After Valorant's recent introduction to console platforms, players have faced bans for using a mouse and keyboard instead of the required controller. Despite the short duration of the closed console beta, Riot Games' anti-cheat system has already detected and penalized those using adapters to play with mouse and keyboard setups.
Bans Due to Mouse and Keyboard Use
Many players have reported being banned for using a mouse and keyboard in the closed beta. Valorant's anti-cheat software identifies and bans players who use these peripherals via adapters, enforcing the rule that the beta is designed to support controller use exclusively.
Reason Behind the Ban
A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the user Anti-Cheat Police Department showed a Valorant console match being abruptly terminated with a red screen indicating the detection of a cheater. This caused the match to be canceled, and the detected cheater was banned.
Valorant tech lead Marcus Reid confirmed in a Reddit comment that their anti-cheat system detects and bans users of XIM devices or similar adapters. These adapters allow players to use a mouse and keyboard while the game identifies them as controller users.
Unfair Advantage
The XIM adapter connects a mouse and keyboard to a console, tricking the system into recognizing these devices as a controller. This setup provides players with an unfair edge by enabling mouse and keyboard use in controller-only matchmaking, exploiting aim assist intended for controller use. Many players misuse this device in controller-only environments to gain a competitive advantage, leading to widespread cheating in numerous console-based competitive shooters.
Riot Games’ Anti-Cheat Measures
Riot Games’ head of anti-cheat, Phillip Koskinas, shared the video on X, humorously commenting, "a satisfied first customer." Despite being active for less than a week, the anti-cheat system in the Valorant console beta appears effective in its purpose.
Conclusion
The closed beta for Valorant on consoles is ongoing, and players can still register for a chance to participate through Valorant's official website. Riot Games' strict enforcement against mouse and keyboard use on consoles aims to maintain a fair gaming environment, ensuring that all players compete on an even playing field with the required controller setup.
