<p>Bot development is more about 'hacking' than AI in a way that in the very first place you need to read and (over) write game data which you are not supposed to (and thereby potentially violating the Terms and Conditions - so be aware of that). The AI part is fairly simple for most hack/bot applications that I can think of. </p>

<p><strong>Read data</strong></p>

<p>To read game data you can for example:</p>

<ul>
<li>use an assembly code debugger like Ollydbg to locate relevant data in the memory, e.g. amount of gold</li>
<li>Observe graphical objects being rendered, e.g. a unit being drawn</li>
<li>Intercept network packages containing all kinds of game information, e.g. a unit appearing on your screen</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Write data</strong></p>

<p>In a similar way there are multiple ways to write data:</p>

<ul>
<li>overwrite game data in memory</li>
<li>Use the Windows API SendInput() function to emulate keyboard inputs</li>
<li>Use the Windows API SendMessage() function to send messages to the game</li>
<li>Manipulate network traffic</li>
</ul>

<p>These lists are not comprehensive but to give you an idea of how it is being done. </p>

<p>AI-wise an A* algorithm for example can be deployed to do path finding. </p>

<p>If you are interested in the topic I suggest to read 'Game Hacking' by Nick Cano. The book provides a good introduction. </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-11-11T08:56:51.083Z
2019-11-11T08:56:51.083Z
Jonathan
<p>I was curious about how people make AI to play games. Does anyone know of the AI used to play these games? What allows the AI to see/click the screen in real-time? Even just direction on what libraries for such tasks would be helpful. I can't imagine game developers make an API for creating bots in their games like browsers use with selenium.</p>

<computer-vision><game-ai><chat-bots>
What technology do people use to create bots for games like LOL or Runescape?
Michael Hearn
# What technology do people use to create bots for games like LOL or Runescape?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-11-11)

I was curious about how people make AI to play games. Does anyone know of the AI used to play these games? What allows the AI to see/click the screen in real-time? Even just direction on what libraries for such tasks would be helpful. I can't imagine game developers make an API for creating bots in their games like browsers use with selenium.

**Tags:** computer-vision, game-ai, chat-bots


---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2019-11-11. Score: 3

Bot development is more about 'hacking' than AI in a way that in the very first place you need to read and (over) write game data which you are not supposed to (and thereby potentially violating the Terms and Conditions - so be aware of that). The AI part is fairly simple for most hack/bot applications that I can think of.

**Read data**

To read game data you can for example:

* use an assembly code debugger like Ollydbg to locate relevant data in the memory, e.g. amount of gold
* Observe graphical objects being rendered, e.g. a unit being drawn
* Intercept network packages containing all kinds of game information, e.g. a unit appearing on your screen

**Write data**

In a similar way there are multiple ways to write data:

* overwrite game data in memory
* Use the Windows API SendInput() function to emulate keyboard inputs
* Use the Windows API SendMessage() function to send messages to the game
* Manipulate network traffic

These lists are not comprehensive but to give you an idea of how it is being done.

AI-wise an A\* algorithm for example can be deployed to do path finding.

If you are interested in the topic I suggest to read 'Game Hacking' by Nick Cano. The book provides a good introduction.


---

