Bungie has recently updated itsRestriction and Banning policyto include the use of Macros, and some players aren’t too thrilled about it.
TheDestiny 2Teambroke the news on Redditwith a lengthy postexplaining what actions are now considered bannableunder these new changes.
Tools to get around idle detection and automated farmingappear to be the primary target. The post mentions “automated activities to earn loot” specifically. Loot is defined as, but not limited to, XP, Materials, and drops likeExotic Class Items.
Exotic Class Items roll with random perks, so it’s a game of chance if you’ll get a good one. Fortunately, you can stilltarget farm in Onslaughtfor some top-tier weapons.
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Bungie has acknowledged that it has “identified a problem” affecting the drop rates.
Interestingly, the post then mentionsprogrammable controllers and keyboard/mouse adapters. The latter can be used to gain massive advantages in multiplayer against legitimate controller players.
The post explicitly states that there are “no plans to issue bans or restrictions to anyone retroactively.” Bans don’t appear to be instant, either. Players found breaking these new rules should receive a warning in-game first.
Is Banning Input Macros A Positive Move?
Dropping the ban hammer on Input Macros may seem like a net positive on the surface,but there are some genuine reasons for their use.
For example, players who frequent Raids inDestiny 2(The toughest content in the game) may use a Checkpoint Bot. Raids are typically added to the game withevery expansion.
D2Checkpointis a popular site for these automated Bots. The service is free, and players can join Bot Fireteams at specific points in each Raid. Once they’ve joined, players can start their Raids from these Checkpoints instead of the beginning.
Raids aremuch harder than Dungeonsand can take many hours to complete, so this is a hot topic among players who enjoy the content.
Fortunately, the Bungie Team has responded to queries and said there are"no plans to issue restrictions or bans" to Checkpoint Bots with the new policy.
Several users on Reddit are unhappy at the changes, citing gameplay choices as a reason players turn to AFK macros in the first place. Others find the policy updates nonsensical and unnecessary.
Reddit Useru/c14rk0blasts the new policy, stating that"players don’t AFK farm because it is fun"to do. They do it to circumvent poor game design, citing the Exotic Class Items mentioned above.
BeyondDestiny 2specifics, there’s always the human element to consider.Players with disabilities may rely on macros to perform tasks most would find trivial.
It’s a delicate balancing act, as regular players could use these same macros when they aren’t required. While we can’t comment on specifics, Bungie stated, “Accessibility in games is important.” The team goes on to “ensure players using macros for accessibility will not be actioned upon.”
Time will tell if these are positive changes for the health ofDestiny 2.
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