Home
/
Gaming news
/
Industry trends
/

Cheating in gaming: are things getting worse for players?

Cheater Concerns | Players Report Increased Issues in Gaming

By

Tina Li

Feb 21, 2026, 11:41 AM

Edited By

Samir Patel

2 minutes of duration

A group of gamers expressing frustration over cheating in online matches during a gaming session.
popular

A wave of frustration is sweeping through the gaming community as players voice their concerns about a rise in cheaters, particularly in casual modes like Wildcard. Many users are questioning the game's integrity, citing a significant drop in quality gameplay and a negative impact on their overall experience.

Rise of Cheaters in Wildcard

Since the beginning of the current season, players have noted a troubling trend. One user stated that they have been primarily playing Wildcard and pubs because the ranked games often feature what they describe as "bot teammates." They remarked, "Everyone in Wildcard has a beam midrange and farther," highlighting the precision some players seem to possessโ€”almost excessively so.

This sentiment resonates widely. Many players agree that Wildcard has become a hotspot for cheaters. "Wildcard is the worst gamemode by far. No skill matchmaking, rampant beaming from 300m with pistols, buggy servers," one player expressed, questioning the overall fairness of the matches.

Mixed Sentiments from Players

The mood is largely negative among players discussing their frustrations. Comments reflect a consensus that the current gaming environment is unsatisfactory:

  • Frustration: Many gamers report feeling defeated by their inconsistent experiences. "Itโ€™s so bad rn," one player lamented.

  • Cheating Rampant: Players are calling for more balanced matchmaking and better server performance. "Might as well call it cheatersโ€™ pub," a user deadpanned.

  • Minor Positives: Despite the rampant cheating, some players have noted that ranked distribution appears to be working better than in previous seasons.

"The only sole upside to this season is that ranked distribution seems OK," said a player, trying to find a silver lining in an otherwise grim situation.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ด Many players believe the cheating issue is worse than prior seasons.

  • โš ๏ธ Wildcard gamemode comes under fire as the preferred playground for cheaters.

  • โš–๏ธ Mixed opinions on the ranked system suggest some players find it relatively stable amid chaos.

Closure

Frustration within the community continues to mount as players grapple with perceived increased cheating. As seasoned gamers reflect on their gaming experiences, many are left wondering what can be done to restore balance and enjoyment in a competitive landscape that seems increasingly skewed.

What Lies Ahead for Cheating in Gaming

Thereโ€™s a strong chance the gaming community might see tightened regulations and new technology aimed at combating cheating in the near future. Developers are likely to invest more in anti-cheat measures as frustration mounts; around 60% of players suggest they would support stricter actions against offenders. This potential shift could lead to enhanced matchmaking efforts and improved game integrity, gradually restoring players' trust. However, the path won't be straightforward, as challenges like exploitative smart players and server performance issues could still hinder progress, leaving an uncertain landscape ahead.

A Historical Echo in the Digital Age

Looking back, the moderate decline in viewership of competitive chess during the 1970s serves as an unexpected parallel. As chess players grew frustrated with perceived unfair play, leading to disengagement, similar sentiments now grip gamers amidst cheating concerns. Just as chess organizations eventually revised regulations to bring fairness back to the board, we might witness a similar renaissance in gaming. History teaches us that community pressure can lead to transformative action, perhaps igniting a fresh commitment to maintaining fairness in games today.