Summary
The newest update to the PlayStation 5 has quietly made a change to the console’s anti-cheat system, disabling compatibility for Cronus software on the platform. With the popularity of competitive online games, many developers have continued to become more aggressive with anti-cheat measures, both in games and on consoles. Many developers like Ubisoft and Riot Games have created their own proprietaryanti-cheat system for games likeRainbow Six: SiegeandValorant. Now, a new update from Sony is looking to address a prominent software frequently used for cheats on the PS5.
Cronus, commonly used in shooters likeCall of Duty: Warzone, allows players to map their inputs, both on PC and on console. The software has gained plenty of notoriety amongCall of Dutyplayers, including cheats like enhanced aim assist and macros allowing players to remove the recoil on their guns. Cronus devices are also widely known to be difficult for game developers to detect, due to the alterations being made on a controller level rather than with a traditional aimbot. Now, Sony is looking to curb the usage of Cronus devices onPS5.
An update posted to Cronus' website has revealed that the PS5’s newest update has quietly disabled Cronus support on the console. Sony did not make any mention of the cheat devices in its officialpatch notes for the PS5 system update, with Cronus devices now no longer able to connect to the console. The developer’s update also offered a workaround for users, with the update to the PS5 not being mandatory and advising players to skip the update in order to continue using their devices. Sony has not made any official statements about the usage of Cronus devices on PS5.
Sony’s newest anti-cheat measures come as developers have continually taken more aggressive stances against cheating in their games.Call of Duty: Warzoneintroduced a new update to its anti-cheat system late last year, with the"Splat" system cuttingCall of Dutycheaters' parachutesearly. Activision has also ramped up its proactive anti-cheat measures withCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, actively monitoring the game’s early beta tests for cheaters.
The banning of Cronus software on PS5 comes as many companies have used the banning of cheating players to make a statement. Rather than individually banning players, many games have turned to ban waves, rolling out sweeping bans affecting thousands of players simultaneously. Last July saw Activision roll out a hugeban wave withinCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2that saw 14,000 players banned from the competitive shooter. Sony’s Cronus ban marks another step in the gaming industry’s ongoing war against in-game cheats.
PS5
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is part of the ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon’s Souls and Astro’s Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.
