Abstract: The cheat verification system includes a remote cheatline which a player can contact by telephone. The cheatline has a processor 5 containing ID codes identifying player-selectable cheats. A player obtains a bonus code from the games console and supplies the bonus code to the cheatline operator. The player selects a cheat from a number of available options and the processor 5 combines the corresponding ID code with the bonus code according to an encryption process to generate a verification code which is supplied to the player. The player inputs the verification code to the console where it is decrypted enabling the bonus code and the ID code to be recovered under the control of verification software in the video game. Provided the bonus code derived from the verification code matches the bonus code obtained by the player from the games console the selected cheat will be implemented.