Online Multiplayer and Cheating (2000s)

Anti-Cheat Software: Anti-cheat software, such as Valve’s VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) and BattlEye, became commonplace in online games. These programs ran alongside the game and monitored a player’s actions for suspicious behavior. If a player was detected cheating, they could be banned from the game or receive other penalties. Anti-cheat software evolved over the years to become more sophisticated in identifying cheating methods.

Server-Side Validation: To prevent cheating that could be executed client-side (on a player’s own computer), developers began implementing server-side validation of game actions. In this approach, critical game functions were handled on the game server rather than on the player’s device. This made it more challenging for players to manipulate the game client to their advantage.
Fair Play Initiatives: Many game developers established “fair play” initiatives that encouraged players to report cheaters and actively participated in anti-cheat efforts. This community-based approach empowered players to contribute to the enforcement of fair gamepla