Blizzard Is Taking Serious Actions Against Console Cheaters in Overwatch 2

In the most recent Overwatch 2 director's update, senior game producer Adam Massey and lead gameplay engineer Daniel Razza discussed the serious issue of console cheaters. Encountering players who do not play fair is common in every game. However, with the start of Season 11, Blizzard's team will be taking serious actions to protect the enjoyable and fair gameplay experience in Overwatch.

The focus of the new sanctions will be on all console players who use "unapproved peripherals" to enhance their gameplay and gain an unfair advantage over their opponents. The issue has become more serious, so it's reassuring to see the Overwatch developers making efforts to address it.

Table of Contents: 

• What are Unapproved Peripherals?
• Players Banned From Competitive 

What are Unapproved Peripherals?

The issue that prompted the new restrictions arises from players using a mouse and keyboard while playing on a console. To achieve this, they employ a device that tricks the console into recognizing the input as that of a controller.

This practice allows players to take advantage of both the aim assist designed for controllers and the enhanced accuracy and speed of mouse and keyboard inputs. In essence, by employing this method, players gain a significant advantage over others. Any device used to deceive the console's recognition of input as a controller is considered an "unapproved peripheral."

Players Banned From Competitive 

Overwatch's team hasn't disclosed how they're able to identify unapproved peripherals, but they've admitted that finding a method has been challenging. Nevertheless, after devising a means to distinguish them from regular controllers, they've gathered sufficient data to gain a better understanding of the issue. It appears that cheating tools are primarily utilized in higher-ranked competitive battles like Champion and Grand Masters'. Lower ranks are almost unaffected by this issue.

However, now that Blizzard can identify cheaters, they're implementing restrictions that will take effect at the beginning of Season 11. The serious bans will be enforced as follows:

The first time a player is detected, they will be restricted from Competitive on console for one week. Players will still have access to Quick Play during this time, and if they cease using the unapproved peripheral, the restriction will eventually expire, and they will be able to resume playing Competitive.

However, if the use of the unapproved peripheral continues, not only will the player be restricted from Competitive on console, but they will be forced to play with other mouse and keyboard players when playing in Quick Play for the entire season. Additionally, these players will no longer have access to the aim-assist feature. They are welcome to continue playing Overwatch 2, but they will be playing against players who use a similar control setup to their own.

If Season 11 seems too far away for those restrictions to be applied, don't worry. In the upcoming weeks, players who are reportedly heavily abusing the use of unapproved peripherals will receive permanent account bans. Soon, everyone will be playing on a fair and equal playing field.

Make sure to play with dignity and enjoy the game just like everyone else. Have fun during Overwatch 2 Season 10! Check our website for more useful and up-to-date Overwatch 2 content.

• Overwatch 2 Season 10 Update: All Hero Changes. New Buffs and Nerfs
• Overwatch 2 Season 10 Full Patch Notes (April 15, 2024)