Why do bots exist in games?

Bots exist in games for two very different reasons. Developers create bots, AI-controlled players, to fill matches, give new players easier opponents, offer offline practice and keep wait times short. Other bots are made by players or cheat sellers to farm items, gold or experience automatically, which breaks most games' rules.

Bots made by developers

• Opponents and teammates. Single-player modes, co-op and practice modes rely on AI players.
• Filling lobbies. Some battle royales and shooters add bots so matches start quickly and new players aren't crushed immediately.
• Learning. Bot matches let beginners learn heroes, maps and controls without pressure.
• Replacing leavers. Some games replace a disconnected player with a bot so the match stays fair.

Bots made by cheaters

• Farming bots collect gold, items or experience to sell for real money, especially in MMOs.
• Account leveling bots prepare accounts for resale, often for smurfing or cheating.
• Spam bots advertise gold-selling sites in chat.

These bots hurt in-game economies and fair play. Developers detect and ban them, and some publishers have taken bot makers to court.

FAQ

Are game bots illegal?

Using third-party bots usually breaks a game's terms of service and can get your account banned. Selling bot software has led to lawsuits in some cases, but for players the usual consequence is a ban.

Are bots good or bad?

Developer-made bots are useful for practice and matchmaking; cheating bots are bad for everyone else in the game.

How do bots make money in games?

Operators sell farmed currency, items or leveled accounts for real money, which is against most games' rules.

Can you get rid of bots?

Report suspected bots in-game. In games that offer it, you can also choose modes without AI fill.