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CHEATERS BEWARE: BUNGIE MONITORS AND BANS PLAYERS USING EXTERNAL AIDS IN DESTINY 2
Bungie, the online game developer behind Destiny 2, has announced that it will be monitoring and taking action against players who use external aids to cheat in the game. The use of controller-spoofing XIM hardware or similar has become a major problem within the online gaming community, and Bungie’s policy draws a clear line on what will and will not be allowed. This move follows in the footsteps of other major online games, such as Call of Duty and Overwatch, which are taking measures to detect and ban players using such devices.
THE PROBLEM WITH EXTERNAL AIDS
Devices such as XIM, Cronus Zen, and ReaSnow S1 emulate a controller input, which enables users to benefit from aim assist while also gaining the precision and movement abilities that come with a keyboard and mouse. These devices can also execute scripts that enhance aim, firing speed, and other unfair advantages. Bungie notes in its blog post that some of these devices can be an accessibility boon, but using them to reduce recoil or increase aim assist would be a violation of the game’s policies.
THE RISE OF ANTI-CHEAT SYSTEMS
Bungie has not revealed how it will detect cheaters using external aids, but other major game developers are implementing their own systems. Activision’s Ricochet anti-cheat system detects infractions and suspends users or alters their gameplay to make opponents invincible. Ubisoft’s Mousetrap system studies player movements and builds a model to detect cheaters, issuing punishments by slowly adding latency to alleged cheaters’ movements. Bungie will be evaluating all gameplay for violations, including the significant cooperative PvE content, as using cheats could affect players and teams participating in World First Races.
THE FUTURE OF GAMING
The rise of external aids and anti-cheat systems is shaping the future of online gaming. While accessibility aids can benefit players who might not otherwise be able to play the game, using them to cheat gives an unfair advantage to some players over others. Game developers are taking steps to combat cheating and ensure a level playing field for all players.
Sources:
– Bungie: https://www.bungie.net/7/en/News/article/twab-04-13-2023-best-dressed
– Call of Duty: https://www.callofduty.com/
– Overwatch: https://playoverwatch.com/
– Activision’s Ricochet: https://www.callofduty.com/blog/page?id=Introducing-the-Ricochet-Anti-Cheat-System-in-Call-of-Duty-Anti-Cheat-Tech-Deep-Dive
– Ubisoft’s Mousetrap: https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/6juL30ojRxQjNZ9ryOdnRb/rainbow-six-siege-better-than-ever-six-years-later
