Character editor
Encyclopedia
A character editor is a program that is used to edit player character
s in computer role-playing games.
Usage-wise, they are related to player character management software, such as PCGen
, for pen-and-paper role-playing game
s.
Generally, use of character editors is considered cheating
(similar to using cheat codes to change player statistics, only more flexibly so). However, character editors often have legitimate uses; for example, changing the appearance of the character or character description (possibly using "hidden" outlook options that are not available through the game itself, such as using NPC character portraits), changing internal variables of the character to avoid bugs, or use features that are only available through either cheat codes or character editors (such as custom character races from mods
).
In online games, character file editing is generally very much frowned upon, unless it is at all times disclosed and allowed by the game rules. Most online games disallow all character editing that takes place on server side.
Player character
A player character or playable character is a character in a video game or role playing game who is controlled or controllable by a player, and is typically a protagonist of the story told in the course of the game. A player character is a persona of the player who controls it. Player characters...
s in computer role-playing games.
Usage-wise, they are related to player character management software, such as PCGen
PCGen
PCGen is a character creation and role-playing game playing aid program for d20 System-based games, such as Dungeons & Dragons.The software is written in Java and runs on any system that supports Java 1.5 or later....
, for pen-and-paper role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
s.
Generally, use of character editors is considered cheating
Cheating
Cheating refers to the breaking of rules to gain advantage in a competitive situation. The rules infringed may be explicit, or they may be from an unwritten code of conduct based on morality, ethics or custom, making the identification of cheating a subjective process. Cheating can refer...
(similar to using cheat codes to change player statistics, only more flexibly so). However, character editors often have legitimate uses; for example, changing the appearance of the character or character description (possibly using "hidden" outlook options that are not available through the game itself, such as using NPC character portraits), changing internal variables of the character to avoid bugs, or use features that are only available through either cheat codes or character editors (such as custom character races from mods
Mod (computer gaming)
Mod or modification is a term generally applied to personal computer games , especially first-person shooters, role-playing games and real-time strategy games. Mods are made by the general public or a developer, and can be entirely new games in themselves, but mods are not standalone software and...
).
In online games, character file editing is generally very much frowned upon, unless it is at all times disclosed and allowed by the game rules. Most online games disallow all character editing that takes place on server side.