Doping & Cheating
Apex Legends’ Hacking Scandal Shakes North American Finals
In a situation more resembling a cyberpunk story than an esports competition, the Apex Legends North American Finals were disrupted by a complex hack. This was not caused by typical technical issues or scheduling conflicts, but was a deliberate addition of cheats into the games of professional players, leading to a major scandal.
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Apex Legends’ Professional players found themselves unwilling recipients of game-breaking cheats like aimbots and wallhacks amidst the competition. This serious breach of integrity prompted Respawn Entertainment and EA to stop the event immediately, aiming to protect the competitive environment and investigate the breach’s extent.
Respawn’s Initial Response and Lingering Questions
While Respawn aimed to reassure with a statement about immediate actions taken, specifics about the hack were not disclosed, including rumors of a remote code execution exploit. Its statement reads:
“On Sunday, a few professional Apex Legends player accounts were hacked during an ALGS event. Game and player security are our highest priorities, which is why we paused the competition to address the issue immediately. Our teams have deployed the first of a layered series of updates to protect the Apex Legends player community and create a secure experience for everyone. Thank you for your patience.”
The situation has been further complicated by the hacker known as Destroyer2009, notorious for targeting professional players, suggesting a sophisticated ability to manipulate the game remotely.
Easy Anti Cheat (EAC) quickly clarified that the issue did not stem from their software, emphasizing their confidence in its security:
“We have investigated recent reports of a potential RCE issue within Easy Anti-Cheat. At this time – we are confident that there is no RCE vulnerability within EAC being exploited. We will continue to work closely with our partners for any follow up support needed.”
However, the breach has ignited a broader debate about the effectiveness of anti-cheat systems and the evolving sophistication of cheats in esports.
A slight decrease in Apex Legends’ Steam player count indicates community concern, though many continue to play. The incident highlights the ongoing battle between hackers and developers, underscoring the need for robust security measures in esports.
Hacker’s Motivations Revealed
The hack, which specifically targeted two professional players during the North American finals, sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the security of casual gameplay. Despite assurances from the hacker that the exploit did not extend beyond the game’s processes, the incident has left many players uneasy.
Destroyer2009 now claimed their actions were “just for fun” in a TechCrunch interview. They aimed to highlight a security flaw, urging Respawn to address it, claiming the hack was a benevolent gesture to prevent potential misuse that could ruin careers.
Respawn’s Ongoing Response
This incident ranks among the most ridiculous and shameful moments in the history of esports competitions, regardless of the game. Respawn should provide a thorough explanation of the situation, detailing what occurred, what information may have been compromised, and their strategies for preventing future incidents.
Responding to the hack, Respawn has initiated a series of updates to enhance security, emphasizing their commitment to a secure playing environment.
With information from: TechCrunch, Kotaku, and Forbes
