What is Search Manipulation?
Search Manipulation can happen in a few ways:
A Game Master lists multiple sessions of a game back to back on the same day at multiple times, and cancels all but the 1 with the most players
Example: A game is listed at 5PM, 6PM, 7PM, and 8PM, and the GM cancels all but the 6PM session.
A Game Master repeatedly pushes back their session time to stay at the top of the Find Games page
A Game Master lists multiple Play-by-Post/Asynchronous games at the same time
What does the Terms of Service say about Search Manipulation?
The StartPlaying Terms of Service states:
Do not engage in any practices that are intended to manipulate our search algorithm.
If a session is listed on StartPlaying, it must be able to be run even if all your other sessions filled up. Only list sessions you fully intend to run. Do not take up more than 1 spot on the Find Games page per hour.
If you are found to be participating in Search Manipulation, this will result in a strike on your account, or a ban and removal from the platform.