shaglio
The Prince of Dorkness
I don't agree that the cheating requires a conscious decision. The AI could be programmed to circumvent game rules under specific circumstances. That could be fairly characterized as cheating -- especially if those circumstances are not clearly explained to the player.
Disagree if you'd like, but I looked in my Merriam Webster dictionary and the definition is:
cheat vb 1: to deprive of something through fraud or deceit 2: to practice fraud or trickery 3: to violate rules (as of a game) dishonestly
All of these definitions imply conscious effort (especially #3 as acting dishonestly requires sentience). If the AI is "programmed to circumvent game rules under specific circumstances" it isn't cheating; it's simply following its code.
The AI gets to challenge the player about troops near the AI border. This is not an option for the player. Is that cheating?
No, but it is unfair and it is poor game design. But, again, that's built into the AI's programming.
This term "cheating" that gets bandied about on these boards is merely a shock-jock style buzz word meant to grab the reader's attention to get them riled up. It's an overreaction by players who see something as unfair gameplay-wise and feel the need to blow the situation out of proportion.
EDIT: To be clear, I'm not trying to attack you personally, beetle. In fact, earlier in the thread, you seemed to be disagreeing with the idea the AI cheats. I'm not sure why the sudden switch in stance