Long read: The beauty and drama of video games and their clouds

"It's a little bit hard to work out without knowing the altitude of that dragon..."

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Max Payne 3 cheaters quarantined to fight among themselves

Cheaters never prosper.

Max Payne 3 developer Rockstar has rounded up all those who break the rules of multiplayer into one one Arkham City-like pit called the Cheater Pool.

Anyone found using hacked saves, modded games, or other exploits has been tossed into the pit, "confined to wallow with other unscrupulous reprobates," said Rockstar on its official site.

How will you know if you're in the Cheater Pool? Rockstar explained, "If you know you have cheated and you find yourself either in empty lobbies or always matched with games full of other cheaters, you are likely in the Cheater Pool. If you know for a fact that you never cheated - yet you are having trouble finding games due to always being put into empty lobbies - this could be due to connection problems."

It sounds scary and like people might be falsely accused, but Rockstar stated, "All of the reports to Banhammer are reviewed manually, and we only take disciplinary action when there is clear evidence and documentation of the offense."

The sentences are not necessarily permanent. Pardon dates will be listed on the official support site. Be forewarned, a second violation will result in a permanent ban from multiplayer.

To report any potential violators, contact maxpayne3.banhammer@rockstargames.com and include the following information:

  • Platform (PC, PS3 or Xbox 360)
  • Cheater's Gamertag / ID
  • Description of the violation
  • If possible, concrete evidence, such as a video or a screenshot

If you believe you've been placed in the Cheater Pool in error, contact maxpayne3.banhammer@rockstargames.com to plead your case.

Remember, there's no reason to be embarrassed if you see anyone you know in the Cheater Pool since they're there too. Of course they'll say they're innocent. They always do.