Xu Tong was a bit surprised: "An imitator of an imitator?"

It was obvious that most people hadn't considered the existence of such a concept before.

Cao Haichuan paused briefly and explained:

"I believe, we can't just assume that because two games are similar, they are the work of the same imitator.

"In fact, quite the opposite. I tend to think the more similar the games are, the less likely they are made by the same imitator.

"Why is there an 'imitator of an imitator'?

"Because so far, the rules of all games are public. Since all players can see them, the imitators hidden among the players can certainly see them too.

"The 'King's Judgment' received an S-Class rating, which not only makes it a subject for players to study but inevitably also a focus for imitators to learn.

"If an imitator is relatively smart, they can adapt the core and achieve a state of resemblance without similarity; but if the imitator is not so clever, the traces of imitation become more pronounced, and there may be many déjà vu moments.

"Therefore, one can't just assert that because of the 'similarity', it's the work of the same imitator.

"Just like in many real-world serial murder cases, there are a lot of imitation crimes. If we deduced solely based on 'similarity', that it's the work of the same criminal, we'd often fall into serious misconceptions."

The crowd had varying expressions, some nodding, some remaining silent.

But regardless, when these words came from Cao Haichuan, they were still quite convincing.

Wang Yongxin frowned slightly: "The issue is, if there's an 'imitator of an imitator'—which now seems highly likely—doesn't that mean we can hardly distinguish which specific two games are the work of the same imitator?"

Li Renshu also asked, "Then Officer Cao, what considerations led you to believe that the 'Fertility Judgment' is the work of an 'imitator of an imitator'?"

Cao Haichuan explained: "Motivation. Ultimately, it has to come down to the motive of the imitator, which is the most reliable approach.

"If two games are similar just in terms of rules, there are merely two possibilities:

"The first possibility is that it's originally the work of the original imitator, but they were lazy, using the original design ideas and slightly modifying details to create a new game.

"This possibility exists, but we must consider that an imitator capable of creating an S-Class game must be very smart and very good at hiding themselves.

"Would creating another similar game be of any significant benefit to them? The downside is quite evident: such a distinct design style could easily expose them, making them the target of players.

"For the imitator, this is unsafe. Designing games with distinctly different styles each time is a better disguise.

"The second possibility is that other imitators imitate their style and conduct similar designs. The original imitator has no power to stop it.

"For subsequent imitators, this behavior is beneficial without harm: it can mislead players and shift animosity onto the first imitator; and also enhance the competitiveness of their own game.

"So, in terms of motivation, is it the original imitator who designed the 'King's Judgment' who has more reason to make such a similar game? Or is it other imitators who have more reason?"

The crowd nodded in realization.

This was indeed an aspect that hadn't been considered before.

Cao Haichuan's deduction includes an important presupposition: imitators will try every means to hide themselves.

From the current perspective, this presupposition holds true in most cases.

Thus, those relatively excellent imitators, whether they designed A-Class or S-Class games, are certainly smart and will also be careful to hide themselves.

In the absence of urgent visa time, rashly using the previous game's framework to design increases the risk of exposure, which is not a wise move.

Even if they create new games to achieve some specific goals, they would definitely try to separate them as much as possible from previous games.

They might even deliberately design some low-rated games as distractions.

Although for now, it's hard for players to determine exactly who is an imitator based solely on game rules, or even guess which games were made by the same imitator.

But who can say for sure about the future?

Players like Cao Haichuan, who are good at finding clues from subtle details, aren't rare. The slight habits that imitators unconsciously reveal might one day become a fatal flaw exposing their identity.

The smarter the imitator, the less likely they are to design similar games consecutively.

Although it can't be fully proven, since it's based on some fairly solid inferences, it's still quite convincing to many.

Wang Yongxin thought for a while: "We previously mentioned that when an imitator designs a game, they might tend to use their existing knowledge system.

"Just like the 'Matchmaking Game'.

"So, could the imitator of 'Fertility Judgment' also have experience in this area?

"Might they be a more traditional, older male or female image? Otherwise, it would be hard to come up with those three questions that hit the knowledge blind spots of young people, right?"

Cao Haichuan shook his head: "It's hard to say. The three questions of the 'Fertility Judgment' are indeed difficult for players unfamiliar with the relevant knowledge.

"But for the imitator, they're not difficult. After all, they're the ones setting the questions.

"Don't forget, there's a library in the community, with a wide variety of books available.

"As the answers, it's impossible to happen upon the exact answers within the vast sea of books. But if you're the one setting the questions, it's different.

"The imitator just needs to find a time when no one is around, randomly browse through some fertility books in the library, and casually select a few questions.

"It's not necessary to rely solely on their existing knowledge system.

"Of course, from the game content, this imitator might be sensitive to gender and fertility issues, but there's no particularly obvious preference. Even if there is, such inclination is relatively easy to hide."

Yang Yuting said: "Previously, Jiang He thought Li Jiang was the imitator of this game, what does everyone think?"

Lin Sizhi shook his head: "Doesn't seem like it.

"Zhong Yuanyuan participated in the 'Matchmaking Game' because she was sure she was absolutely safe in the game and needed to incite hatred with others from Community 1, kill more players, and earn visa time.

"Satisfying both 'safety' and 'being profitable'.

"But for Li Jiang in the 'Fertility Judgment', neither of these conditions is met.

"He isn't absolutely safe, nor can he gain substantial benefits from it.

"If Li Jiang were the imitator, the only explanation would be that he's looking for some thrills.

"Jiang He felt Li Jiang's words were confrontational, misleading her to make some wrong decisions, but it was actually a bit of a misunderstanding."

Yang Yuting asked again: "What about Chen Yumei then?"

Lin Sizhi still shook his head: "I don't think so either."

Fu Chen nodded in agreement: "Right, how can an imitator judge themselves? That's just too unreasonable."

Cao Haichuan timely reminded: "Walkway never said an imitator can't judge themselves. Although I also think it's unlikely, it can't be simply excluded."

Lin Sizhi explained: "Though Chen Yumei seemed to have escaped judgment, I think it doesn't resemble the 'imitator's way'."

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