Bard performance question

[JunseiKei]

Hello. I have a tricky question!

I am querying about a program. This program does not interact specifically with FFXIV in any way. It presses buttons based on the sequence that is loaded to the program, which, if FFXIV is the active window, translate into Bard Performance notes. The program does not target, modify or otherwise interact with FFXIV files, it just repeats a sequence of key presses, one action per button. It does not give me an in-game advantage over others as far as I can see.

I asked a GM through support ticket, I was given the usual copypasted answer about 3rd party programs being against the rules.

This however, prompted a counter-question or two from me:

1) DPS meters are allowed, being 3rd party program, as long as one does not use it to harass other players. This is a fact.

2) The program in question is not FFXIV specific, it can be used with anything that uses key presses to work - such as a virtual music keyboard, or other games that 100% allow it. Will I get banned for using that program even I am completely allowed to download it and use it with other stuff?

SE cannot possibly just scan my PC and declare I have an illegal program, they are not allowed to determine if I am able to download an all-around useful program for other usage. Bit rebellious about this as I am, I question if SE can even any way detect this program being used for FFXIV specifically, me having it on while having multiple games on, they cannot know to which game/thing I use the program for, I suspect.

Either way, this was my question. I do not intend to cheat in any way in-game, but I had to ask, so many loopholes and such for this particular matter.

DPS meters aren't allowed by SE's own rules. The program used for parsing reads memory and doesn't interact with XIV directly. It's more of a don't ask, don't tell. They know people use it, but unless people say something in game that is incriminating evidence, they aren't going to go after you (like speaking about numbers in game you wouldn't know unless you have the program and were running it - that is incriminating evidence of use of a third party program), because as I said, it is against the rules.

Square Enix can't go "you can't have macro programs on your PC" even if they can check your registry and see the program there.

However, this part in the ToS could argue that it's botting and/or automated software:

2.1 Cheating and Botting. You may not create or use any unauthorized cheats, bots, automation software, hacks, mods or any other unauthorized software or hardware designed to modify the Game and gameplay. In addition, you may not take advantage of game system bugs and exploits during gameplay.

This further fits into what the program you're describing:

■Behaviour that disrupts the game balance
Square Enix strictly prohibits the use of third-party programs or tools – including programs and tools that permit automated or “absentee” play – in Final Fantasy XIV. Accordingly, the following activities are prohibited:

- Modifying, analysing, integrating, and/or reverse engineering game software or data.
- Creating, distributing, using, or promoting utilities that interact with the game.
- Exploiting Square Enix programming bugs or glitches.
- Automating gameplay processes.

Square Enix strictly prohibits the use of third-party programs or tools – including programs and tools that permit automated or “absentee” play – in Final Fantasy XIV. Accordingly, the following activities are prohibited. The Game Master (GM) may speak to players to investigate and confirm “absentee” play, and if the player continues with this behavior, contrary to the GM's instructions, this will be treated as “absentee” play and subject to penalties. The following behaviour is also prohibited.

Basically, the GM answered you exactly what your query was already.

[Saradain]

Thank you for your insightful post, JunseiKei!

It starts to look like I have to learn songs on my own, so I will abstain from downloading the said program. I had high hopes for this, knowing plenty of people who in fact use a program to play songs, but... I am not willing to risk my account for something so innocent as performing for friends