Like cheat codes, these cheats were built into the game and therefore seen as permissible. Early PC games also implemented programmable features in which gamers could freeze the game and reprogram some small aspect of game before re-launching. Some early games would even advertise these cheat codes to entice gamers. This number was actually based on game developer Matthew Smith’s driver’s license number and was later used in the PC version of Grand Theft Auto to unlock unlimited lives.Ĭheat codes like these could help simplify game testing, but also became fun for players to uncover to unlock new features of the game. For example, in the 1983 game “ Manic Miner”, gamers could enter cheat code 6031769 to unlock a cheat mode of the game.
Even in the earliest video games, developers would include cheat codes to simplify testing processes before releasing the game to the public. When it comes to video games, cheating has basically existed since the very start. Let’s start by taking a look at the history of cheating in video games, and then we’ll dive into how it has impacted Xbox gaming in particular.
