Glossary Entry: Bot

A bot is a script or program that performs actions automatically. These are often designed to do menial tasks like monitor eBay auctions or post spam on social media, but their ability to respond with inhuman speed makes them a popular means of cheating in video games.

At the same time, a bot is also any player character that is actually controlled by the computer in a multiplayer game. In this case, the bot's AI has likely been tweaked to be a reasonable and fair challenge to the players. Bots like this are usually allowed, since they add to the fun rather than ruin it.