Leaderboards are a great way to drive engagement, add a competitive edge, and keep players coming back. However, like with any game mechanic, it’s important to understand how to use leaderboards responsibly - especially if your campaign includes prizes or public visibility.
Here are our recommendations to help you get the most out of your leaderboard feature while keeping things fair and fun.
1. Don't distribute prizes solely based on leaderboard ranking
While it can be tempting to reward the top players on the leaderboard, we recommend against using it as the sole mechanism for awarding prizes.
Leaderboard data is processed client-side (i.e., within the player’s browser) meaning the game data (such as scores and times) is processed on their device.
It is technically possible - though not simple - for advanced users to manipulate results using browser tools. We've added multiple safeguards to deter this kind of behavior, but no client-side system can be made entirely tamper-proof.
Instead:
Use instant win, random draws, or quiz-style formats for prize eligibility.
Let the leaderboard serve as a motivational or recognition feature.
You can read more about best practices for distributing instant win prizes.
Manual review of top rankings
If you are awarding prizes based on leaderboard ranking, we highly recommend manually reviewing the leaderboard to check for any suspicious activity. This will help ensure that the players at the top are legitimate.
It is important to underline that any manipulation that can be made client side to the leaderboard results does not impact platform data. The game data itself will not be manipulated.
2. Offer a player alias option
For public campaigns, it's best to avoid displaying real names on the leaderboard. Instead, allow players to create an alias or display name during registration. This approach:
Helps protect player privacy
Avoids exposing personal data
Encourages broader participation
Implementation tip
Add a separate “Display Name” field in your registration form. You can still collect real names (if needed for your records) while using the alias field for the public leaderboard.
To avoid inappropriate names, you can:
Use form validation rules (e.g., character limits, profanity filters)
Clearly state in the registration form or rules that offensive names may result in removal
3. Monitor and moderate leaderboard entries
Whether or not you’re awarding prizes, we recommend keeping an eye on the leaderboard:
Use the backend entries overview to review and delete scores where needed.
Some common reasons to remove an entry include:
Inappropriate display name
Suspicion of cheating
Ineligible players (e.g., employees or family members)
Manual review of top-ranking players is an effective way to maintain integrity, especially in high-stakes or public campaigns.
4. Set clear expectations in your terms & conditions
While we can’t provide legal guidance, here are some suggestions you may want to consider including in your campaign’s Terms & Conditions to support fair leaderboard use:
You may reserve the right to moderate or remove leaderboard entries at your discretion.
You may choose to exclude entries that appear suspicious or violate campaign rules.
You may clarify that leaderboard results are for entertainment or recognition only, and that final prize decisions (if applicable) are based on separate criteria.
Including language like this can help set expectations early and give you more flexibility in managing edge cases.
🔎 Note: We always recommend consulting your legal team before finalizing campaign terms.