Permanent bans are imposed on the most severe XIM users.
There are cheats in Overwatch 2, just like there are in a lot of other multiplayer games in general. The problem is not limited to the personal computer, as cheaters make use of technologies such as aimbots. A number of individuals make use of XIM devices in order to play video games on consoles using a keyboard and mouse (KBM). This violates the criteria that Blizzard has established, as players who use a controller have a tendency to have a better aim than those who use a keyboard and mouse, despite the fact that the console versions of the game include features such as aim help. The developer is finally taking action to address the XIM issue, despite the fact that it took some time because of the delay in getting things started.
The consoles are fooled into thinking that the KBM users are using a controller when they are actually using XIM devices. In spite of this, Blizzard has stated in a blog post that it has been able to identify KBM players on consoles during the course of the most recent several seasons of Overwatch 2. It has been discovered that the problem of cheating is more widespread among players who are further up in the rankings. According to the developers, the use of products that are considered to be prohibited peripherals is “very rare” in lower ranks.
The most extreme users of unauthorized peripherals will be subject to permanent bans from Blizzard throughout the current season, which began this week because it is the beginning of the season. Those who are breaking the rules will be identified through the use of reports from other players as well as data collected by the organization itself.
From the beginning of Season 11, which is anticipated to begin in June, the developers will begin to address the problem on a more comprehensive basis. If it is discovered that a console player is utilizing a device that is not authorized for use on consoles, that player will be prohibited from participating in Competitive modes for a period of one week. As long as they continue to use KBM or other peripherals that are not authorized in casual modes, they will be subject to a suspension for the whole season in Competitive mode, they will only be able to play with other KBM users in Quick Play, and they will lose access to features that provide aim assistance. It is all done in the name of impartiality.
However, there are worries with accessibility in this regard, as there are individuals who just are unable to play games using a regular controller. An official statement from Blizzard states that the company has “done everything in its power to ensure that players with accessibility needs will be less likely to trigger our detection.” Individuals who have accessibility needs will still be able to land a sick Earthshatter or continue to heal their teammates, according to the developers, who have stated that they would continue to adapt their enforcement measures.
Having said all of that, Blizzard is now investigating the possibility of incorporating official KBM support on consoles. This would allow players to play the game in this manner without having a detrimental influence on controller gamers. As things currently stand, gamers on consoles and players on personal computers are divided into distinct pools for competitive play. In order to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, Blizzard would have to mix console gamers who want to use a keyboard and mouse into games with other players who use a keyboard and mouse but do not have aim help.
This issue with XIM is not precisely a new one. During the previous year, the Overwatch 2 creators’ colleagues at Activision began banning Call of Duty players who fake input devices (or simply meddle with them, as is customary). Users of XIM have also been targeted by Ubisoft and Epic in their respective games, Rainbow Six: Siege and Fortnite.
More efforts are being made by Blizzard on various fronts in an effort to maintain Overwatch 2 as a game that is more entertaining and fair for the majority of players. It is adopting a more firm position against toxic behavior in voice and text chat, as well as increasing the severity of the punishments for players who abandon the game in the middle of a match.
It has come to light this week that gamers of Overwatch 2 have been banned for using profanity, which has caused a stir in the gaming community. It is true that those who use slurs or threaten others should be subject to appropriate sanctions; nevertheless, it appears that it is some kind of BS to kick players out of a game that has profanity filters for some trash talk that is mildly spicy.