Netopia Now Allows Bots on Their PCs

I was surprised to see a move like this has been made. I can understand the financial reasons for establishments to do this, but as a gamer who actually plays the games, this is very disturbing. "Piloting" is already quite disturbing as it is, but bots too?

I haven't thought this through in depth yet, but my current opinion is that bots and piloting causes problems and is a symptom of problems. People who actually play the game are either at an unfair disadvantage or have to put up with a diminished experience. The heart of video games is still fun-factor, and I don't see much fun in effortless accomplishment.

I also think that this is a symptom of bad game design. If people resort to these types of activities, it may indicate that the game is only fun at the "higher levels", and that the road to get there is not fun at all. Perhaps there's something that can be done in the game design to make playing at all levels likable.

Of course, you can't please everybody, and there will always be a few jerks in the crowd. This could also be side effect of the growth of online games as a whole. More people, more of everything, including the problems in online play.

Regardless, I think games are meant to be played, not just "bought". There will always be bots or pilots, but better design and gamers demands should have the muscle to lessen the problems. Like most capitalistic endeavors, the market just adjusts to demand. Your purchases will eventually become the votes and messages that the industry will listen to, so put your money where you want things to go.