DPS Parser - ToS Violation?

I originally posed this question elsewhere on the forums but it was closed because I should be asking elsewhere on the forums. I hope this is the right place to ask...



There is a DPS parser that can be found online (no I won't name it/them) which hooks the FFXIV process to access the combat logs and parse your dps. Is it a violation of the TOS to use this/these tool(s)?

why should it, its simply a dps meter, it doesnt alter the games files in anyway..only pulls from them so imo nope it aint against TOS.

Also rumour has it SE will be letting 3rd partys create mods for the UI in the future which atm cant be done as the UI elements are hard coded.

I read somewhere that a DPS parser IS against ToS because the terms explicitly state that mining or manipulation of game data is forbidden. (I don't remember the exact wording, though.)

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Originally Posted by AkikoPanda1

I read somewhere that a DPS parser IS against ToS because the terms explicitly state that mining or manipulation of game data is forbidden. (I don't remember the exact wording, though.)

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A parser does not data mine game files nor modifies them, it just "Parses" (hence the name) the text log files that are stored on your "my games" folder, this are text files that store everything that appears on your logs. So every time yo do a weapon skill an it appear on your log window, will also be read by the parser and that´s how it works.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsing

The question is, do you really trust a third party program not to covertly collect data about you for it's creators benefits? even so far as log in data and passwords?

I do not, and I'll not use any third party software for that specific reason.

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Originally Posted by Ebon_Drake

The question is, do you really trust a third party program not to covertly collect data about you for it's creators benefits? even so far as log in data and passwords?

I do not, and I'll not use any third party software for that specific reason.

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No, the question is "Are these tools allowed, or not". The tool that shall remain nameless (for now) comes from a VERY reputable website in the mmo community. In fact, if you've played any mmo in the last 5 years, you've probably used some of their services. If they were involved stealing login usernames and passwords, it would mean the end of their legitimate business.

I'm still really hoping SE can shed some light on this.

I don´t know whats the problem of saying the app's name...

Its FFXIV-APP made by ZAM Network .

I would like an official answer from SE too.

http://support.na.square-enix.com/ru...1&tag=users_en

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2.5 Data Mining. You may not intercept, mine or otherwise collect information from the Game using unauthorized third party software.

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So by the reading of that, yes it's in breach of ToS. As is any non-endorsed fansite that has an item database, as is entering item information into a spreadsheet for personal use, as is emailing a friend the stats on that item you just got. Streaming to twitch or recording to YouTube would also be a breach unless they've officially endorsed either services.

Sounds ridiculous? It is, it's overly general by design, as are most ToS. As a result you will probably not receive an answer on this.

What most all ToS can be broken down to is this:
1. We can stop your service at any time for any reason we choose without giving you a refund for past services received and possibly future services purchased.
2. If you take us to court, our ToS will likely fall apart and you will receive a full to partial refund that which will most definitely be less than your cost of litigation.
3. Even if you receive a refund, you will no longer be receiving services from us.

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Originally Posted by CianaIezuborn

http://support.na.square-enix.com/ru...1&tag=users_en

So by the reading of that, yes it's in breach of ToS.

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Simply not true. If you're not collecting the data from the .exe files, RAM, network traffic, or anywhere else that the game is running, then you're not collecting the information from THE GAME. Parsing a log file is perfectly legal. It's a text document stored on your drive. It's not data mining. That's like saying it's illegal to take pictures of your game even though they built in a hot key for that very purpose.

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Originally Posted by acidmax

I don´t know whats the problem of saying the app's name...

Its FFXIV-APP made by ZAM Network .

I would like an official answer from SE too.

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because if it's not allowed, it's bannable to discuss it on the forums.

It is not against the ToS. The parsers read a text file output on your computer, that's it. If SE didn't want people analysing data from the combat log they wouldn't have made it output to your documents folder. They specifically made the combat log output to a text file so it could be used for analytical purposes.

Don't understand why this needs to be brought up so often.

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Originally Posted by Ethasar

It is not against the ToS. The parsers read a text file output on your computer, that's it. If SE didn't want people analysing data from the combat log they wouldn't have made it output to your documents folder. They specifically made the combat log output to a text file so it could be used for analytical purposes.

Don't understand why this needs to be brought up so often.

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Because the tool mentioned doesn't actually read a text file. It hooks a function in the ffxiv process to parse data directly from the running game itself.

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Originally Posted by choke

Because the tool mentioned doesn't actually read a text file. It hooks a function in the ffxiv process to parse data directly from the running game itself.

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No name was actually mentioned in this thread, so excuse me for not knowing the parser you are referencing.

Why not just use a parser like FFXIVAPP?

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Originally Posted by Ethasar

No name was actually mentioned in this thread, so excuse me for not knowing the parser you are referencing.

Why not just use a parser like FFXIVAPP?

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I am referencing FFXIV-APP and it is mentioned on the previous page, and does hook a function in the ffxiv process and does *NOT* parse log files as some people suspect. If you'd like further confirmation, go into the settings of the app, you will see two options under the heading "Current Process ID"; "Refresh process list" - this is so the app can actually find the instance of ffxiv to hook(if you're multiboxing), and "Attach selected process" - should be relatively self-explanatory.

FFXIV App most certainly does hook the ffxiv process.


......and
Still hoping SE can shed some light on this issue.

DPS parsers, as far as I know, are not against the rules.

Using telling people you use one, however, does make you a complete tool.

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Originally Posted by Livilda

DPS parsers, as far as I know, are not against the rules.

Using one, however, does make you a complete tool.

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Using one doesnt make you a tool. TELLING PEOPLE you run a parser makes you a tool. Telling other DPS they suck because you run a parser makes you a tool and a douchbag

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Originally Posted by CianaIezuborn

http://support.na.square-enix.com/ru...1&tag=users_en


What most all ToS can be broken down to is this:
1. We can stop your service at any time for any reason we choose without giving you a refund for past services received and possibly future services purchased.
2. If you take us to court, our ToS will likely fall apart and you will receive a full to partial refund that which will most definitely be less than your cost of litigation.
3. Even if you receive a refund, you will no longer be receiving services from us.

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This gentleperson understands the deep mysteries of the world. I would also add "written, and signed contracts" to that category. Judges roll their eyes and invalidate consumer contracts somewhat regularly due to being unreasonable, confusing, or just plain stupid. See the case of the guy who took ATT to small claims over the unlimited data issue.