Detecting and preventing cheating in a location-based game

• Main Authors: Wang, Jim, Kornmann, David, Wu, Edward, Keslin, Phillip Craig, Kanodia, Neal, Vladimirov, Alexander
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 05.11.2019
• Subjects: AMUSEMENTS; CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HUMAN NECESSITIES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; SPORTS; VIDEO GAMES

Systems and methods for detecting and preventing cheating in a location-based game are provided. In particular, a server-side statistical cheat detection algorithm can be implemented upon receiving a player request to perform a game action. A given dataset describing the respective times and locations of previous game events performed by the player can be analyzed to determine a probability that such game events represent legitimate gameplay. The determined probability can affect whether the player-requested game action is effectuated or can influence a number of points awarded for completion of the game action. An example system includes a host server and a client device in communication over a network.