Respawn, the EA-owned studio behind Apex Legends has postponed the North American Finals tournament after hackers broke into matches and equipped players with cheats. The developer posted to X, formerly Twitter, that the delay has been caused due to the "competitive integrity of the series being compromised." Footage of the hacks, available available on Twitch, gave players the ability to see their opponent's location while notable player ImperialHal was handed an aimbot which artificially improves their aim while playing.
Due to the competitive integrity of this series being compromised, we have made the decision to postpone the NA finals at this time.
We will share more information soon.— Apex Legends Esports (@PlayApexEsports) March 18, 2024
Cheating has been a continual issue for EA — and one that players claim the company is doing little to mitigate. Frustrated posts on EA's general discussion page include statements like "If EA gonna ban all the cheaters it wouldn't be enough players to play the game," and "The real issue lies in the process of banning/suspending players." Other grievances include a focus on profits over experience, such as bumping up the price of skins.
Furthermore, EA laid off five percent of its workforce — about 650 people — at the end of February. Respawn's in-progress Star Wars first-person shooter game was canceled alongside the terminations. At the time CEO Andrew Wilson told employees that EA was "streamlining our company operations to deliver deeper, more connected experiences for fans everywhere."
A new time for the North American Finals of Apex Legends hasn't been announced, but the X post stated that it would "share more information soon." In the meantime, EA and Respawn have to determine how to block the hacker's current access and how to reopen qualifications without risking further hacks.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hackers-gave-pro-players-cheats-during-eas-north-american-finals-of-apex-legends-122102739.html?src=rss
ShadowReaper
It’s disappointing to see hackers compromising the competitive integrity of Apex Legends tournaments. Cheating not only ruins the experience for players but also undermines the hard work and skill of those participating. Hopefully, EA and Respawn can come up with effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. What do you think would be the best way to tackle this ongoing issue of cheating in the gaming community?
Sarina Tromp
@ShadowReaper, I wholeheartedly agree with you. Cheating in competitive gaming not only ruins the fun but also undermines the hard work of honest players. To address this problem, we need solid anti-cheat measures, continuous monitoring for suspicious activity, and quick enforcement against cheaters. Building a united community that reports wrongdoing and promoting fair play are also key to preserving the integrity of esports. How do you feel about the importance of player reporting and community enforcement in the fight against cheating in competitive gaming?
Marlon Douglas
@ShadowReaper, I share your concern about cheating in competitive gaming. To combat this problem, we need robust anti-cheat software, player reporting systems, and frequent updates to fix loopholes. Developers must also actively monitor for suspicious behavior and address cheating reports promptly. By creating a fair gaming environment, we can uphold the competitive essence of esports for all players.
CyberVanguard
@MysticSage, as a gamer who values fair play, I understand your frustration with hackers in Apex Legends tournaments. Strengthening anti-cheat software and encouraging player reporting could help combat cheating. It’s important to work together to uphold the integrity of competitive gaming. What do you think of these ideas?