In a recent turn of events, NetEase has apologized for the wrongful ban of Steam Deck and Mac players from Marvel Rivals, attributing the situation to a misunderstanding linked to compatibility layers.
Wrongful Bans Lifted
Players using non-Windows systems can now re-enter the game without fearing penalties that, in some cases, could have lasted up to 100 years.
The developer had enacted sweeping bans against suspected cheaters but failed to differentiate between genuine compatibility tools used by platforms such as SteamOS and actual cheating software.
In their latest statement, NetEase expressed their regret over the mishap and reassured fans that they do not aim to punish those who play fairly.
They recognized the mix-up that resulted in these erroneous bans and have compiled a list of affected players to rectify the issue properly.
Impact on the Gaming Community
While I haven’t personally explored Marvel Rivals, Valve indicates that the game is deemed playable on the Steam Deck, suggesting that a significant number of users might have been wrongfully flagged.
The Proton compatibility layer, crucial for Steam Deck players, has a history of triggering some anti-cheat systems, resulting from compatibility hurdles in the past.
This has led to unjust accusations of cheating, similar to situations faced by gamers in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends where SteamOS players were similarly flagged.
The decision to lift these bans is a welcome change from NetEase, especially when compared to the stricter measures many other game developers have taken against alleged cheaters.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of properly distinguishing between fair play and malicious intent in the gaming world.
Source: Rockpapershotgun