anti-cheat measures Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

“Congrats to the owners of a brand new $6k paperweight”: Valorant dev Riot makes players think Vanguard anti-cheat will brick their PCs, causing uproar — here’s what’s really happening

Valorant's anti-cheat system, Vanguard, has been controversial due to its interference with DMA firmware devices, which are used to cheat in the game. Riot Games posted a message suggesting that Vanguard was making these devices unusable, leading to backlash from the gaming community. Riot clarified that Vanguard does not damage hardware or disable devices but prevents DMA cheat devices from functioning while IOMMU protections are enabled. Players not using DMA devices are not affected. The situation has sparked debate about the balance between anti-cheat measures and their impact on hardware.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Valorant’s new Vanguard update seems to be bricking cheaters’ PCs. Riot’s response? “Congrats on your $6k paperweights”

Riot Games' Vanguard anti-cheat system, introduced with Valorant and later integrated into League of Legends in 2024, operates at a kernel level, raising concerns about potential damage to players' PCs. Issues arose when streamer Nick 'LS' De Cesare experienced computer problems after a Vanguard update. The latest version of Vanguard reportedly made some cheaters' computers inoperable, requiring a complete operating system reinstall. Players must have Vanguard installed to access Riot's games, and the system now blocks most DMA firmware, which is used to mask cheats. Vanguard can activate even without Valorant installed, and if it detects DMA firmware, the only solution is a Windows reinstall. Riot Games acknowledged the complaints humorously, highlighting the frustrations of affected users. The kernel-level operation of Vanguard raises concerns about the risk of damaging personal computers due to misidentification, and legal discussions about its implications are ongoing. Players who do not want to use Vanguard cannot access Riot's games.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

The next big Arc Raiders update isn’t until October, but some serious stash relief lands next week

Embark Studios is shifting its development strategy for Arc Raiders from a monthly update cycle to biannual major updates, with the first scheduled for October 2026. This change aims to allow for deeper game enhancements while maintaining regular live updates and support. The upcoming October update, titled Frozen Trail, will introduce the largest map to date, new progression goals, enhancements to the skill tree, and a new trader at level 25 offering unique rewards and extra stash space. The update will also explore the lore of the Arc and address community inquiries.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Arc Raiders studio confirms AI anti-cheat is tracking player behavior

Embark Studios has implemented new anti-cheat measures for Arc Raiders, utilizing machine learning and a kernel-level detection system to identify and eliminate cheating behaviors. The studio emphasizes human review of ban appeals, despite automated processes, to ensure fairness. They are also addressing the misuse of accessibility devices by analyzing gameplay patterns to distinguish between legitimate use and cheating. The studio acknowledges the ongoing refinement of these systems and the importance of human oversight in the appeal process. Additionally, while they have reduced reliance on AI for content creation, they see its application in combating cheating as beneficial for maintaining a fair gaming environment.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Rocket League has a new Easy Anti-Cheat addition, and it still works on the Steam Deck — it’s about time for other game Devs to follow suit

Psyonix has integrated Easy Anti-Cheat into Rocket League while supporting Linux platforms. Although Rocket League is no longer available on Steam, it can still be played on SteamOS through the Epic Games platform using Proton for compatibility. Other titles like Battlefield 6, Call of Duty, and EA Sports FC 26 are not accessible on SteamOS due to compatibility issues with anti-cheat systems. Psyonix's efforts may encourage other developers to improve Linux support. Emerging titles like Splitgate: Arena Reloaded and Rocket League are contributing to broader Linux compatibility, but challenges remain due to some publishers' reluctance to invest in these solutions.

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

Arc Raiders’ Riven Tides update didn’t fix the game’s biggest problem: Cheaters

The Riven Tides update for Arc Raiders introduced a new map and the Turbine threat but did not resolve ongoing cheating issues, leading to player dissatisfaction, including Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins' departure from the game. Since its launch in October 2025, player engagement has declined, with the average player count dropping from 241,000 in January 2026 to 76,000 in April 2026. Cheating has become widespread, affecting many players and compromising gameplay integrity. Embark Studios has acknowledged the problem and is working on solutions, but community frustration is growing, with many players leaving the game.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Slay the Spire 2 patch notes arrive for all, meaning an easier early game but harder infinites

The latest patch for Slay the Spire 2 has transitioned from beta to the main game, introducing several enhancements. Players can now experience improved map generation, a more forgiving Act One, and five new Neow relics: Hefty Tablet, Neow's Talisman, Phial Holster, Winged Boots, and Neow's Bones. Elite enemies appear one floor later, and rebalancing has adjusted foes like the Skulking Colony and Byrdonis. The Act Three boss, Doormaker, has been redesigned with a unique setup and three phases: Hunger, Scrutiny, and Grasp. All five classes have been rebalanced, with new cards introduced, such as Not Yet, Blade of Ink, Regent's Arsenal, and Borrowed Time. Shop relic prices have been reduced, and gold-generating relics are no longer available for purchase. Ascension level six now features 'Inflation,' increasing card removal costs. The patch also includes new art, visual effects, a 'Phobia mode,' and Badges for achievements. Achievements and epochs cannot be unlocked during daily and custom runs, and the main and beta branches will maintain separate records. The patch 0.103.2 is now live for all versions of the game.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

Extraction shooter Sand delayed from March as Ukrainian developer cites ‘a difficult few months’ with ‘severe power outages and air alert disruptions’

Hologryph announced that their game, Sand: Raiders of Sophie, will not be released in March due to ongoing challenges in Ukraine, such as power outages and air alerts. The developers are focused on refining key features, including enhancements to PvE mobs, server physics and performance, anti-cheat measures, and expanding the weapon arsenal. They plan to use the additional development time to incorporate feedback from playtests. A new release date has not been set, but the team will provide another update soon, including details about a community engagement event.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Play Faster, a Precision Platformer Purpose-Built for Speedrunning, Announced for PC

Play Faster is a minimalist precision platformer designed for speedrunning, currently in development for PC by GoBlimp and published by Byzantium. It features tools for speedrunners, including an input display, replay system, instant retries, practice mode, and anti-cheat measures. The game focuses on short runs lasting 5 to 8 minutes, emphasizing deterministic movement and player skill. A trailer and screenshots are available, and players can add it to their Steam wishlist.

AppWizard

March 7, 2026

Admittedly over the top WW1 shooter is out now, and it’s the one time the question of an anti-cheat solution sounds ridiculous

Over The Top: WWI is a World War I shooter that allows up to 200 players to engage in chaotic combat, focusing on enjoyment rather than historical accuracy. The game features a whimsical aesthetic and encourages camaraderie and humor. Developers believe stringent anti-cheat measures are unnecessary, as critical game functions are server-controlled, reducing the impact of common hacks. The chaotic gameplay makes traditional competitive integrity less relevant, as the unpredictability of combat and the large number of players diminish the effectiveness of cheats.