What is Search Manipulation?
Search Manipulation is any act by a Game Master or Dungeon Master that exploits the Find Games page to their own benefit. You must be fully prepared and committed to running any game you list, ensuring fairness and reliability for players.
What does the Terms of Service say about Search Manipulation?
Our Terms of Service state:
Do not engage in any practices that are intended to manipulate our search algorithm.
What are some examples of Search Manipulation?
Search Manipulation can happen in a few ways:
Listing multiple sessions of a game back to back on the same day, and canceling all but the game with the most players
Ex: A game is listed at 5PM, 6PM, 7PM, and 8PM, and the GM cancels all but the 6PM session.
Repeatedly pushing back your session time to stay at the top of the Find Games page
Listing multiple Pending games for the same day and time
Listing multiple Play-by-Post/Asynchronous games at the same day and time
How can I tell if I'm committing Search Manipulation?
If a session is listed on our website, you must be able to run it even if all your other sessions filled up. Canceling a listed game in favor of another game that has filled up is strictly prohibited as it violates the Search Manipulation policy.
Only list sessions you fully intend to run. Do not take up more than 1 spot on the Find Games page per hour.
What happens if I commit Search Manipulation?
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.
How do I report Search Manipulation?
Use the chat beacon at the bottom of this page to contact our Support Goblins and provide:
The name of the Adventure(s)
A link to the Game Master's profile