After players ran into a variety of hacking-related problems over the weekend, Activision released a new Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 update to resolve the problems, but there are a couple of things to know. Originally shadow dropped back in July, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has been a big success for Activision, but cheaters and hackers have started to erode player enthusiasm.
A little over a week after it launched, the Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 port became more popular than Warzone and Black Ops 7 combined, pulling in over 5 million users on the PlayStation 5 alone. Likely fueled by nostalgia, fan-favorite content, and a lower price point from the more modern games, the PS5 version also had a slight advantage, thanks in large part to added functionality with the DualSense controller. Utilizing the adaptive triggers, as well as being able to customize them, players noted that it not only made weapons more immersive, but seemingly enhanced semi-auto weapons like the FAL. However, a lot of that goodwill was negatively impacted recvently when a hacker ran wild within the game’s lobbies.
Activision Releases Emergency Patch for Black Ops 2
During the weekend of August 1, players ran into a hacking issue in Black Ops 2, where a player known as “C Isn’t Sharp” and “Who Isn’t Sharp?” appeared in multiplayer lobbies to mess with accounts on the PS4 and PS5 ports. Some reported that their level and Prestige ranks were altered, with some hitting ranks that were previously thought impossible. Other players reported that after being hacked, they were unable to go back into matches due to the game constantly crashing.
What’s That Weapon?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
In response to the rise in hacking and player reports over the weekend, Activision released a backend update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 on the PlayStation 4 and PS5. While not specifically outlining what changed, Activision confirmed a backend update has been issued to improve match security and a review is ongoing for accounts who have an incorrect Prestige level. As part of the message, Activision noted that some players may see an account ban notice when they’re removed from a match. While that may be jarring to see, it simply means that the system is correctly applying updated account data and players should be able to reconnect successfully after.
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image via activision -
Image via Activision, Treyarch -
Image via GameRant; Source: Treyarch / Call of Duty
The session removal is a byproduct of the legacy systems being used by Black Ops 2 and the ban message doesn’t necessarily mean Activision is taking action against the player. However, the post also warns that players who are unable to reconnect after the ban message appears means their account has been identified as potentially violating the Terms of Service, intentional account manipulation or unauthorized Prestige levels. At that point, players may want to reach out to the support team in case of a potential mistaken identity.
While the hacking incident was certainly a down moment for the popular ports, to its credit, Activision has been highly responsive in resolving issues so far. Alongside the previously mentioned security patch, Activision has also released updates to address fan feedback over missing features or other problems. One of the bigger launch problems Activision resolved quickly was the lack of cross-platform play for Black Ops 2 players between the PS4 and PS5. While adding that feature in, the patch also adjusted matchmaking to allow both Season Pass and non-Season Pass owners to play with one another.
- Released
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November 13, 2012
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs
- Engine
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iw
