Why Not Build a ‘Legal Cheat’ MMO with Open Programming APIs and AI Players?

The author asks why a “legal cheat” MMO could be created that lets players write code to control units, citing the 2015 game Screeps as a real‑world example.

Screeps replaces traditional controls with JavaScript, requiring players to script movement, resource gathering and combat. The author recounts a colleague who spends hours coding in the game, calling it “the real game”.

The appeal lies in shifting competition from reflexes to algorithms, offering programmers a sandbox to test efficiency, multithreading and network communication with low‑cost trial and error, unlike real‑world bugs that can halt production.

However, the genre remains niche because the entry barrier is high: most gamers expect instant, button‑press feedback, while code‑driven outcomes may take minutes to materialize, deterring casual players who just want quick fun.

To broaden adoption, the author proposes three solutions: (1) lower the threshold with visual programming or AI‑assisted code generation so non‑programmers can participate; (2) provide faster, more immediate feedback loops; and (3) cultivate a robust community ecosystem with tutorials and forums.

Balancing deep technical depth with accessible entertainment is challenging, but the author remains optimistic that as AI becomes ubiquitous and more people learn to code, a game that makes programming feel as enjoyable as traditional gaming could turn “cheating” into a respected skill.