Activision Reports 97% Cheater Detection Rate in Black Ops 7 Beta, Vows Continued Crackdown
Activision has revealed a remarkably high success rate in identifying and removing cheaters from the recent Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 multiplayer beta, signaling a proactive stance against unfair play as the game approaches its full launch. The company shared data points indicating that 97% of detected cheaters were stopped within 30 minutes of logging into the early-access beta, demonstrating the effectiveness of upgraded anti-cheat systems.
The prevalence of cheating in popular online games like Call of Duty is a persistent challenge, given the game’s expansive player base and the ingenuity of those seeking to exploit it. However, Activision’s anti-cheat team, Ricochet, appears to be making significant strides. According to a company release, fewer than 1% of individuals attempting to cheat actually gained access to a match, and those who did were swiftly removed “within minutes.”
“Cheaters were expected,” a representative from Ricochet stated. “But our upgraded systems caught them faster than ever, powered by strengthened TPM 2.0 checks and automated systems helping to eliminate a large number of attempts to cheat.”
Activision acknowledged that footage of cheating circulating online may have led some to believe the beta was overrun with malicious actors. However, the company clarified that action had already been taken against the majority of those accounts before the clips were shared on social media.
The developer emphasized a commitment to ongoing vigilance and improvement. “We’re watching closely, acting in real time, and learning from every attempt,” the release continued. “And this is just the beginning. When launch arrives, every layer of protection will be in full force, and Ricochet anti-cheat’s defenses will only grow stronger.”
Beyond in-game enforcement, Activision is taking a more aggressive approach to combating cheating by targeting the source. The company stated it has directly contributed to the closure of over 40 cheat developers and resellers since the launch of Black Ops 6. “Vendors sharing clips during beta were already on our radar and we will pursue them beyond in-game enforcement,” Activision confirmed.
The implementation of Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) and Secure Boot requirements for the beta, while acknowledged as potentially “disruptive” by Activision, are presented as necessary measures to “help ensure a secure, fair experience for every player, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we strengthen PC protections.”
In addition to enhanced security measures, Activision has responded to player feedback by adding a non-Skill Based Matchmaking (SBMM) playlist to the Black Ops 7 beta, now open to all players following the early-access period. These combined efforts demonstrate a dedication to both protecting the integrity of the game and enhancing the player experience as Black Ops 7 prepares for its official release.
