Riot Games Analyst Offers Insights on Call of Duty’s Cheating Problem

A Riot Games analyst, specializing in the Vanguard anti-cheat system for Valorant, has shared their perspective on the persistent cheating issues troubling the Call of Duty series. With Activision's Ricochet anti-cheat software struggling to keep up with sophisticated hacks, the analyst provided recommendations to enhance the franchise’s defenses and ensure fairer gameplay.

Cheating in Call of Duty: A Persistent Issue

Cheating has long plagued Call of Duty, despite ongoing efforts by developers to implement countermeasures. Cheaters continue to exploit vulnerabilities, frustrating the player base. A recent example is the Ranked Play mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, where players compete for ranks and rewards. Unfortunately, this mode has reportedly been overrun by aimbots and wallhacks, undermining the competitive environment and leaving many players disillusioned.

Vanguard vs. Ricochet: Learning from the Competition

Riot Games’ Vanguard anti-cheat system is widely regarded as more robust than Ricochet. A Vanguard analyst recently highlighted ways to improve Ricochet, suggesting a shift away from over-reliance on AI methods such as data heuristics and aim-detection models. While acknowledging that AI has its uses, they stated it "does not fully address the core problem."

Instead, they proposed leveraging Ricochet’s kernel-level driver more effectively to directly detect and counter locally running cheats. This approach doesn’t require additional start or boot drivers and could significantly enhance the system’s ability to target and neutralize cheaters. According to the analyst, Activision already possesses the necessary tools but needs to utilize them more strategically to tackle the issue at its source.

Crossplay Challenges and Player Safety

The analyst also raised concerns about crossplay in Call of Duty, which places console players in competitive environments alongside PC players where cheating is more prevalent. They suggested enforcing Windows-level security features similar to those found on Xbox and PlayStation to ensure a safer and more balanced experience for all players.

While conceding that cheating can never be entirely eliminated, the analyst emphasized the importance of reducing it to levels that don’t compromise the integrity of competitive play. Riot’s approach has proven effective, with a recent study ranking Valorant as the game with the most successful anti-cheat measures.

What’s Next for Call of Duty?

Although it’s uncertain when Call of Duty will see significant progress in addressing its cheating issues, the franchise remains committed to improvement. For instance, Treyarch recently announced ongoing efforts to enhance anti-cheat measures in Black Ops 6’s Ranked Play mode. As developers refine their strategies, players can only hope for a more secure and enjoyable gaming experience in future updates.