Bungie, an online game developer, recently announced that it would start monitoring, warning, and even banning users of Destiny 2 who use controller-spoofing XIM hardware or similar to cheat.
Bungie Takes Steps to Combat Third-Party Hardware Adapters
According to the story by The Verge, this is part of the company's push to combat cheaters. With other big online games, like Call of Duty, Overwatch, and even Destiny 2, adopting methods to detect and either mess with or outright ban players using the hardware, Bungie's stance is incredibly important.
The hardware in question usually includes the XIM, Cronus Zen, and ReaSnow S1. These third-party mouse and keyboard interfaces emulate a controller input, giving them the benefits controllers have, like aim assist.
A New Accessibility Boon for Gamers Unfamiliar with Traditional Controllers
However, with the added click of a button, precision, and movement abilities a normal controller can't provide. They can also execute scripts enhancing aim, firing rapidly, and adding unfair advantages.
Bungie's blog post acknowledges that these devices attempt to "enter their villain arc." Still, it also states that the devices are an accessibility boon and should be encouraged when used to enable an experience the game designers intended, especially for those who could not otherwise play the game.
Bungie Sends a Clear Message: Cheaters are Not Welcome
But at the same time, they will take action against those who abuse these tools to gain an advantage over other players. The move by Bungie is sending a clear message to cheaters and those considering using unfair advantage hardware.
Cheaters will no longer be tolerated, and Bungie is sending a strong signal to its players that it's serious about keeping games as fair and as much of a challenge as possible. By taking strong stances against cheaters, Blizzard and Bungie are telling cheaters that they're not welcome in their games.
Confronting Cheaters: Bungie's $4.3 Million Anti-Cheating Lawsuit
It's yet to be seen whether their stance will have any effect, but so far, players are hoping that the consequences for cheaters are far-reaching enough to discourage future cheaters. Previously, Bungie won a $4.3 million anti-cheating lawsuit, per IGN.
The studio has also put measures in place to restore the game's competitive balance and ensure that all enjoy the game experience, regardless of their platform or device. The use of cheat software or hardware can completely change the nature of the game, and as a result, so must the measures are taken to combat it.
Bungie's Effort to Ensure an Equitable Gaming Experience
Bungie believes taking a stance on controller-spoofing XIM hardware will help restore the game's competitive integrity and return the game to the intended playing field. In the highly competitive online gaming world, it is essential to maintain a level playing field for all players.
Cheating has long been a problem for the gaming industry, and Bungie has taken an important step in its effort to ensure that all players are playing fairly and enjoying the game experience.
