Riot Games’ new fighting game, 2XKO, is set to launch with a controversial feature: the mandatory inclusion of their Vanguard anti-cheat software. Despite facing significant backlash for its implementation in League of Legends, Riot remains committed to using Vanguard to ensure a fair playing field in their latest title.
Vanguard’s Controversial History
Vanguard, first introduced with Valorant in 2020, quickly became infamous for its intrusive nature. Operating at the kernel level, it garnered both praise for its effectiveness and criticism for potential security risks and performance issues.
When Riot extended Vanguard to League of Legends, it resulted in numerous player complaints ranging from disconnections to device lockouts. Despite these challenges, Riot is confident in Vanguard’s capabilities.
Reasoning Behind Vanguard for 2XKO
Tony Cannon, the technical lead for 2XKO, explained the decision in an interview with VG247. According to Cannon, the primary reason for using Vanguard in 2XKO is its superior ability to detect and prevent common cheating methods in fighting games.
“Many cheats in fighting games involve manipulating game inputs or reading the game state,” Cannon said. “These often require modifying the game’s binary in some way. Vanguard excels at detecting and preventing such modifications due to its kernel-level operation.”
The Role of Vanguard in 2XKO: Ensuring Fair Play
As the release of the 2XKO beta approaches, more details about the game are emerging. To combat the increasingly sophisticated cheating methods seen in recent years, Riot Games has decided to implement Vanguard from the start. This move is intended to protect the integrity of the game and ensure a level playing field for all competitors.
Technical Advantages
Vanguard’s kernel-level access allows it to detect unauthorized modifications more effectively than traditional anti-cheat solutions. This is particularly important in fighting games, where precise input and real-time game state monitoring are crucial. By preventing these forms of cheating, Vanguard aims to preserve the competitive integrity of 2XKO.
Player Backlash
The announcement of Vanguard’s inclusion in 2XKO has sparked a mix of reactions within the gaming community. While some players appreciate Riot’s commitment to maintaining a cheat-free environment, others are wary of the potential privacy and performance issues associated with kernel-level anti-cheat software.
Riot’s Response
Riot Games has acknowledged the community’s concerns but remains firm in their decision. They believe that the benefits of using Vanguard outweigh the drawbacks, particularly in the context of a competitive fighting game. By addressing common cheating methods head-on, Riot hopes to deliver a more enjoyable and fair gaming experience for all 2XKO players.
Conclusion
The decision to implement Vanguard in 2XKO demonstrates Riot Games’ dedication to creating a secure and competitive environment for their new fighting game. While the move has sparked controversy, Riot is confident that Vanguard’s advanced detection capabilities will help maintain the integrity of the game.
As 2XKO’s beta launch approaches, players will soon experience firsthand how Vanguard’s inclusion impacts the overall gameplay experience.