Difference between revisions of "PunkBuster"
RaTcHeT302 (talk | contribs) |
m (→Known problems: General maintenance with AutoWikiBrowser in Bot mode) |
||
(19 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | {{ | + | {{Infobox software |
− | PunkBuster | + | |cover = PunkBuster logo.png |
+ | |developers = | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/developer|Even Balance}} | ||
+ | |release dates= | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|2000}} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|?}} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|?}} | ||
+ | |license = commercial | ||
+ | }} | ||
− | == | + | '''PunkBuster''' is a program created by Even Balance Inc. designed to detect forms of cheating in online games. It has been used in several prominent multiplayer games up until 2015, where development seemingly ceased as no new games were released with the anti-cheat protection, nor were any more updates or news published regarding PunkBuster on the official website.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Aemony|date=2018-09-04|comment=Latest "announcement" on https://www.evenbalance.com/ is from Fri Jan 16 2015 12:00 about Battlefield Hardline using PunkBuster. Latest "PB News" is from July 2015 as well.}}</ref> Although it was in development since 2000, it was known to still cause problems with other programs and certain hardware configurations years after its initial release. |
− | |||
− | + | '''General information''' | |
+ | {{mm}} [http://www.evenbalance.com/ Official website] | ||
− | == | + | ==Installing== |
− | + | Most games that require PunkBuster for multiplayer will install it when the game itself is installed. In cases where it is not, details on installing PunkBuster can be found at [http://www.evenbalance.com/pbsetup.php their website.] | |
− | == | + | ==Updating== |
− | + | On occasion PunkBuster may release an update for a specific game. In this case, the game will usually kick you from servers if you are running an old version of PunkBuster for the game. To update the version of PunkBuster for a specific game, download PBSetup.exe from [http://www.evenbalance.com/pbsetup.php their website.] If the game you want to update isn't listed in the main view, select Add Game and find the game you are looking for. Once it has been added to the main window, select the game then select check for updates. If there is an update available, PunkBuster will then install it. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | ==Known | + | ==Known problems== |
− | Some 64-bit games are not compatible with PunkBuster, requiring the user to play the | + | * Some 64-bit games are not compatible with PunkBuster, requiring the user to play the 32-bit version of the game to play online. |
+ | * Some older games that use PunkBuster require administrator privileges to play online properly. | ||
+ | * The Steam overlay causes problems with PunkBuster, it is therefore recommended that you disable the Steam overlay for all PunkBuster games. | ||
+ | * PunkBuster is not compatible with [[Wine]], and possibly other similar compatibility layers, due to harsh API entry signature checks.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://bugs.winehq.org/show_bug.cgi?id=9685|title=Bug 9685: Punkbuster removes me from game for UNKNOWN WINDOWS API FUNCTION [131124] (Not a Wine bug) - WineHQ Bugzilla|date=9 June 2023}}</ref> | ||
− | + | ==List of PunkBuster titles== | |
− | The | + | {{ii}} The below table includes all games that have historically used PunkBuster. Some of these titles do not use it any longer. |
− | PunkBuster is | + | {|class="wikitable sortable" style="min-width: 400px; max-width: 900px" |
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! scope="col" | Name | ||
+ | ! scope="col" | Released | ||
+ | ! scope="col" | Notes | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[America's Army]] | ||
+ | | 2002 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[America's Army: Proving Grounds]] | ||
+ | | 2015 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[APB Reloaded]] | ||
+ | | 2010 | ||
+ | | Used both in APB (Brazil Edition) and APB Reloaded.<ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Fri Oct 26 2012 12:00<br>Hoplon Infotainment S.A. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to support the Brazil edition of APB with our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software.}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/apb-reloaded-will-be-protected-by-punk-buster/|title=PC Gamer - APB Reloaded will be protected by PunkBuster|date=2018-09-04}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]] | ||
+ | | 2010 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]] | ||
+ | | 2011 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Wed Oct 19 2011 12:00<br>Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Assassin's Creed® Revelations.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Assassin's Creed III]] | ||
+ | | 2012 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Mon Oct 29 2012 12:00<br>Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Assassin's Creed® III.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]] | ||
+ | | 2013 | ||
+ | | Used PunkBuster initially but was eventually removed.<ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Tue Nov 19 2013 12:00<br>Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Assassin's Creed® 4 Black Flag.}}</ref><ref>{{Refcheck|user=Aemony|date=2018-09-04|comment=Installed the game and joined a multiplayer session. PunkBuster were nowhere to be seen.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield 1942]] | ||
+ | | 2002 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield 2]] | ||
+ | | 2005 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield 2142]] | ||
+ | | 2006 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield 3]] | ||
+ | | 2011 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Tue Aug 23 2011 12:00<br>Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Ghost Recon Online.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield 4]] | ||
+ | | 2013 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Tue Aug 27 2013 12:00<br>Electronic Arts Inc. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into Battlefield 4™. We will soon be opening a section on our website to support PunkBuster™ for Battlefield 4.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield Hardline]] | ||
+ | | 2015 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Fri Jan 16 2015 12:00<br>Electronic Arts Inc. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into Battlefield Hardline™.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield Heroes]] | ||
+ | | 2009 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield Play4Free]] | ||
+ | | 2011 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield Vietnam]] | ||
+ | | 2004 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Battlefield: Bad Company 2]] | ||
+ | | 2010 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Blacklight: Retribution]] | ||
+ | | 2012 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Sun Jan 08 2012 12:00<br>Perfect World Entertainment, Inc. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the free to play online first person shooter title known as Blacklight: Retribution.}}</ref><ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Fri Apr 04 2014 12:00<br>IAH Games has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the free to play online first person shooter title known as "Blacklight: Retribution" for the Southeast Asia region.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Bullet Run]] | ||
+ | | 2012 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Sun Jul 08 2012 12:00<br>Sony Online Entertainment LLC has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Bullet Run™. Bullet Run is a free-to-play team-based FPS that puts players in the ultimate reality TV game show, where contestants showcase their deadly talents in the name of fame.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Call of Duty]] | ||
+ | | 2003 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Call of Duty 2]] | ||
+ | | 2005 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare]] | ||
+ | | 2007 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Call of Duty: World at War]] | ||
+ | | 2008 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[F.E.A.R. Perseus Mandate]] | ||
+ | | 2007 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Far Cry 3]] | ||
+ | | 2012 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Thu Nov 29 2012 12:00<br>Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Far Cry 3™.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[H-Hour: World's Elite]] | ||
+ | | 2015 | ||
+ | | Used as a supplement for VAC between September, 2015 and May 2017.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/293220/announcements/detail/117447786936963415|title=Steam News - H-Hour: World's Elite - 19 September, 2015 - Server Downtime & Patch Notes - Release 2.3.1.9|date=2018-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/293220/announcements/detail/1290688764998424102|title=Steam News - H-Hour: World's Elite - 2 May, 2017 - Patch 3.0.5 Release - 02 May 2017|date=2018-09-04}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Infestation: Survivor Stories Classic]] | ||
+ | | 2012 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Fri Jan 04 2013 12:00<br>OP Productions LLC has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the survival mmo Zombie Game known as Infestation, developed by Hammerpoint Interactive.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Medal of Honor (2010)]] | ||
+ | | 2010 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Medal of Honor: Warfighter]] | ||
+ | | 2012 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Fri Jul 06 2012 12:00<br>Electronic Arts Inc. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into Medal of Honor™ Warfighter.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Need for Speed: ProStreet]] | ||
+ | | 2007 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Need for Speed: Undercover]] | ||
+ | | 2008 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Quake 4]] | ||
+ | | 2005 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad]] | ||
+ | | 2011 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix]] | ||
+ | | 2002 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Phantoms]] | ||
+ | | 2014 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Mon Jul 18 2011 12:00<br> Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Ghost Recon Online.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier]] | ||
+ | | 2012 | ||
+ | | <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Wed Jun 27 2012 12:00<br>Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Ghost Recon Future Soldier™.}}</ref> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield]] | ||
+ | | 2003 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Lockdown]] | ||
+ | | 2006 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas]] | ||
+ | | 2006 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2]] | ||
+ | | 2008 | ||
+ | | | ||
− | + | |- | |
− | + | | [[Wolfenstein]] | |
+ | | 2009 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{References}} | ||
[[Category:Utility]] | [[Category:Utility]] |
Latest revision as of 03:54, 9 June 2023
Developers | |
---|---|
Even Balance | |
Release dates | |
Windows | 2000 |
Linux | ? |
macOS (OS X) | ? |
PunkBuster is a program created by Even Balance Inc. designed to detect forms of cheating in online games. It has been used in several prominent multiplayer games up until 2015, where development seemingly ceased as no new games were released with the anti-cheat protection, nor were any more updates or news published regarding PunkBuster on the official website.[1] Although it was in development since 2000, it was known to still cause problems with other programs and certain hardware configurations years after its initial release.
General information
Installing
Most games that require PunkBuster for multiplayer will install it when the game itself is installed. In cases where it is not, details on installing PunkBuster can be found at their website.
Updating
On occasion PunkBuster may release an update for a specific game. In this case, the game will usually kick you from servers if you are running an old version of PunkBuster for the game. To update the version of PunkBuster for a specific game, download PBSetup.exe from their website. If the game you want to update isn't listed in the main view, select Add Game and find the game you are looking for. Once it has been added to the main window, select the game then select check for updates. If there is an update available, PunkBuster will then install it.
Known problems
- Some 64-bit games are not compatible with PunkBuster, requiring the user to play the 32-bit version of the game to play online.
- Some older games that use PunkBuster require administrator privileges to play online properly.
- The Steam overlay causes problems with PunkBuster, it is therefore recommended that you disable the Steam overlay for all PunkBuster games.
- PunkBuster is not compatible with Wine, and possibly other similar compatibility layers, due to harsh API entry signature checks.[2]
List of PunkBuster titles
- The below table includes all games that have historically used PunkBuster. Some of these titles do not use it any longer.
References
- ↑ Verified by User:Aemony on 2018-09-04
- Latest "announcement" on https://www.evenbalance.com/ is from Fri Jan 16 2015 12:00 about Battlefield Hardline using PunkBuster. Latest "PB News" is from July 2015 as well.
- ↑ Bug 9685: Punkbuster removes me from game for UNKNOWN WINDOWS API FUNCTION [131124] (Not a Wine bug) - WineHQ Bugzilla - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Fri Oct 26 2012 12:00
Hoplon Infotainment S.A. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to support the Brazil edition of APB with our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software."
- "Fri Oct 26 2012 12:00
- ↑ PC Gamer - APB Reloaded will be protected by PunkBuster - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Wed Oct 19 2011 12:00
Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Assassin's Creed® Revelations."
- "Wed Oct 19 2011 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Mon Oct 29 2012 12:00
Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Assassin's Creed® III."
- "Mon Oct 29 2012 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Tue Nov 19 2013 12:00
Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Assassin's Creed® 4 Black Flag."
- "Tue Nov 19 2013 12:00
- ↑ Verified by User:Aemony on 2018-09-04
- Installed the game and joined a multiplayer session. PunkBuster were nowhere to be seen.
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Tue Aug 23 2011 12:00
Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Ghost Recon Online."
- "Tue Aug 23 2011 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Tue Aug 27 2013 12:00
Electronic Arts Inc. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into Battlefield 4™. We will soon be opening a section on our website to support PunkBuster™ for Battlefield 4."
- "Tue Aug 27 2013 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Fri Jan 16 2015 12:00
Electronic Arts Inc. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into Battlefield Hardline™."
- "Fri Jan 16 2015 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Sun Jan 08 2012 12:00
Perfect World Entertainment, Inc. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the free to play online first person shooter title known as Blacklight: Retribution."
- "Sun Jan 08 2012 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Fri Apr 04 2014 12:00
IAH Games has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the free to play online first person shooter title known as "Blacklight: Retribution" for the Southeast Asia region."
- "Fri Apr 04 2014 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Sun Jul 08 2012 12:00
Sony Online Entertainment LLC has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Bullet Run™. Bullet Run is a free-to-play team-based FPS that puts players in the ultimate reality TV game show, where contestants showcase their deadly talents in the name of fame."
- "Sun Jul 08 2012 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Thu Nov 29 2012 12:00
Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Far Cry 3™."
- "Thu Nov 29 2012 12:00
- ↑ Steam News - H-Hour: World's Elite - 19 September, 2015 - Server Downtime & Patch Notes - Release 2.3.1.9 - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- ↑ Steam News - H-Hour: World's Elite - 2 May, 2017 - Patch 3.0.5 Release - 02 May 2017 - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Fri Jan 04 2013 12:00
OP Productions LLC has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the survival mmo Zombie Game known as Infestation, developed by Hammerpoint Interactive."
- "Fri Jan 04 2013 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Fri Jul 06 2012 12:00
Electronic Arts Inc. has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into Medal of Honor™ Warfighter."
- "Fri Jul 06 2012 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Mon Jul 18 2011 12:00
Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Ghost Recon Online."
- "Mon Jul 18 2011 12:00
- ↑ Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures - last accessed on 2018-09-04
- "Wed Jun 27 2012 12:00
Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Ghost Recon Future Soldier™."
- "Wed Jun 27 2012 12:00