Disclaimer: This blog article is thoroughly researched but represents our subjective viewpoint.
The world of roleplay gaming (RP) has evolved into a thriving community in recent years, where creativity and collaboration take center stage. Unfortunately, there are black sheep even in the German RP scene, exploiting the community and the experience for their own gain.
In this detailed blog post, we will unveil how some FiveM servers, including HopeV and Final City, exploited the German RP scene, causing significant harm to all players and other server owners.
Famous Streamers as Bait (High Range)
A popular strategy to attract attention to these servers was to utilize well-known streamers with a high reach. They were employed as bait to lure in players and generate revenue. Interestingly, the operators of servers like FinalCity, HopeV, and Corleone City were, in fact, secret streamers themselves. This tactic allowed them to make money while concealing their identity.
The Race to the Top Rankings
Server operators used Twitch viewerbots to manipulate rankings and divert player traffic to their servers, causing unfair competition and raising concerns about the gaming community’s integrity. These servers also followed the controversial Pay2Win model, creating an imbalance between paying and non-paying players. The community responded by demanding transparency and fairness, leading gaming platforms and developers to implement stricter policies and discourage unethical practices. The focus shifted towards creating an environment of fair gameplay and healthy competition, resulting in manipulative servers losing appeal while those upholding ethical standards flourished. The gaming community emerged stronger and united in their commitment to ethical gaming.
Montanablack, a german influencer (also played GTA RP), said, the roleplay community was harmed by their practices
MontanaBlack, the largest German streamer, recently expressed frustration and concern about the exploitation of the German RP (Roleplay) scene on Twitch. He discussed the negative practices that impact both the RP scene and his own enjoyment of RP gaming. MontanaBlack argued that true RP should prioritize talent, creativity, and dedication over wealth. This money-driven approach damages the integrity of the RP scene and discourages genuine roleplayers from joining, resulting in a decline in the overall gaming experience. Additionally, he addressed the rise of ‘Gambo’ Roleplay, characterized by disruptive behavior, breaking character, and mindless violence. MontanaBlack expressed disappointment with this trend, as it focuses solely on “who has the most weapons” and “who is the strongest”, rather than the narrative of the roleplay.
Here’s the tweet (german):
How the scam worked: The Pay2Win Pitfall
1. They advertise their server on the web (mostly per Twitch – using viewerbots),
2. real viewers register on the server,
3. revenue is generated by players buying Ingame Tebex items like cars, cash, etc.
The German RP scene thrives on the creativity and dedication of players who immerse themselves in captivating roles. Servers like HopeV and Final City, however, prioritized Pay2Win elements that significantly disrupted the RP experience. Real-money purchases, such as the sale of vehicles and other in-game items, became the norm. This resulted in an unfair advantage for paying players and seriously undermined fairness within the German RP community.
Servers such as NoPixel, GrandRP, HopeV, Corleone City, and FinalCity engaged in this practice, leading numerous players to purchase in-game items and pay-to-win content.
Consequences for the RP Scene – Rockstar acted
The consequences of these practices were severe, affecting the entire German RP scene. Not only did the RP experience suffer greatly, but substantial profits were also generated for the operators. In response, Rockstar Games, the renowned creators of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, took a significant step by acquiring FiveM. This acquisition signaled a major shift in the RP gaming landscape. Rockstar Games wasted no time in tightening regulations on Tebex shops to restrict the exploitation of real-money transactions in RP servers, thereby addressing the long-standing issue of Pay2Win elements.
The Ban on Real Brands
One notable development following Rockstar Games’ acquisition of FiveM was the ban on real-brand scripts. These scripts, which had become increasingly popular for adding realism to virtual worlds, raised legal concerns. Rockstar Games explicitly stated in their updated Terms of Service (ToS) that the use of real-brand scripts was prohibited. Ignoring this warning could have dire consequences, including server shutdowns and potential legal actions. The new FiveM ToS clearly outlines these terms, and FiveM has already taken action by banning servers found in violation.
The Insolvency of HopeV GmbH
The situation has been further illuminated by recent developments. The Austrian company that ran HopeV has filed for insolvency, bringing a solemn conclusion to a company that was previously highly regarded in the German RP community. However, they continue to operate Corleone City and Final City for financial gain (as of October 7, 2023).
In conclusion, the experiences of servers like HopeV and Final City highlight how greedy and unfair practices can harm the RP scene. Nevertheless, the German RP community has shown resilience and is expected to grow stronger from this situation. It is essential for players and streamers to uphold the integrity of the German RP scene and shield it from exploitation. That’s why Rockstar also acquired the client FiveM by CFX.
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