Embark Studios Introduces Progressive Anti-Cheat Policy for ARC Raiders
Embark Studios is rolling out a new anti-cheat policy for its game, ARC Raiders, implementing a three-strike progressive ban system to combat in-game cheating.
New Three-Strike System Unveiled
Under the new policy, players found cheating will face escalating consequences:
- A 30-day ban will be issued for a first offense.
- A second infraction will result in a 60-day ban.
- Repeat offenders who reach their third strike will receive a permanent ban from the game.
Addressing a Persistent Problem in ARC Raiders
The implementation of this policy comes in response to significant cheating issues within ARC Raiders. The problem is particularly acute given the game's high stakes, where players forfeit their entire loadout upon defeat. Both the general player base and prominent streamers have vocally highlighted the pervasive nature of cheating in the game.
Community Calls for 'Zero Tolerance'
Initial reactions from the ARC Raiders player community suggest a strong preference for a much stricter "zero tolerance" approach. Many players advocate for immediate permanent bans for cheaters, arguing against any system that allows for multiple chances.
The common argument against the three-strike system is that it allows cheaters multiple opportunities to continue disrupting the game.
Balancing Detection Accuracy and Deterrence
A key counterargument to immediate permabans revolves around the potential for false positives in automated cheat-detection systems. Proponents of progressive ban systems suggest that this tiered approach helps mitigate the risk of a legitimate player receiving a permanent ban due to an erroneous detection, as it would be highly unlikely for such a player to be falsely flagged on multiple occasions.
Anti-cheat policies vary across the gaming industry. Battlefield 6 reportedly employs a "zero tolerance" system, while Marvel Rivals once famously issued a 100-year ban. Many games state that cheating "can lead to a permanent ban" without detailing a fixed number of offenses. The overall effectiveness of any ban system, however, can be limited if cheaters are able to easily create new accounts to circumvent penalties.
The new policy for ARC Raiders is currently in the process of being fully implemented, and its eventual impact on the live game environment remains to be observed.