«

[DarthHelmet86]

A patch changes the game for good, it fixes problems and other stuff. But the main point it is once it is installed it has changed the game for good. Patches change the code into new or different code.

A cheat lets you change the IN-GAME enviroment while you are playing, but it does not afftect the game for ever, just while you have the cheat active. Cheats also rarely change the games code, they just allow you to bypass some of the games features, like walls being solid, or taking damage.

There are also the connotations of the two words.

To patch something is a good thinig to most people. Thus the word itself has a good connotation.

To cheat at something is a bad thing to most people. Thus the word itself has a bad connotation.

Wikipedia meaning of connotation. "Connotation is a subjective cultural and/or emotional coloration in addition to the explicit or denotative meaning"