Cheating in Online Games: A Growing Problem in Overwatch 2
Cheating has become a widespread issue in online games, especially in the free-to-play realm, and Overwatch 2 is no exception. What’s even more concerning is that cheating is not limited to PC gaming but extends to consoles as well.
In a recent blog post titled “Director’s Take,” gameplay engineer Daniel Razza shed some light on the measures Blizzard is taking to combat cheating on console platforms. Razza specifically addresses players who exploit “unapproved peripherals” to gain an unfair advantage in the game.
Blizzard’s priority is to ensure a fair and enjoyable gaming experience across all platforms. To achieve this goal, they have implemented console-specific features, such as aim assist, which helps bridge the gap in aiming precision between a mouse and a controller. However, ingenious players have found a way to trick the system by using devices that allow them to use a mouse and keyboard while the console mistakenly registers the inputs as coming from a controller.
While some peripherals serve accessibility purposes, it is the “unapproved peripherals” that Blizzard is targeting. These peripherals take advantage of aim assist and provide an unfair advantage to players who were never intended to benefit from accessibility features. Among the commonly used unapproved peripherals is a device manufactured by a company known as XIM.
Blizzard has developed sophisticated methods for detecting players using these unfair aids and has now gained “high confidence” in identifying them. Based on their data, they have found that most cheaters using unapproved peripherals are in the Grand Master or Champion rank. Starting from season 11, players caught using these peripherals will face a one-week restriction from Competitive Play, followed by being exclusively matched with other mouse and keyboard users after a second offense. However, immediate action is being taken against those who have already been caught cheating.
Razza emphasizes that permanent account bans will be imposed on the most severe abusers of unapproved peripherals in the coming weeks. These bans are targeted towards high-ranked players who have been reported by others and whose data clearly indicates the use of an unapproved peripheral.
With these strict actions being taken, the Overwatch 2 community can hope for a fair and competitive gaming environment. Season 11, expected to commence in June, will mark the implementation of these measures and serve as a deterrent to potential cheaters.
As Overwatch 2 continues to evolve and grow, it is crucial for players to understand the importance of fair play and respect for the community. Let us all strive to create an inclusive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone, irrespective of the platform they choose to play on.