Emulators in Gaming: Threats and Detections
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Emulators have both good and bad uses—they help developers test apps but also allow unfair advantages in games.
Common cheating methods include automation, running multiple game accounts, GPS spoofing, and memory hacks.
Game developers use different detection techniques, but cheaters always try to stay ahead.
Most importantly: There’s almost a perfect protection solution—AppiCrypt and Talsec RASPs!
Mobile gaming isn’t just small games played during pause—it’s a billion-dollar competitive industry. In 2024, the global mobile gaming market generated approximately $92.6 billion in revenue, accounting for nearly half of the total gaming market. Projections indicate that this figure will continue to rise, with expectations to reach $105.7 billion by the end of 2025.
A significant portion of this revenue comes from free-to-play (F2P) games. In 2024, F2P mobile games alone generated an estimated $83.21 billion globally. This model has become the industry standard, with 82% of mobile gamers preferring free games that include ads over paid games without ads [4].
As mobile gaming grows, so does the challenge of keeping it fair. Some players look for shortcuts, using cheats and hacks to gain an edge. One way to use these exploits? Emulators. What is an emulator, how can it be misused, and how can we protect against the threats it poses?
Let’s start with a technical talk. An emulator is software that acts like a real device. It allows a computer to run apps meant for another system—no original hardware required. Want to play an old Nintendo game on your PC? No problem. Need to develop an Android app but don’t have a physical device? An emulator makes that happen. The main properties of emulators include:
Running guest software
Emulators allow the host system to run software and applications designed for the guest system without requiring the original hardware.
Data separation
Emulators typically keep the data of the host and guest systems separated. This is important for system integrity and security.
System observation
Emulators often allow users to observe the data and memory of the guest system. This is particularly useful for debugging and memory analysis.
Hardware manipulation
Emulators often also simulate guest system hardware; therefore, guest hardware can be manipulated.
It's important to point out that using an emulator alone doesn't necessarily imply malicious intent. Developers, researchers, security analysts, and even ordinary users may have a valid reason to use emulators. Most typical use cases are:
App/Game Development & Testing
Developers use emulators such as Android Studio Emulator and Genymotion to test their applications across multiple devices without physical hardware. This allows them to provide well-tested and optimised applications without requiring hundreds of physical devices.
Security Research
Beyond development, emulators play a huge role in security research. Ethical hackers and researchers (like us in Talsec) use them to test app vulnerabilities in a controlled environment, with deeper memory access than a standard phone allows.
Gameplay Enhancement
Gamers have found their own uses too. Emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and NoxPlayer let people play mobile games on PCs, often with better performance and additional features.
Multi-Instancing
Some gaming emulators, such as MuMu Player, allow users to run multiple app/game instances simultaneously, facilitating activities like account farming. With a physical device, this would be more complicated (but still possible).
There are tons of emulators out there: BlueStacks, LDPlayer, NoxPlayer, MuMu Player, QEMU, and more. While they all serve the same purpose (emulation), each is designed for different use cases and offers unique features that make them more accessible to less experienced users.
This variety makes detection tricky, especially since some emulators have built-in hiding features that make them appear like real devices.
But emulators aren’t just for developers and tech enthusiasts—cheaters love them too. They can use them to bend the rules, exploit game mechanics, and automate tasks to gain an unfair edge. From auto-clickers to fake GPS locations, emulators can give players an unfair edge, making games less fun for everyone else.
This article focuses on Android emulators. However, the techniques presented may apply to any emulator on any platform
People are naturally competitive—they want to be the best, win, and prove their skills. Gaming is no different. Whether it’s casual trash talk or heated debates about who’s a pro and who’s a noob, competition is at the heart of it. So it’s no surprise that players look for any way to gain an advantage (or “skill”).
One way to do that in mobile gaming is by changing the tools you play with. Some believe that using a keyboard, mouse, or gamepad instead of touchscreen controls makes all the difference. Therefore, many emulators allow users to map touchscreen controls (screen coordinates) to a keyboard, mouse, or gamepad. This enables faster, more efficient, and more precise actions compared to an average mobile player.
Additionally, some emulators offer macro functionality, letting players record and repeat actions automatically—no need to tap the same button over and over when a script can do it perfectly every time. More advanced tools can even go beyond simple inputs, automating entire tasks like auto-clicking, switching apps, or turning system features like Wi-Fi and GPS on and off.
Examples of Exploits and Cheating
Action Automation
In time-based games, players can wait and collect resources by hand, manipulate time (speed hack - more on that later) or automate waiting and resource collection.
An unfair advantage in FPS games
While some games officially support alternative input methods, others strictly enforce touchscreen-only controls. The debate between “touchscreen-only” and “any input method” is often heated, especially in competitive FPS games (PUBG, CoD)
Gaming-focused emulators also often have multi-instance feature. This allows players to run multiple instances of the same game, oftentimes simultaneously. Players can control multiple player accounts at once. Main techniques of multi-instancing are:
Manifest File
Since Android 12, developers may enable multi-instance support via the app's manifest file.
Work Profile
Work Profile is a feature of Android which allows users to separate personal and work-related apps, data and settings on the same device by creating a secure container. Each work profile has its own user ID, creating a distinct environment that keeps data isolated
Third-Party Apps
Tools like Parallel Space contains a special virtualization engine which creates a separate environment for running cloned apps. It also uses proxy components and Android calls interceptions to handle this.
App Cloning
App cloning works by modifying the package name of the application. Android then sees these applications as separate.
Manufacturer feature
Manufacturers like Samsung or Xiaomi provide this feature on a system level. Implementation of this may vary between each technology.
Examples of Exploits and Cheating
Resource Farming
The other account can be used for resource farming which will be then transferred to main account.
Matchmaking Manipulation
A high-level account can team up with low-level, possibly manipulating how high (or low in this case) will be levels of other players.
Botnets/Emulator Farms
Players may generate unlimited in-game referral rewards by creating multiple instances of application and accounts.
GPS spoofing is faking a device's location by overriding or manipulating its GPS data. This is typically achieved on Android by hooking system APIs, using developer options, feeding system services with fake data, or even low-level modifications. There are a few ways to fake the GPS signal:
Android Developer Options (Mock Locations)
Android has a built-in feature which allows you to mock locations. When enabled, location API are intercepted and real GPS data are replaced with fake coordinates.
Intercepting System Calls
Xposed Framework with FakeGPS module can hook into Android system calls and modify GPS data. This only works on rooted devices.
Spoofing via System Modification
Modifying system files
Some emulators allow modifying the /system/etc/gps.conf file to inject fake satellite data.
Using Virtual Machine
Genymotion allows GPS spoofing via Genymotion Shell (gmsaas):
One way to gain an unfair advantage in a game is by modifying stats or acquiring items that would otherwise be unobtainable. This can be achieved through memory scraping, a technique used to scan and extract data directly from a system’s RAM (random-access memory) while it is being processed. Memory scraping is commonly used by both ethical security researchers and malicious attackers to analyse applications. Beyond reading data, it can also be used to modify data at runtime.
Memory scraping can be used for:
Game Hacking
Tools like GameGuardian or CheatEngine use memory scraping to find and modify in-game values, such as health, currency, or character stats.
Malware & Cybercrime
RAM scrapers are used in malware—such as point-of-sale (POS) threats like BlackPOS—to steal unencrypted credit card data before it is securely transmitted.
Security Research
Ethical hackers use memory scraping to test software security, detect vulnerabilities and improve system protections.
Scanning RAM
A program searches the system’s memory for specific patterns, such as game variables, passwords, or credit card numbers.
Extracting Data
Once the desired information is found, it is copied from memory before it is encrypted, modified, or removed.
Processing and Storage
The extracted data can be logged, altered, or transmitted to an external server for further use. Game Manipulation
GameGuardian is a game hacking tool for Android that allows users to modify in-game values by directly altering memory data. By scanning and editing memory addresses, players can adjust in-game currency, speed, health, and other parameters in real-time. It operates through a floating overlay, making it accessible while running a game.
Key Features & Use Cases
Memory Scanning & Value Editing:
Users can search for specific numerical values (e.g., coins, XP) and modify them for an advantage. It supports fuzzy searches for unknown values and encrypted data.
Scripting & Automation:
GameGuardian supports Lua scripting, allowing users to create and run automated cheats, bot functions, or repetitive tasks.
Evasion Techniques:
To bypass anti-cheat mechanisms or license restrictions, GameGuardian includes stealth modes, memory protection features, and randomization techniques, making detection more challenging.
What makes GG really powerful is scripting. Users can dump and modify memory by hand, using tools provided by GG application. However, this can be quite tedious. Scripting automates memory modifications, making it easier to apply cheats without manually searching and changing values every time a game is launched. This is particularly useful for repetitive hacks, bot automation, and complex multi-step exploits.
GameGuardian provides a built-in Lua API, which interacts with game memory. Key functions include:
gg.alert(message): Displays a pop-up message.
gg.searchNumber(value, type): Searches for a specific value in memory.
gg.getResults(count): Retrieves a set number of search results.
gg.editAll(value, type): Modifies all matching results.
gg.setValues(table): Applies specific changes to memory addresses.
gg.sleep(time): Introduces a delay in script execution.
CheatEngine is a similar tool that works for other platforms, not just Android.
Infinite Resources: Modifying in-game currency, lives, or skill points to unlimited amounts.
Speed Hacks: Altering game speed to slow down or speed up gameplay for an unfair advantage.
God Mode: Adjusting health, attack and other parameters to make character invincible
Wallhacks & Vision Modification: Changing rendering parameters to see through walls or reveal hidden elements.
Time Manipulation: Altering in-game timers to shorten cooldowns or bypass waiting mechanics.
Auto Farming Bots: Using scripts to automate repetitive tasks such as collecting resources or attacking enemies.
As discussed in the previous section, spotting an emulator isn’t as easy as you’d think. Some stick out like a sore thumb, while others go undercover, pretending to be real phones. Game developers and security researchers have to play detective, using system checks, behavior tracking, and file inspections to catch them in action.
System Properties Checks
Emulators often exhibit distinct system properties that differentiate them from real devices. These include:
Hardware Identifiers
Many emulators report generic values (e.g., ro.hardware = goldfish or ro.product.manufacturer = Genymotion).
Device Model
Unusual models such as sdk_gphone_x86 indicate an emulated environment.
Build Fingerprints
Comparing ro.build.fingerprint against known emulator values helps identify virtualized environments.
File and Directory Checks
Emulators create specific files and directories that do not exist on real devices. Examples include:
/dev/qemu_pipe
/sys/class/android_usb/android0/state
Emulator configuration files in /proc/ or /system/lib/
Behavioral Analysis
Certain runtime behaviors can indicate emulation:
Input Patterns: Automated, predictable touch events may signal bot activity Tapping too long/short; one tap always takes an exact constant amount of time; scrolling speed is perfectly even, scroll direction is a perfect straight line,...
Performance Metrics: Emulators often lack genuine hardware performance fluctuations Mobile/Wi-Fi signal always has same perfect intensity; battery is always 100% even when not charged for weeks and months,...
Sensor Data: Lack of real accelerometer, HW-backed keystore, gyroscope, or GPS variation suggests emulation. Missing basic components like accelerometer or gyroscope; missing HW-backed keystore (also serious because of cryptography); sensors return perfect or very predictable data,...
Advanced Detection Methods
Side-Channel Analysis: Detecting emulator-specific timing discrepancies, cache behavior, or instruction execution anomalies.
Machine Learning: AI models trained on real vs. emulated device data can detect subtle differences more effectively.
Detecting emulators is a complex and ever-evolving challenge. Developers can implement detection techniques manually, but this comes with significant drawbacks.
1. High Complexity & Maintenance Writing emulator detection from scratch requires deep knowledge of system behavior, hardware properties, and low-level interactions. Even a small mistake can lead to false positives (flagging real devices as emulators) or false negatives (failing to detect actual emulators).
2. Constant Updates Needed Emulator developers continuously refine their software to better mimic real devices. A detection system that works today may become obsolete in just a few months. Keeping up with new emulator tricks and evasion techniques is an ongoing battle.
3. Integration Challenges Emulator detection is only one piece of a larger security strategy. It needs to be efficient, lightweight, and compatible with other anti-cheat or anti-fraud measures in an app.
Because of these challenges, many companies choose ready-made security solutions rather than building their own. These solutions are designed, tested, and frequently updated to stay ahead of the latest emulator advancements.
One such solution is Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP), which helps apps detect and react to security threats in real-time. RASP can:
Identify if an app is running in an emulator or virtualized environment.
Detect signs of system tampering or unauthorized modifications.
Block or limit app functionality when a threat is detected.
Detect other kinds of problems like active VPN, screen recording or enabled development mode
Talsec offers a free community version of its detection system (freeRASP), which covers the basics of app security.
Modifying System Properties: Tools like Magisk can spoof ro.build.fingerprint and other properties.
Masking Emulator Presence: Xposed modules and custom ROM modifications can remove emulator-specific files and directories.
Disabling Protections: When attackers are aware that an application uses an extra protection layer, such as RASP library or DRM, they often try to use methods mentioned above (like memory scraping or application repackaging) to disable these detections.
Challenges and Limitations: Detection methods can yield false positives, impacting legitimate users. Moreover, advanced evasion techniques continue to evolve, requiring adaptive detection mechanisms.
Talsec AppiCrypt
Talsec RASP provides an additional layer of protection against its bypass by using AppiCrypt. AppiCrypt is protection which essentially binds the state of the device to network calls of application. Every network request protected by AppiCrypt requires cryptographic proof (called cryptogram) which contains the security state of the device. If an application or device is compromised, the cryptogram will contain this information. The server can then decide whether it allows or denies the request. If the Talsec SDK is totally disabled, the application cannot generate cryptograms, hence not being able to make network calls.
Emulators are powerful tools that let people run mobile apps on different devices, making them useful for app development, security research, and gaming convenience. However, they also open the door for cheating and security risks, as they allow players to automate actions, fake locations, and manipulate game data in ways that aren’t possible on real devices.
Game developers and security experts are in a constant battle against cheaters. As emulators evolve, so do the methods to detect them. There’s no perfect solution, but staying ahead of the game is what matters. The future of mobile gaming depends on staying one step ahead—where innovation meets security, and fair play always wins.
Emulators have both good and bad uses—they help developers test apps but also allow unfair advantages in games.
Common cheating methods include automation, running multiple game accounts, GPS spoofing, and memory hacks.
Game developers use different detection techniques, but cheaters always try to stay ahead.
Most importantly: There’s almost a perfect protection solution—AppiCrypt and Talsec RASPs!
Jaroslav Novotný, Senior Flutter Developer
