MW3’s cheater spike proves the Activision/Microsoft merger didn’t just ruin Game Pass, but Call of Duty itself

MW3’s cheater spike proves the Activision/Microsoft merger didn’t just ruin Game Pass, but Call of Duty itself

As a long-time fan of the Call of Duty series, I’m disappointed to see that Modern Warfare 3’s recent addition to Xbox Game Pass has been marred by a significant increase in cheaters and bots. This issue has negatively impacted my gaming experience and that of many other players, making it difficult to enjoy the game as intended.


In simpler terms, Xbox Game Pass users have been experiencing an onslaught of cheaters since Modern Warfare 3 was added to the platform. This has created significant problems for players who were previously enjoying the game, although their numbers have dwindled. Even Activision acknowledged this issue.

Over the weekend, RICOCHET Anti-Cheat successfully addressed an issue with its detection system, leading to a surge in reports of suspected cheaters. To clarify, our team at RICOCHET can identify the specific gaming platform for all users, even if they appear differently in-game. If you suspect a player in your game lobby is using unauthorized software, regardless of their platform, we strongly advise you to submit a report within the game for further examination. We are dedicated to eradicating cheaters, closing down cheat vendors, and ensuring our players enjoy a fair and enjoyable gaming experience.

Call of Duty, Activision.

1. In our latest update, we mentioned that Modern Warfare 3 now has an overall negative rating on Steam. This is largely because of its widespread issue with cheaters and bots, which has been intensified by its release on Game Pass.

MW3’s cheater spike proves the Activision/Microsoft merger didn’t just ruin Game Pass, but Call of Duty itself

1) Charlie Intel found that numerous cheaters are using PC Game Pass (the Microsoft Store version) for their gameplay, as they show up in the lobby with an “Xbox” icon and employ hacks. Unfortunately, Xbox Game Pass doesn’t provide information about player numbers or similar metrics, so it’s hard to determine exactly how many new players are subscribing through this service, but we suspect it’s a significant number. Interestingly, Steam data shows a slight increase that aligns with the game’s launch, indicating increased excitement and curiosity beyond just Xbox platforms.

Recently, Microsoft found itself in a heated dispute with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of using market power after a merger and raising Game Pass prices due to Call of Duty titles being added to the service. While it’s now a done deal, some fans might argue that the gaming experience of Modern Warfare 3 has suffered due to an increase in cheating issues, but this may not significantly impact the market as a whole. (I’m just a fan sharing my thoughts on the situation.)

1. It’s worth mentioning that Activision didn’t tackle the cheating issue following the Game Pass launch, and it’s hard to overlook the connection between the game’s availability on the service and the significant increase in cheaters. If Microsoft claims that Call of Duty’s introduction to Game Pass isn’t a factor influencing the price change, then it appears that this launch could be another element contributing to the game’s downfall as well.

MW3’s cheater spike proves the Activision/Microsoft merger didn’t just ruin Game Pass, but Call of Duty itself

Activision has resolved the problem where PC players in Black Ops 6 were incorrectly identified as Xbox users, exempting them from strict anti-cheat measures. However, this incident has left a stain on the game’s reputation. The upcoming release of Black Ops 6 later this year serves as a chance for Call of Duty to demonstrate that it is not fading away, but its success will hinge on how it manages microtransactions.

1.2 Years back, when Modern Warfare 2 debuted, it shattered sales records by raking in $800 million during its first weekend. To generate a comparable amount of revenue for Microsoft with Game Pass, they’ll need to sign up a substantial number of new subscribers. Given that most Call of Duty players are likely already subscribed to the service, it’s one of the best deals in gaming today. As a result, if Activision and Microsoft want to compensate for lost traditional sales, they may have to intensify their focus on microtransactions. The game currently features numerous advertisements and in-game purchases, and this trend is likely to continue or even worsen in the future.

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2024-07-30 16:10