Activision, the developer of the popular Call of Duty franchise, has announced that PC players of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will need to enable Trusted Platform Module 2.0 and Windows Secure Boot when the game launches later this year. The company has already begun testing these anti-cheat measures with Black Ops 6’s Season 5 without enforcement. These measures are part of Activision’s ongoing efforts to combat cheating in its multiplayer games. TPM 2.0 verifies untampered boot processes, while Secure Boot ensures Windows loads only trusted software at startup. Both features perform checks during system and game startup but remain inactive during gameplay. Activision has also pursued legal action against 22 individuals who developed and sold cheating software.
Activision’s decision to implement these security measures comes amidst increased concerns about cheating in online gaming. The company has faced numerous reports of cheaters gaining an unfair advantage in its games, which has led to a decline in player engagement and satisfaction. By requiring TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, Activision aims to create a more level playing field for all players. However, the move has sparked debate among gamers and PC hardware manufacturers regarding the potential impact on older systems and compatibility issues.
In addition to implementing these technical measures, Activision has also taken legal action against 22 individuals who developed and sold cheating software. The company has filed lawsuits against these individuals, seeking to hold them accountable for their actions. This legal approach has been met with mixed reactions, with some players supporting the move as a necessary step to combat cheating, while others argue that it is an overreach and should focus more on technical solutions.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the issue of cheating remains a significant challenge for developers. Activision’s decision to implement TPM 1.0 and Secure Boot represents a broader trend in the industry toward more advanced anti-cheat measures. While these measures may have some drawbacks, they are seen as a necessary step in ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of competitive gaming.