Safe Leaderboards in OpenHexagon

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OpenHexagon is an addictive arcade game in which players compete for high scores by avoiding collisions with geometric obstacles. As in any competitive game, leaderboards play an important role, allowing players’ achievements to be compared. However, ensuring the integrity and security of these tables is not an easy task. In this article, let’s take a look at what threats exist and how you can protect the leaderboards in OpenHexagon from cheating.

Main threats to leaderboards

  1. Editing local data – players can modify their saved scores in the game files by tampering with scores.
  2. Interception and modification of network requests – data sent to the server can be altered by attackers.
  3. Using third-party software – programs that modify game behavior allow dishonest players to achieve unfair results.
  4. exploitation of bugs – bugs in game code can give unfair advantages.

Defense methods

To prevent these threats, developers can apply the following measures:

Encryption and data integrity checks

  • Use of hash functions (e.g. SHA-256) to verify changes to local files.
  • Digital signatures to authenticate data.

Secure data transfer

  • Using HTTPS or other secure protocols for data exchange between client and server.
  • Server validation of data before saving it to the leaderboard.

Server validation of results

  • Analyzing game logs to identify suspicious results.
  • Recording replays (replay systems) that allow you to check the honesty of the result.

Anti-chit systems

  • Detection of third-party software and prohibited game modifications.
  • Bans for violators and revocation of fake records.

Use of ranking systems

  • Introduce a ranking system or categorize players (e.g. by experience level) to reduce the influence of cheaters on the overall ranking.

Conclusion

Ensuring honesty in leaderboards is a constant battle against cheaters and vulnerabilities. However, a combination of server checks, data protection, and an active community can help create a fair and competitive environment for all players. OpenHexagon developers should employ modern security practices to make the game fun and fair for everyone.