Nexon Uses AI Technology to Catch 'KartRider' Unsportsmanlike Users

Building an Illegal Program Detection System... Automatic Detection of Abnormal Play

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-gyu Lee] Nexon is using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to automatically detect unsportsmanlike users within the PC racing game 'KartRider'.

According to industry sources on the 24th, Nexon has collaborated with its AI and big data research organization, 'Intelligence Labs,' to build a system that detects illegal programs within KartRider and automatically identifies unsportsmanlike users. The AI technology applied to KartRider analyzes users' driving speed, collision zones, and drift usage data collected every second to automatically detect abnormal patterns such as intentionally staying still during the game to obstruct other players' progress or manipulating speed limits using illegal programs.

Nexon is gradually expanding this technology not only to KartRider but also to other PC and mobile games. The AI technology was also applied to the mobile massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) 'V4,' which was launched successfully in November last year. This technology automatically detects item duplication exploiting bugs and malicious spam in chat windows within the game. A Nexon official stated, "We have enhanced the accuracy of AI technology in identifying abnormal play patterns within the game."

Additionally, Nexon has newly implemented a reporting system that allows players to immediately report unsportsmanlike users. Previously, reports had to go through the customer center on the KartRider homepage, but now players can report directly during gameplay. The newly added reporting menu at the bottom of the game screen allows users to check up to 14 players who recently played together, and report reasons include profanity, posting advertising content, abusing illegal programs, and intentional gameplay obstruction.

Users who are reported undergo a separate process to verify the report details. If abnormal play patterns are observed during verification, the user is separated from general games and matched with other unsportsmanlike users, where penalties are applied based on driving records in this environment. Jae-yoon Cho, Nexon leader in charge of KartRider development, said, "We have prepared comprehensive environments both inside and outside the game, including introducing a reporting system to quickly penalize abnormal play," adding, "We will continue to strive to improve the driving experience for KartRider users."