game loot - it's really no different than buying gold).

[Calren]

Two doesn't bother me one bit. I have already, however, seen 6 chars being run in tandem (you know - one person in front and 5 behind all in a lump) and I find it hard to believe that's for legitimate entertainment. When I've encountered those in other games they're usually part of some levelling service, which I really object to. :-\

This is good point, lots of this goes in EQ2 and I agree that it's perhaps a little excessive. Anyone remember "Team Wizzy"?

Freeshards for DAoC, UO and the like often impose a 2 account limit, which I think most retail MMOs should do, 2 accounts per IP.

[Herne]

Originally Posted by Calren

This is good point, lots of this goes in EQ2 and I agree that it's perhaps a little excessive. Anyone remember "Team Wizzy"?

Freeshards for DAoC, UO and the like often impose a 2 account limit, which I think most retail MMOs should do, 2 accounts per IP.

DHCP....most people don't have fixed IP's

As for buff bots....PvE servers it means somepeople have a slight advantage while paying twice the price hehe go figure any company will be laughing all the way the the bank. PvP servers, in DAoC (ages ago, may have changed since) they limited the range a buff operated over so the 'bot' had to be v.close to the danger zone rather than stood facing a wall at a boarder keep surrounded by unkillable guards...i know that knackers the friendly passing buff from a passing stranger, but....

[Hungkung]

it will depend on how cheap they end up with some of the later questing...so far I've seen no easily (more easily than doing it twice) way of two boxing to any great advantage...

but I remember EQ1, where you could run the pre-planes quest (the multi-fed ex quest to turn in something...can't remember just now, which is strange figuring I used to wake up in a cold sweat with it) but you could 2/3/4 box it with a potent enough main to keep the little tiddlies alive. pre-planes it was a great way to get through 49ish to like 55, if your brain didn't explode when planes came out they dropped the xp of it but kept the gold reward which was a profitable thing at the time if you did it walmart fashion.

In the end the more prohibitions you throw up in a game, the more hardcore professionals will try to screw you up or in this case snot nosed hackers who'se daddy should have made them work for a living rather than buying them computers...if you leave things open, a bell curve will develop of those who "exploit" by two boxing, and those without the skills (or hardware) to do so..with the bulk of various players fitting in according to thier needs and pocketbooks allow.

the only way to control any cheater in any game, is not to group/guild/tolerate them as a society....kinda like drunk drivers or smokers in the real world, but when you see a friend buying gold, tell him to stop if he doesn't then stop groupign with him. People are ground apes, who will seek to accomplish their goals in the easiest, cheapest way possible if we ever want to be human beings we gotta stop learning to throw our poop at each other, just cuz it's easier than teaching someone thier current course of action is counter indicated for a happy and safe society. you won't ever stop cheating, but you can make it so people won't brag about it so much.

and if someoen is actually really good at 2 boxing...then they have earned the right to do it...it's harder than it looks, just don't thumb or Grecian wrestle with them, cuz they'll win.

[sherrjo]

And the difference between 1 player with 2 accounts and a husband and wife team with 2 accounts is what?

I'm totally confused about this post.

[Ysharros]

The difference is one person playing two accounts at once. It's not much different from a husband and wife -- or indeed any other 2-person -- team, but there *is* a difference. The main point of Calren's post, I think, is that this could give someone a significant advantage in PvP. It's a valid topic for debate.