On June 20th, a new map, ‘Horizon Lunar Colony’ has been introduced to Overwatch through patch 1.12. However, not listed in the actual patch notes, a new feature has been added to the game. Blizzard implemented a method of automatically detecting auto-tracking programs, widely known as aimbot.

Currently, in Overwatch, there is two type of aimbots. One of them accesses the client’s memory to track the enemies, while the other, tracks certain colors in the pixel of the game.  Although memory hack is much more accurate and effective, it’s much more prone to be spotted by anti-cheat programs such as ‘Warden’, making the latter method of hacking much more popular.

However, after patch 1.12 was applied, most of those hacking programs stopped working properly. On many different forums that house hackers, multiple posts regarding this are being made; saying how their hacks are not working properly. According to their statements, the color of the pixels in-game are constantly changing, leaving the program completely useless.

At the same time, some programs still remain used. Some hackers are even starting to promote their own illegal program by using the fact that their program still functions properly. Although some hacks still remain working, seeing Blizzard putting in the efforts to stop cheating altogether brings sighs of relief to the users of Overwatch. Actual players have commented, “I am glad Blizzard is finally stepping in,” “Now, our competitive games will have fewer hackers,” and “I hope they also step in to stop trolls and ill-mannered players.”

On June alone, over 3000 different Blizzard accounts have been banned for cheating. As the number of cheaters is on the rise, Blizzard is actively working to put a stop to them. Along with Blizzard taking 'Bossland',  to court for producing cheating programs and now, actually implementing a way to completely neuter the functionality of the said programs, players are gaining lots of hopes for a cleaner experience on their games.