Cheating in video games has evolved from a hobbyist pursuit to a thriving industry, particularly in the context of online competitive gaming. This shift has prompted game developers to enhance anti-cheat initiatives, with many now implementing kernel-level software that operates with elevated access on players’ computers to detect and eliminate cheating mechanisms.
A standout example of such technology is Vanguard, developed by Riot Games, which is notable for its effectiveness in games like “Valorant” and “League of Legends.” Phillip Koskinas, Riot’s anti-cheat director, describes Vanguard as capable of “forcing cheats to be visible,” effectively identifying and banning numerous cheaters daily. As of early 2025, less than 1% of competitive matches in “Valorant” involved cheaters, illustrating the technology’s success.
The sophistication of Riot’s anti-cheat strategies includes leveraging built-in Windows security features and employing psychological tactics to undermine cheat developers. Koskinas’s team often infiltrates cheating communities to gather intelligence, using undercover identities to track and counteract new cheats before they gain traction.
Many amateur cheaters utilise easily detectable tools, leading to immediate bans; these individuals often engage in “rage cheating” without concern for consequences. In contrast, high-end, “premium” cheats target a select customer base, marketed as undetectable. This exclusivity serves to protect vendors from law enforcement, as well as clients keen on maintaining their cheating advantage. Koskinas reveals that Riot’s strategy occasionally allows minor cheating to occur, thus prolonging the lifecycle of less sophisticated cheats and preventing players from rapidly transitioning to new undetectable options.
More complex cheats employ methods such as Direct Memory Access (DMA) attacks, which require additional hardware to read game memory externally, giving cheaters an unfair advantage. This allows them to exploit game mechanics while remaining under the radar.
Looking ahead, Koskinas expresses concern over emerging AI technologies capable of rendering cheats even harder to detect. However, Riot has no immediate plans to reconsider its stringent anti-cheat protocols, emphasising transparency with players regarding the privacy implications of kernel-level access.
As the battle against cheating continues, the industry’s landscape is shifting. Riot Games strives to maintain a competitive environment while educating the gaming community about the measures taken to preserve integrity in online play. Through constant innovation and tactical strategies, Riot aims to stay ahead of the ever-evolving cheat landscape.
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