Activision Allows Console Players to Disable PC Crossplay Amid Cheating Surge in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone Ranked

Activision has responded to concerns raised by the Call of Duty community regarding cheating in titles like Black Ops 6 and Warzone. Following the introduction of Ranked Play during the launch of Season 1 last year, reports of cheating surged, leading to widespread frustration among competitive gamers. In response, Activision's Team Ricochet acknowledged shortcomings in their initial efforts to curb cheating, particularly affecting Ranked Play experiences.

Looking ahead, Activision detailed plans to combat cheating in 2025, highlighting over 136,000 Ranked Play account bans since the feature's inception. Season 2 introduces enhanced client and server-side detection mechanisms along with a substantial kernel-level driver update. Future seasons promise advanced technologies aimed at verifying legitimate players while targeting cheaters more effectively. For now, specifics remain undisclosed to avoid aiding potential cheat developers.

Additionally, starting with Season 2, console users participating in Ranked Play will gain the option to disable crossplay, allowing them to compete exclusively against other console players. This move aligns with previous practices among console gamers avoiding crossplay in standard multiplayer modes. While skepticism persists among dedicated fans, Activision remains committed to monitoring the situation and refining its approach based on feedback.

The ongoing battle against cheating extends beyond technological solutions, involving legal actions against cheat creators. Recent court victories underscore Activision's determination to protect its gaming ecosystem. Prior to Black Ops 6's release, the company set ambitious goals for rapid detection and removal of cheaters, leveraging improved anti-cheat tools such as Ricochet's kernel-level driver and sophisticated machine-learning systems designed to detect and counter aim bots swiftly.

Despite these measures, trust within the community remains fragile, reflecting broader challenges faced by publishers striving to maintain fair competition in multiplayer gaming environments.