Overwatch 2 Will Start Cracking Down on Console Players Using Mouse and Keyboard
The Overwatch 2 developers at Blizzard are taking action against players using unapproved peripherals on consoles, such as mouse and keyboard. This particular issue has been affecting the Overwatch 2 community since launch, as keyboard and mouse players on consoles gain a significant advantage against controller users in Quick Play and Competitive.
Overwatch 2 has been updated over time with multiple seasons, hotfixes, and balance adjustments, just like the original Overwatch game. On April 16, Overwatch 2 Season 10 launched with the new Hero Venture, battle pass changes, and much more. The season will last until late June, and Blizzard is cracking down on keyboard and mouse users on consoles leading into the next season.
Overwatch 2 senior game producer Adam Massey and lead gameplay engineer Daniel Razza confirmed that immediate action will be taken against players using keyboard and mouse on consoles. A detection system is in place, allowing Blizzard to catch Overwatch 2 console players using keyboard and mouse or other nefarious tools to gain an unfair advantage. According to Massey and Razza, the detection system was built and refined over the course of multiple seasons in Overwatch 2. Going forward, permanent account bans will be issued within the next few weeks for players using these unapproved peripherals, including XIMs and aim assist tools. Blizzard did not share specific details on how the detection system works in the game, and the developers noted that players using third-party tools and keyboard and mouse would not be given warnings during Overwatch 2 Season 10.
Massey and Razza explain that the use of keyboard and mouse in Overwatch 2 high-ranked play was prevalent, with usage being its highest at the Grand Master and Champion ranks on console. As a result, Blizzard's actions are aimed at encouraging fair play in Competitive's high ranks. Blizzard is also working to ensure that players with accessibility needs are not targeted by the detection system.
