I knew it, but am trying to process this:
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingame/hackers-slaughter-thousands-world-warcraft-1C6337604
Arrogance, hubris, and jackasses.
First thoughts.
What are yours?
Sugar & Blood Key word search of the century: "squirrel nuts stirring up drama"
Earned it.
My opinion is going to be skewered by the simple fact I was never affected by it. I'd like to think that if I were, I would have been frustrated but probably would have tried to log on to someone far far away from a city. I know that sounds simple and may or may not have been. The again, no one ever hits The Exodar. For anything.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with what the hacker said. How did this occur for over four hours before Blizzard did something about it? It reminds me of Grumpy Elf's post from today about the ignorance of blue posts and the blindness of those in charge of fixing said things.
But more importantly, look at the (predominantly) Asian Gold Farmers. There's very little put in place to stop them from basically screwing with the economy and people's accounts. I'm sure efforts are being made, but after 10 years I would've expected something a bit more solid by now.
Now do I agree with what they did? No. It's clearly an exploit and I fully expect the banhammer to come down on the culprits. No matter how amusing it was for a moment, they exploited a hack or glitch and it's a ToS violation to say nothing of the sheer griefing of other players we're talking about here. That's why I have issue.
I apologize for my knee-jerk reaction; I didn't read your comment thoroughly. That's the downside of being a "can-do" kind of gal - I veer off on impulsivity. But I do say it's more than a game inconvenience: maybe there's a 'code of ethics' or honor among thieves with hackers, but they are no better than thieves. Even if all they did was stole someone's time, which they most certainly did, time is never replaceable. A slap on the wrist is not going to cut it. "Sure officer, but she was wearing that low-cut dress and deserved it" mentality is never okay or justified.
DeleteAnd I am surprised by your and Navi's response of "it didn't happen to me." Sure, I had to wait out the game a bit, and because it was a Sunday in the States that was a rare chance for me to play, but I liken that to a 'first world problem' sort of category. If "they" can do it once, they will most certainly do it again, and like I said, may be something far worse than a game.
I don't think I suggested they should deserve a mere slap on the wrist for what they did. Nor do I think this is parallel to sexual assault, despite understanding the idea you're illustrating.
DeleteThe reason I started with "it didn't happen to me" is because I wanted to be honest. I can only guess what my reaction would be. It's the same as when I discussed having my account hacked. It's never happened to me, so I don't know how I would respond.
I am alarmed by the entire spectrum of "blame the victim:" it is insidious in all its forms.
DeleteOne thing I will say is thank you JD; as always your respectful insight and conversation makes my day! Thank you for allowing me to hone my thoughts.
I could not disagree more. It's like saying people driving fast and not being stopped by State Troopers for a few hours. Game design and tracking hackers takes time; it may not be that Blizzard was doing "nothing," but indeed, probably freaking out and trying to do whatever they could. Sometimes I think players forget that Blizzard is a company of humans just like every one else. It's arrogant hacker griefing, and we should all take heed. If they get into the game, they can get in your bank account. And don't think they're not trying.
ReplyDeleteI saw an article about it and I was thinking about writing about it but I'm glad you did instead. I am not surprised it occurred. Perhaps more pleased it wasn't me. I felt bad for frustrated players but if I had been in that situation I would have just moved somewhere else after tweeting about out to hopefully get someone's attention.
ReplyDeleteThe way it affected most players was we couldn't log into the game, so there was no moving to be had. The theft of time is nearly unforgiveable, unless we choose it ourselves. Score: Players 0, Hackers 1
DeleteOkay, this is me being me, but I was floored by the fact that that writer has a worse rl name than I do. Must get back on track.
ReplyDeleteI really wish Blizzard would post a blow-by-blow of what happens when something like this occurs. I was watching it all from the outside with the videos and the forums but at least I think it would be interesting to hear about what goes on inside with something like this.
I have no doubt there was many a i-Phone alert blaring that day, and IT guys and gals scrambling. Def-Con 5 is probably not too much of a hyperbole! :)
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