'Anyone found to be cheating will be permabanned from playing Marathon forever': Bungie's doubling down on security following Arc Raiders' recent foibles
PC Gamer
by Rory Norris February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bungie has taken a firm stance against cheating in its upcoming game *Marathon*, promising strict enforcement with permanent bans for those caught violating the rules. In response to recent controversies in games like *Arc Raiders*, where cheating and exploits caused significant issues, Bungie has outlined a comprehensive approach to ensure fair play. The company emphasizes that it will not tolerate actions that disrupt the competitive experience, with a clear message: "If you cheat, you're out for good." This hardline policy reflects Bungie's commitment to maintaining a balanced and secure gaming environment.
The blog post details several measures designed to prevent exploitation and cheating. *Marathon* will utilize dedicated servers to control key combat and looting actions, reducing the potential for server manipulation such as teleportation or unlimited ammo hacks. Additionally, a "Fog of War" system will limit visibility on maps, countering wall hacks and loot revealers. Players who experience connection issues mid-match can reconnect and continue playing, with Bungie promising to restore starting gear if reconnection fails due to its own server problems. These measures aim to ensure fair gameplay while addressing technical challenges.
Bungie's focus on economic security is particularly notable, as recent issues in *Arc Raiders* highlighted the impact of cheating on in-game economies. The blog explicitly mentions protecting players' time and progress from item duplication or other economic cheats. By prioritizing this aspect, Bungie acknowledges the importance of maintaining a balanced and rewarding experience for all players. This approach aligns with growing demands for stronger anti-cheat policies in competitive shooters, where even minor exploits can undermine trust
Verticals
gamingpc
Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/23/2026