Automated Play Policy

Greetings Warriors!
As has always been the case, using any software to automate your gameplay is not allowed, and can result in your account being banned.

We have spent the last few weeks investigating reports of automated play, and as a result have added additional tracking to our systems. In our investigation, we have identified a series of accounts that are clearly using automated play to gain an advantage over other players. This is completely unfair to the vast majority of players who are not using these tools and entirely unacceptable behaviour.

We will be issuing a series of warnings, temporary bans and permanent bans today, depending on the egregiousness of the offender's behavior. We understand that you may want to know who has had action taken against them and the specifics of why, but this is not something we will be able to share.

If you play fairly, you will not be banned. If you automate, you can and will be banned, sooner or later.

FAQ

What are the penalties for automating play?
Depending on the severity of the offence, bans may be temporary or permanent. We'll be evaluating case by case, to ensure we are taking appropriate action.

Will there be any warnings for players at risk?
There may be warnings given initially to those that we have concerns with, but warnings will be an exception, not the rule. If you are utilizing a form of automated play, expect to find your account disabled without warning.

What do you deem automated play?

• Using third party software to play the game for you
• Using macros to replay a specific series actions
• Using an autoclicker to repeatedly tap a button

How can you tell someone is automating play?
We cannot share the details regarding the tools we use for these investigations. The more detail we share, the easier it is for players that are cheating to work around our current methods of detection. If you aren't automating your play in someway, you have nothing to worry about.

How can I appeal?
If your account has been disabled for automation you can send us an email including your username and we will discuss if and when you will be able to regain access to your account.

Please send the email to community@athinkingape.com with the subject line, "Automated Play Ban"

Please note, we will only discuss bans with the owner of the account for privacy reasons, please do not write in on another player’s behalf as it will only slow down our response times.

What about account sharing?
Account sharing, like automated play, has always been against the rules. We review each report we receive regarding account sharing and take the action we deem appropriate when we find wrong-doing. If an account is active enough through means of account sharing, that it would appear the account is utilizing automated play, it may face the same penalties listed above.

How can I report someone I suspect is automating their play?
You can submit a ticket via the Help system with the Username of the player you suspect of automated play. Along with their name please provide any details you have regarding why their play is suspicious. We will open an investigation and monitor the account.

How will I know action has been taken?
You won't. We do not disclose information about other players accounts for the sake of each players privacy. However, we can assure you that if we find wrong-doing, we will take action.

Will action be taken immediately if I submit clear evidence?
Although we appreciate the lengths players may go to make reports, we can't rely on data provided by players as there is room for human error and bias. Providing data like this will not be necessary, as we have our own improved tools for monitoring suspicious activity.

Thank you all for your patience while we worked hard to build the tools to ensure this clarified policy could be upheld in a sustainable and effective way.

- [ATA]Dev Team