Video Game Anti Cheats
Ever since we can remember, there has been a battle raging between cheaters and Anti-Cheats applications, which we don’t think will end anytime soon. But why? Well, this is exactly what we are going to be talking about today. But before that, it’s important to learn more about Anti-Cheats and how they operate.
What is an Anti-Cheat?
From the name, you can pretty much understand what it means. It’s something that counters cheats in video games, and well, it’s that and more. An Anti-Cheats is a specially designed software that detects and bans users from using cheats, exploits, and third-party applications that grant players unfair advantages in the game, mostly when the game features a multiplayer element.
TYPES OF ANTI-CHEATS
Now, there are two types of Anti-Cheats, client-side and server-side. Client-side Anti Cheat (<- good article) software are detection tools installed on one’s computer that continuously scan the user’s game files for any file additions or changes. If the software detects anything, it will flag the system, restricting that person from either starting the game or blocking him off from playing completely.
Since most cheats or hacks inject codes or files in the game’s directory, this method of countering cheats is quite effective. And most big titles often use such Anti-Cheats to better protect their player base, which is why most free hacks usually get banned instantly. The problem arises when one uses paid, or private hacks as the codes for those are constantly being changed, and such client-side Anti-cheats can’t cope with such frequent code fluctuations.
So, what then? Well, there are also server-side Anti-Cheats. These are relatively new and are becoming more and more popular in the video game industry, especially in games with a competitive multiplayer element attached to them. As the name suggests, the Anti-Cheat runs primarily on the game’s server rather than the user’s computer. Because of this, the Anti-Cheat is quicker, upgrades frequently, and adds in a secondary layer of security as it turns on as soon as the game starts running.
Furthermore, since it’s working inside the game, it better tracks the players, and if anything seems off, its flags the user for a closer inspection. This hastens the entire detection and banning process, which is quite the issue in client-side Anti-Cheats.
Why Are Hacks Still An Issue In 2021?
Well, to be honest, we don’t know. We understand that people that develop these hacks and cheats are also learning and figuring out new ways to blindsight Anti-Cheats, but if only the same effort was put into upgrading Anti-Cheats, the video game industry would be much better off.
Just take Call of Duty Warzone, for example, we know that the developers are doing their best to counter the massive hacking issue within the game, but they can take a more aggressive stance and not only ban accounts but ban the actual hardware in use (Yes, that’s possible). Many developers have taken this approach and have been successful in getting rid of hackers from their game.