Cheating in video games involves a player using various methods to create an advantage beyond normal gameplay, usually in order to make the game easier. Individual techniques or exploits, called cheats, may be activated from within the game itself (a cheat code implemented by the original game developers), inserted by third-party software (a hacking program, game trainer, or debugger), or created by external hardware (a cheat cartridge). They can also be realized by exploiting software bugs; this may or may not be considered cheating based on whether the bug is considered common knowledge and its use as legitimate gameplay accepted. Cheating in online games and in speedrunning are widely acknowledged as one of the most problematic issues affecting online gaming communities, erasing trust and sportsmanship between competing gamers.
