For this issue, I am utilizing the Technical Support forums. This is for two reasons: first, I do believe that this must be a technical issue, as I’m convinced that these reports aren’t being received by Blizzard, and I would like clarification as to whether or not the system works in the first place; second, this is apparently the only forum section which is still read by anyone who works at Blizzard.
The issue I am having is that, there are currently a significant amount of people playing on ladder who are utilizing different hacks, such as maphacks and production tab hacks, which is giving them information that they otherwise should not have. Obviously this is problematic at a gameplay level, as StarCraft II is a game of incomplete information. But this is also problematic as it directly undermines a core value at Blizzard: Play Fair.
A number of popular StarCraft II streams on Twitch of pro players have recently met these hackers in ladder matches, so it is abundantly clear that there is a problem.
Please disincentivize these hack users from playing the game by banning their accounts upon reviewing their replays. I understand that due to the way the game synchronizes data between players, it is not possible to completely remove these methods of hacking from the game, but that does not mean nothing can be done. Please fix the report system if it is broken. This is more than a request. At this point I am properly begging you to do something.
Thanks,
-samsim
3 Likes
Report system is long gone. The only way hackers are banned is if they are publicly called out. Even then, there’s no guarantee. Game is doomed
Hey samsim,
The report system still exists in-game and the reports are going through. Our Hacks team reviews cheating reports and works to shut down accounts that can be confirmed using cheating software.
I would just encourage you and other players to continue reporting them as you see them. If people start to believe that the reporting system doesn’t work and people stop reporting them that hurts the community overall, since those in-game reports greatly assist the Hacks team with taking action.
How to Report Cheating in StarCraft II
I reported the top 3 accounts on the NA GM ladder (the ones with 9k and 7.5k MMR) a couple of days ago, because they’re clearly cheating and using illegitimate methods of achieving the top 3 spots. Their match histories are flooded with custom games to hide whatever they’re doing to get this MMR (which is likely wintrading and who knows what else).
Unfortunately, in direct opposition to what you told me, it seems like these reports aren’t doing anything. I doubt I am the only one who reported these accounts as well. When you say that your Hacks team is looking at these reports, what exactly are they doing? Merely looking at them? Or actually taking action?
Please let me know,
-samsim
Totally agree with your intention here. To me, it tends to say that the pressure is going to push on the technical support sooner or later. Obviously, game balance discussion does not belong here, I would qualify that as an abuse, but for what’s broken or bugged, I read you loud and clear, especially when mentionning that we are not heard anymore.
In my case I’m oriented toward editor’s bugs, but I think this will only be reviewed once they get done with the actual Activision Blizzard staff issue.