If you play online FPS games, you've probably heard of "Cronus," Cronus Zen, which has long provided cheaters with a physical way to bypass anti-cheat software in top games like Call of Duty and Destiny 2 It is one of many small hardware modules that have provided a physical way for cheaters to bypass anti-cheat software in top games like Call of Duty and Destiny 2. Now well-known game developers are cracking down on its use, with Activision coming out with a ban, and Bungie is likely to follow suit soon.

On the Cronus site (opens in new tab), the creators describe Zen as "the world's best game controller converter."

Like the Xim (opens in new tab) and other physical cheat device mechanisms, it is essentially a controller emulation peripheral with scripting technology that allows you to emulate a game's controls without having to use a computer. controller emulation peripheral, offering a little bag of tricks to those willing to pay $120 for the advantage. Common uses include reducing kickback from gunfire and allowing mouse and keyboard players to use the Aim Assist feature.

However, since it is almost impossible to determine if players are using these types of devices responsibly, an outright ban seems like a logical step for developers to prevent people from gaining an unfair competitive advantage. To that end, Activision is now closing in on cheaters with its latest Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2.0 updates (opens in new tab).

A few days later, on April 9, the administrator of the Chronus Discord (opens in new tab) posted an announcement, informing users that using a Chronus device in CoD would likely have consequences.

"We are currently investigating reports that the latest game update contains a detection system that may identify Cronus Zen use. As a result, we would like to inform users that using Cronus Zen may result in penalties such as banning or account suspension.

"It is important to note that the use of Cronus Zen in any game is solely at your own risk. Please be aware of the risks and make an informed decision. Thank you for your attention and understanding."

Similarly, Ubisoft recently warned players of "Rainbow Six Siege" (open in new tab) that using the XIM or other devices will cause intentional input delays and confuse players thanks to the new Mousetrap system warned. Late last year, Epic also announced a ban against Fortnite players (opens in new tab), issuing the following statement:

"The use of hardware that provides or is intended to provide a competitive advantage is not permitted. If detected, players will receive an in-game warning. To continue playing, the connected hardware device must be disconnected and Fortnite restarted."

Since the anti-hardware cheat craze began, eBay listings (open in new tab) for the Cronus Zen have popped up all over the place, with people trying to sell the device cheap before the ban spreads to many other games.

Bungie seems to be cracking down next, telling The Verge (opens in new tab) a few months ago that the use of these devices is something they are "currently investigating."

We are currently in contact with Bungie about a possible ban on cheat hardware use and will update this page once the company issues an official statement. For now, we can assume that other games are likely to follow suit.