Marvel Rivals is set to launch on December 8th, and on that day, almost 200 accounts will have already been banned.

Clearly, the developers at NetEase are taking this whole cheater thing pretty seriously.

The bans were specifically for "use of third-party unauthorized software & malicious client hacking activities," which, in less professional terms, means being a very naughty nerd.

These bans come from the closed beta that Marvel Rivals conducted some months ago. It looks like they were testing more than just software functionality—it was also a chance to try out their anti-cheat, and they got more than a few hits.

NetEase is already aware of XIM converters - a device used to get keyboard/mouse aiming on consoles, among other things - and was especially interested in purging its use from their game.

In an interview with MP1st, they illustrated their zero-tolerance policy for cheating.

We not only invest significant resources to monitor and analyze battle data and suspend suspicious accounts, but we also dedicate substantial effort to robust server and client security. For example, concerning the XIM converters mentioned above, we have designed a system to identify their behavior, and it currently shows promising accuracy.

It's worth noting that NetEase was also asked about long-term plans and IP bans but gave no comment. The developers of Marvel Rivals are evidently keeping their cards close to their chest.

Similarly, we haven't been told how exactly NetEase was detecting these cheaters. But considering the value of secrecy there, we're unlikely to get that kind of information any time soon.

It's no secret that game devs aren't too fond of cheat devs, especially regarding free-to-play multiplayer experiences.

The nature of multiplayer means that cheating can ruin the game for others, and a zero-dollar price tag means cheaters risk little by being naughty little nerds.

Some developers have been surprisingly creative when it comes to exiling cheaters—Deadlock is perhaps the most recent example.

Others take a less extravagant route, looking to streamline things and speedrun the entire banning process.

In any case, when Marvel Rivals launches, a new front in this eternal war will open up. Only time will tell how well things will go, but if this is any indication, the developers at NetEase will look to stay one step ahead at all times.

Posted: 2 hours, 7 minutes ago
Related Forum: PC Gaming Forum

Source: https://www.dualshockers.com/marvel-rivals-crackdown-cheaters-before-release/