I used to have this friend that would complain all the time about me taking a look at his screen. He would consider my victories null saying I won because I was peeking at his screen, sometimes I did, other times I did not.

So I ask you:

Do you think taking a look at the other player's screen is cheating while playing multiplayer or not?

Some things to consider:

- peeking destroys the element of surprise and reveals location of the other player

- your screen is as availble to the other player as his/hers is to you, no advantage

What do you think?

My cousin used to get so mad at me for this, but honestly how the hell am I not supposed to look, it takes up half the screen.  I inadvertently see it with my peripheral vision.

Absolutely not. The screen is there so why not have a peek? :)

My nephew is very good at looking on my screen when we play Halo3, but I have the same opportunity so it is fair play.

In most games, I found that even when I did it with my friends, or they tried to do it, trying to look at your opponent's screen while focusing on your own really doesn't help in the long run.

yes

pressing start while playing is also cheating

I used to call it "Ghosting". I am not sure why.

What? No! Why would it?

Since everyone I play with says it is, I think it is as well

Cheating might be a strong word, but I know what you are going for and I vote yes. Same thing as when playing Madden and someone watches the play you pick. Going in with prior knowledge is an unfair advantage. Have some sportsmanship dammit.

no, its fair game, like hitting the other person, the only cheating is soemone touching someone others beer.