BlizzardBlizzard is cracking down harder than ever in Overwatch 2, banning over a million cheaters since launch and introducing new systems to censor “offensive” messages.
In an August 29 developer blog, the studio revealed that more than 1,000,000 accounts have been removed for using tools like wall hacks and aimbots.
Not only that, but ever since the devs took aim at console players using third-party mouse and keyboard adapters for an unfair advantage, they’ve taken action over 23,000 times.
Not everything is going as intended though, and as is the case with cheaters, they’ll always find a new way to break the rules.
Blizzard Entertainment“However, we’ve seen a need to adapt to new workarounds and we’re now ready to take more aggressive actions against those who try to circumvent the competitive integrity of our console players,” Blizzard said.
In Season 18, the devs rolled out new tech to help identify players who use third-party peripherals faster and more reliably. They’re also laying down harsher consequences on users of unapproved peripherals, because now, console and PC players are closer than ever.
New controller vs keyboard pools
To level the playing field, Blizzard is separating matchmaking into two pools: Controller Pool (formerly Console Pool) and Mouse and Keyboard Pool (formerly PC Pool).
Console players using mouse and keyboard will be forced into the Mouse and Keyboard Pool, which removes aim assist entirely. If they refuse to switch, their inputs won’t work in gameplay, only in text chat. PC players using controllers, however, will remain in the PC pool for “competitive integrity reasons.”
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Blizzard says this ensures skill ratings and matchmaking stay fair across all platforms.
Blizzard starts censoring Overwatch 2 messages in real-time
Alongside hardware detection, Blizzard is also rolling out what it calls “Real-Time Text Moderation,” a system that automatically filters offensive messages before they reach the chat.
When flagged, the entire message will be hidden from the lobby, though players can choose to reveal it and report if necessary. This tech, which was previously used in World of Warcraft, is now fully active in Overwatch 2.
Blizzard EntertainmentStill, Blizzard warns that toggling the filter off doesn’t give players free rein. Harmful chat can still result in consequences, from accounts being muted to severe penalties such as being permanently banned.
The system will no doubt draw attention, as Overwatch players have a history of unusual bans — including one player who was recently permanently banned for typing “noob,” and another punished for sending harmless phrases like “GG” and “nice shot.”
With Season 18 now in full swing, Blizzard is betting big on these updates to clean up Overwatch 2’s competitive environment, but time will tell how players react.