A close-up of a green frog sitting on a green leaf.Valve’s new MOBA shooter, Deadlock, currently in its invite-only playtesting phase, has implemented a novel anti-cheat system: turning cheaters into frogs. This quirky punishment, introduced in the recent 09-26-2024 update, offers a humorous yet effective way to deal with in-game cheating.
Frog Transformation: A Humiliating Punishment for Cheaters
The new anti-cheat detection system provides two options when a cheater is identified: immediate ban or frog transformation followed by a ban. This transformation renders the player a slow-hopping, highly visible amphibian target, effectively removing them from the match. The game in question is then nullified, preventing any unfair advantage gained through cheating.
A Visual Demonstration of the Frog Anti-Cheat
The Deadlock Intel account on X (formerly Twitter) showcased this unique punishment in a video. The footage reveals the cheater, transformed into a frog, struggling to navigate the battlefield and easily becoming a target for opposing players. This humorous consequence acts as a public shaming tactic, further deterring potential cheaters.
Anti-Cheat System Still in Early Stages
Valve acknowledges that the anti-cheat system is still in its early stages, currently operating at “conservative detection levels.” The development team is actively working on a more comprehensive solution. In the meantime, players can report suspected cheaters both during and after a round using the ESC key.
Cheating in Valve Games: A Persistent Problem
Cheating has been a persistent issue in online multiplayer games, particularly in Valve’s titles. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and its successor, Counter-Strike 2, have both grappled with cheaters and hackers. Valve’s existing anti-cheat software, Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC), has proven imperfect, especially considering the free-to-play nature of these games, which allows banned players to easily create new accounts.
“FU Surprise Mode”: A Similar Concept for CS:GO
Former Valve employee Burton Johnsey revealed on X that the company had previously explored a similar system for CS:GO called “FU Surprise Mode,” which turned cheaters into chickens. The frog transformation in Deadlock seems to be a spiritual successor to this earlier concept.
Beyond the Frog: Other Updates in Deadlock
Beyond the frog-themed anti-cheat, the recent Deadlock update includes a range of other improvements. These include a new hero named Mirage, the introduction of custom matches, enhanced features for private lobbies, and various hero and performance updates. These additions demonstrate Valve’s commitment to continuously improving and expanding the Deadlock experience.
