Three months after the launch of Arc Raiders, the game from Embark Studios has managed to maintain high user numbers, but it faces a growing problem with cheaters that threatens the experience of players, especially those focused on PvP. Although the aggression-based matchmaking system was initially seen as an innovation, it has allowed cheaters to concentrate in limited matches, increasing the perception that the game is plagued by hackers.
Cheaters and elite players all together
Several renowned streamers, including the influential Ninja, have expressed their frustration with this situation. Ninja pointed out that “99% of players are not even remotely close to encountering a fraction of the amount of cheaters that we encounter,” suggesting that the complaints of serious players fall on deaf ears. His testimony reflects a widespread discontent among the game’s competitors, who are forced to deal with cheating in an environment that should be competitive.
The problem of cheaters is not exclusive to Arc Raiders; other popular titles like Escape from Tarkov and CS2 are also facing a wave of hacking that affects their community. Players are looking to participate in sessions with fewer cheaters, but the current matchmaking exacerbates the situation by grouping cheaters in more aggressive ‘lobbies’. This leads to a frustrating experience for users who want to enjoy PvP without the negative impact of hackers.
As the industry advances, the question arises: should developers come together to combat this common threat? There are reports of players willing to pay up to 60 euros a month for cheating software, raising significant concerns about the future of competitive video games. The community seems unanimous in pointing out that coordinated action is needed to address this issue that continues to affect online shooters in general.