Publication Date
Spring 2023
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Computer Engineering
Advisor
Gokay Saldamli
Subject Areas
Computer engineering
Abstract
With the growing level competition in video games, especially with regards to competitively played video games known as ”e-sports,” many players are searching for methods of gaining competitive advantages. As such, there is growing demand in software exploits of video games that aim to provide players unfair competitive advantages. Colloquially, these software exlpoits are referred to as “cheats” or “hacks.” Video game developers counteract these exploits by implementing “anti-cheat” technologies. Anti-cheats employ a myriad of complex methods across software, network, and hardware to detect and prevent cheats. They can be implemented both client-side and server-side with current research and implementations relying heavily client-side. This is an issue, however, as client-side implementations are open to inspection and alteration by malicious users looking to bypass the anti-cheat, who often succeed. Integrity of players’ actions in online video games cannot be fully maintained with current client-side anti-cheat technologies. Blockchain, however, by design can ensure that integrity is maintained across an entire network. This project explores using blockchain as the core of a server-side anti cheat implementation. With this method, each player is a member of the anti-cheat blockchain, ensuring integrity of player actions by validating player actions upon consensus.
Recommended Citation
Salire, Philip, "Blockchain for Online Video Game Integrity" (2023). Master's Theses. 5417.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.xf5d-suct
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/5417