In a recent update to the PlayStation 5 system software, Sony has taken a significant step to curb cheating in online gaming by blocking the use of the Cronus Zen device. The Cronus Zen, often marketed as a “controller emulator,” has gained notoriety for providing unfair advantages to players, especially in first-person shooters.
The 24.01-08.60.00 update for the PS5 has effectively severed the connection between the console and the Cronus Zen, rendering the device non-functional. This move comes as a response to cheaters who exploit the Cronus Zen to perform digital tweaks to their controllers, such as reducing recoil and setting macros. Some players also utilize the device to deceive the console into recognizing keyboard and mouse inputs as if they were coming from a controller, thus enhancing their aim and movement capabilities.
In response to the update, Cronus has issued a notice on its website, acknowledging the disruption caused by the PS5 update. The company has stated that there is “no timetable” for when they will make their devices compatible again, leaving cheaters in the dark about when they might regain their unfair advantages.
It remains unclear whether Sony specifically targeted the Cronus Zen with this update. The gaming community is awaiting an official statement from Sony to clarify whether the move was intentional and part of the ongoing efforts to maintain fair play in online gaming.
The Verge reached out to Sony for comment, but as of now, there has been no response from the company. This lack of communication leaves players and the gaming community speculating about Sony’s motivations and the extent of its crackdown on cheating devices.
Sony’s action is not isolated, as other major players in the gaming industry have taken similar measures to combat cheating. Last October, Xbox implemented a sweeping ban on “unauthorized” controllers and accessories, demonstrating a commitment to fair play on their platform.
Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, Bungie, and Epic Games have also intensified their efforts against players using third-party hardware for cheating in popular titles like Call of Duty. This collective industry stance aims to create a level playing field and preserve the integrity of online gaming experiences.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how manufacturers and developers will adapt to new cheating techniques. While Sony’s recent update may have disrupted the Cronus Zen, the cat-and-mouse game between anti-cheat measures and inventive cheaters is likely to persist.
In the meantime, players are left to wonder if other third-party hardware commonly used for cheating, such as the XIM and ReaSnow S1, will face similar restrictions in future updates.
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