Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Bungie is implementing a zero-tolerance policy towards cheaters in their new game, Marathon, with permanent bans without appeal.
- The studio has rebuilt its security infrastructure from the ground up to combat cheating, utilizing dedicated and authoritative servers, a Fog of War system, BattlEye, and behavioral analysis.
- Bungie will provide an appeals process for players who believe they have been wrongly banned, and is also offering an open Server Slam testing period from February 26 to March 2.
- The gaming industry may look towards Bungies efforts as a model for investing in preemptive security measures, potentially using machine learning algorithms to detect suspicious behavior in real time.
Recommended products
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Shortly before the launch of Marathon, Bungie’s new extraction shooter, the studio announced a zero-tolerance policy for cheaters, who will be permanently banned from the game without appeal. This initiative addresses community concerns, particularly those arising from security issues in Arc Raiders, and signals a commitment to ensuring fair gameplay in Marathon from its launch. Some observers, like Jamie Hore, suggest that Bungie is also highlighting shortcomings in Arc Raiders to build support for Marathon, especially among hardcore shooter fans. In an official blog post and social media announcement, the Destiny creator outlined its primary goal: to maintain a clean and competitive environment by eliminating unfair advantages gained through wallhacks, aimbots, and other exploits. This proactive approach emphasizes fairness as a core element of Marathon. Marathon, scheduled for release on March 5, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, features a science-fiction setting and a protagonist designed as an android with black and white face markings, red glowing eyes, and a hood. To combat cheating, Bungie has rebuilt its security infrastructure from the ground up, employing a multi-layered system that includes:
Dedicated and Authoritative Servers: These servers maintain complete control over combat and loot distribution, overriding any attempts by players to manipulate game data on their own devices. Fog of War System: This innovative server-side tool restricts the map information available to players, neutralizing common cheats that reveal enemy or loot locations at a distance. BattlEye and Behavioral Analysis: The game will use the BattlEye anti-fraud system in conjunction with machine learning to identify unusual behavior. Bungie has also strengthened its BattleEye security systems with both usermode and kernelmode components. Security analysts will investigate any suspicious data that bypasses these initial defenses. This comprehensive approach reflects Bungie’s commitment to preventing cheating in a genre where each match is high-stakes, and progression involves risk and investment. Bungie’s ability to foster player trust will depend on the effectiveness of these systems. The gaming industry may look to Bungie’s efforts as a model for investing in preemptive security measures, potentially using machine learning algorithms to detect suspicious behavior in real time.
Bungie’s Anti-Cheat Measures and Appeals Process in Marathon
While acknowledging that no system is foolproof, Bungie will provide an appeals process for players who believe they have been wrongly banned. Players can test the game and its new servers in the open Server Slam from February 26 to March 2. As a basic measure, keeping operating systems and graphics drivers updated provides a first line of defense against malware used for cheating.
In Case You Missed It
Intrigued by the local gaming scene? Mark your calendars for March 14th, as Brazilian Game Developers gather for a free event in São Paulo, organized by Wilmers Events. Author Jonathan Dubinski highlights this exciting occasion where 21 independent Brazilian game developers will showcase their latest creations, from survival horror to retro-inspired titles. Don’t miss the chance to play, interact, and provide valuable feedback while enjoying a diverse range of gaming experiences, all for a good cause with free entry encouraging food donations for those in need Brazilian Game Developers Gather for Free Event in São Paulo. Meanwhile, in the spirit of empowering our youth in today’s digital age, Carlos Mendoza’s latest piece explores an innovative project by young apprentices who created an engaging 2D adventure game, “Lelê and the Threats in the Metaverse”, to teach adolescents about online safety. Published just last week, this insightful article reveals how the game tackles sensitive issues like non-consensual exposure with offline access and subtitled dialogues for inclusivity UFSC Project Launches Educational Game on Digital Security for Youth and Teenagers. Speaking of powerful women in gaming, have you seen the latest photos of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft on the set of Amazon’s live-action Tomb Raider? Marcus Thompson’s piece from February 20th delves into these revealing shots that hint at a fresh take on the iconic heroine. Head over to check it out Sophie Turner’s New Pictures as Lara Croft on Set of Amazon’s Live-Action Tomb Raider Reveal a Different Look.
Have any thoughts?
Share your reaction or leave a quick response — we’d love to hear what you think!
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
