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.

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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.

Blizzard Issuing Bans for Overwatch 2 Console Players Using Keyboard and Mouse

• Unapproved peripherals will be spotted by Blizzard’s new in-game detection system.
• Permanent account bans without warning for severe abusers in Season 10
• A two-phase detection system will be implemented in Season 11:
  • The first infraction restricts Competitive play for one week.
  • The second infraction restricts player to Quick Play with other keyboard and mouse players only.

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.

In Overwatch 2 Season 11, any players using unapproved peripherals will be targeted in two phases. Firstly, the player will be restricted from Overwatch 2’s Competitive mode on consoles for one week if an unapproved peripheral is detected. If they cease to use the peripheral completely, the restriction will expire after one week and access to Competitive will be restored. Players who continue to use keyboard and mouse will be restricted from Competitive and forced to play with other keyboard and mouse users in Quick Play for the remainder of the season.

Lastly, Massey and Razza address the community’s desire for official keyboard and mouse support in the console versions of Overwatch 2. Blizzard is currently discussing how to introduce keyboard and mouse support without giving an unfair advantage against controller users. The developers will share more details about the game’s peripheral detection system and any other developments at a later date.

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is Blizzard’s free-to-play team-based first-person shooter. The title features some new heroes like Junker Queen and Sojourn, as well as returning favorites.

Franchise

Overwatch

Released

October 4, 2022