Overwatch 2 bans console cheaters using mouse and keyboard

Overwatch 2 just released a new developer blog. This time, senior game producer Adam Massey and lead gameplay engineer Daniel Razza addressed the use of unapproved peripherals such as XIM devices in Overwatch 2. Read on for how Overwatch 2 is addressing console mouse and keyboard cheaters.

Starting in Overwatch 2 Season 11, players using unapproved peripherals such as XIM on console will be restricted from Competitive on console for one week. Quick Play will still be available. However, if players keep using unapproved peripherals, then they will be forced to play with mouse and keyboard players in Quick Play for the entire season.

"Additionally, these players will no longer have access to the aim-assist feature," the post continued. "They are welcome to continue playing Overwatch 2, but they will be playing against players who use a similar control setup to their own."

A XIM is an example of a device that lets a console player use their mouse and keyboard to gain an unfair advantage in Overwatch 2. Ximming refers to the action of using a XIM.

In terms of players using unapproved peripherals before Overwatch 2 Season 11, the most severe abusers of them will get permanent account bans. According to Massey and Razza, the only way to prevent these bans is to stop using unapproved peripherals immediately.

Unapproved peripherals in this particular context refers to devices that allow console players to use a mouse and keyboard. These devices trick consoles into thinking that inputs are from a controller instead. While some Overwatch 2 players use different peripherals for the sake of accessibility, other players take advantage of the aim assist capability on consoles.

"Based on our data from the past few seasons, usage of unapproved peripherals is highly apparent in high-ranked play, typically at Grand Master or Champion rank being the highest, while usage of unapproved peripherals between Bronze and Platinum ranks was very rare," the post also revealed. "For this reason, the actions we take will be primarily targeted to help ensure fair play at higher ranks."

Blizzard acknowledged that there are some Overwatch 2 players who use unapproved peripherals for accessibility purposes.

"So, we have started discussing whether we can add official mouse-and-keyboard support to consoles in a way that doesn’t give these players an unfair advantage over their controller counterparts," the blog stated.

That's all for now. Stick around on esports.gg for more news and updates.