PopCap's Sexy User Tracker

[rush22]

In the web games on PopCap's site, the games load an additional applet called SexyUserTracker.class. I'm not sure what it does, but it does seem to establish an internet connection with your computer. Just thought everyone here should be aware of that, especially those of you under 18.

The file is located at http://www.popcap.com/util/SexyUserTracker.class and can be downloaded for verification. Furthermore, if you open the Java Console that appears in the systray and press 'T' for thread dump, you can see that the class is running.

[Kieren]

Hi Rush22,

I'm looking into this one now (although I need to talk to PopCap support as well, who are on the other side of the Atlantic to us). I'm think I know what it is and why it's named so, and the name is very misleading, but I don't think the purpose is quite the one that the name implies.

I need to double check with PopCap first to make sure I don't have the wrong end of the stick, but I wanted to let you know I was looking into it!

Warmest regards,
Kieren
Technical Support

[Kieren]

Hi again Rush22,

I've just heard back from PopCap about the Java applet you noticed, and it is indeed named for the reason I thought it was :)

In PopCap's very early days, it was originally named very differently, "Sexy Action Cool" (which you can find reference too here (http://www.indiegamer.com/features/mar/popcap.htm)). The applet itself was written during those early days, to track the number of simultaneous users at any one time, and I think you can now see where the origins of the name came from :)

Given the understandable confusion the name causes, they will apparently be changing it in the very near future, but I hope that helps explain the name and it's purpose!

Warmest regards,
Kieren
Technical Support

[rush22]

Thanks for your reply.