EVE New Citizens Q&A

I recently joined the EVE Universe, as well as just recently started snooping around the forums and news updates that are broadcast on the game's launcher/patcher. However upon reading the new rules I suddenly became worried about a piece of hardware I use that is a bannable offence for having.

My keyboard which includes macro keys, which is explicitly disallowed by the EULA. Not to spawn more threads or extra threads, but I feel that I needed somebody's assistance. I read through much of the thread it was brought up in, however the answer given was NOT an answer that is acceptable to me. As it was not an answer to how the EULA actually applies to this keyboard.

The answer received is as Follows



I reported the post immediately because it was of concern to me that a member of the company here would actually encourage violating their EULA. However the EULA is just vague enough for it to ban my keyboard and it's accompanying macro software, considering the definition of "turning your keyboard into a bot" is actually not difficult and actually is the reason I feel these gaming keyboards are further pushed into the realm of "Bannable Offence". I understand that that thread was filled with concern for another part of the game (to which I don't fully know much of because I've never heard of the software or, now banned, data retrieving methods).

I am not trying to throw the poster under the bus, nor will I actually say who it was. I left the report for the company to deal with the possibly rouge employee. But I would really like a clear statement that Gaming keyboards with Macro keys and software are in fact allowed and the reason why the wording in the EULA would not cover using these in conjunction with EVE.

*having* the keyboard is not breaking the eula.

Using the keyboard to cheat (i.e. automate gameplay) is.

You are reading way too much into the EULA, you will not be banned for using a keyboard that has macro ability, macro'ing or 'botting' is automated play without need for your input, or any other action either than to start it. I have no other proof either than to say that I have a G15, a G13, and a programmable mouse.

Relax, don't read anything into the EULA that is not explicitly stated, use common sense and you will be fine.

So I'm assuming that you are referring to this part of the EULA?



If so, then you are perfectly fine. I have a G15 myself, and I use the macro keys for certain things (alt+f1 presses and the like), however I am at the keyboard the entire time, and it doesn't facilitate anything faster than normal gamplay, so there is no bannable offense here.

The wording clearly states what macros can and cannot be used (ie: accelerating play to acquire items faster than normal). It in no way says that having this item plugged into your computer and the software for it running is a bannable offense (that would be truly ridiculous), so stop trying to read more into the wording that is actually there.

EDIT:


This may come across as harsh, but if you actually think that what was said supports someone violating the EULA, then you may have issues. Gaming keyboards will never be a bannable offence (I could imagine the riots in Jita now), and you will only ever be banned if CCP have enough evidence to ban you. They don't just hand bans out willy nilly without checking the reports first.

Edit again:



Found you. That question has nothing to do with breaking the Eula, it merely asks if you need to look for a new keyboard. That was the most direct answer CCP Peligro could give to stop the :tinfoil:

Mapping a macro to:

Repeat an action every 'x' seconds (for instance a cap booster) : NOT ALLOWED.
Make a macro that involves logic equations (IF, THEN, AND, OR, etc.) : NOT ALLOWED.

Using a macro to activate a midslot (normally its Shift + F1-8) : Allowed as it doesnt change the gameplay or reaction time.

I used a keyboard with G keys on it in the past. I had stuff like drone control and cargo windows mapped on it.

Input devices with programmable keys, G-series keyboards, gaming mice, keypads, and their associated software to do so are not against the EULA or bannable offenses, using them to automate your gameplay is.

It was posted in another thread not from a petition so I think he's okay on #1.

Addressing some of the points in the thread:

1. The GM's approach to interpreting the EULA with regards to macro-capable hardware or keyboard shortcuts is and has always been that as long as the actions are all caused by human input and the hardware/software does not initiate input or make decisions on its own, it's fine. It is in this spirit that people using multiboxing tools, keyboard macros, etc., are fine. There are some good rules of thumb in this thread on how to know which side of this line you are on.

However, this is not official policy and merely a "convention" by GMs. Different interpretations of the EULA can rule the stuff above as illegal. As such, if you need real confirmation of EULA interpretation, I suggest you file a petition for an official answer. Use the "Rules & Policies - EULA & Terms of Service" category.

2. The quote from CCP Peligro is legit and from a public forum post, therefore it is not a rule violation to quote it.

3. In general when the rules of Eve are involved, it is always better to be safe than sorry. While it is good to ask the forum community, an official real GM answer is really the end-all answer. Use the petition system, and be patient.

Lastly... This is not an official answer. ISD CCL do not set, enforce, or interpret the EULA/ToS. This is merely me trying to put available info together in a coherent post. Hope it helped!