Hey guys. I was recently banned from Overwatch 2. Support has told me that it was because “usage of third-party programs that exploit, hack and automate the gameplay” was detected on my account. I can assure you that I would never do something like that, but whether you want to believe me or not is up to you. Now, after some thinking, I think I may understand what Blizzard considers to be an “exploit.” I recently ordered a Gamesense keyboard (mind you, this was a keyboard I had seen a Twitch streamer using), and after downloading the Gamesense software for the keyboard that allows me to change lighting, gaming modes, etc., I noticed there was a tab called “Macros”. I know that the use of macros is something that can definitely get you banned, but I assure you that I did not buy this keyboard for that reason (I actually bought it because of the Gateron yellow switches). I know this is starting to get long, so let me just ask the question. Does having software on your computer that allows you to use macros still count as an exploit/hack even if you aren’t using the macros?
Unless something on it is triggering false positive detection I doubt you will get banned for just having it.
The game should have its way to detect when a macro is actually used.
If you are using 1 button for 1 action you should be good.
Most mice and gaming keyboards have settings for macros in them, so id assume that blizzard has already factored that in. If you did set up some macros, even unintentionally maybe that would cause a ban?
You do not get banned for simply having macro software installed or running. If so, everyone who has Logitech G, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCue, Steelseries GG, AutoHotkey, etc installed and or running would not be playing overwatch rn.
You only get banned for using macro software. Which I feel like you’re leaving something out here.
I have never used macro software in my life. These are the only types of macros that I am aware of. Based on the responses under this post, I’m starting to believe that someone may have just hacked my account and used cheats, which is surprising considering I already had 2FA setup as well as the Authenticator app. Support doesn’t seem to believe me either, so I think I’m just going to have to restart.
I have an old Logitech keyboard with 5 programmable macro buttons on it. I even set some up to spam jump jump crouch for Borderlands: The Presequel in order to farm the butt slam rank whenever my friends were standing around in town while deciding what we should do next.
I used the same keyboard for Overwatch for years, and OW2 for a few weeks, and never had any kind of issue with it. Even though I’m fairly certain that macro was still technically active even though I never purposefully used it, since all it did was spam space and crouch.
But as a lot of people have pointed out, lots of gaming mice and keyboards have macro buttons, and the ability to macro them, without threads upon threads of people complaining about being banned for third party programs. So it could be some kind of false-positive, but I don’t think the culprit was your keyboard.
If you have macros that are 1:1 keybinds, you’ll be fine. (ETC Corsair K95 G1 bound as a mute button/ult).
The problem occurs when macros are bound to simulate actions.
If you did this, you may face penalties. Though if you say you didn’t, then I’m gonna say you’re either not being forthcoming with details or you have software installed that may be registered as exploitative.
I know it’s hard to trust the words of a stranger online, but I honestly have no idea what macro software even is. I’m relatively new to PC Overwatch because I’ve been playing on Xbox for about 2 years.
Nearly all modern gaming kb/m software has macro functionality, including the mainstream brands like Razer and Logitech. I’ve been using both among others for OW’s lifespan. It’s fine. Just don’t use macros themselves.
I have a macro on my mouse for alt tab to go to a tab on my second monitor where I have videos/music while waiting in queue so it’s technically active and I’ve used it while playing so I can change music and stuff and nothing’s happened. I think it’s something deeper than your keyboard software. Most notably, if you aren’t assuring us enough and might have another hack running. Maybe Clara installed it (IDK if anyone will get that joke).