More from IW on MW2 hacks - http://www.infinityward.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=
So, in other words, even though MW2, an IW-Activision game, is being VERY affected by the breach, neither of them could do anything about it (say, ban anyone that hacks), just because it came from the console, not the game?
"There is no official reporting system in place for Playstation Network for such activities. In addition, we have no system in place for banning players on PSN. We do take this action on Xbox 360, as we the channels provided to us to report users to the Xbox Live Enforcement Team; due to how accounts work on Xbox 360 (a paid account is required to play multiplayer), where on PSN it is a much more open and free system.
If we had the ability, we would be utilizing it."
But, if it affects your multiplayer so much, shouldn't you be able to ban them just from the game (like what Treyarch does)?
"Yes, we should. We currently can not with Modern Warfare 2. The reason being is, Modern Warfare 2 was developed with the mentality that the system it will be played on is secure. The games are only as secure as the platform they're played on. However, after the JTAG instance on the Xbox 360 revealed itself in Modern Warfare 2, it became apparent that we can no longer rely on that.
Treyarch's Call of Duty: Black Ops was next out of the gate, and with this newfound knowledge in hand, was able to prepare by building an infrastructure to deal with taking a bit of that security responsibility into our own hands, rather than relying on the console encryption like all games have previous done. This required completely changing the way you connect to a game, from a backend perspective. Not from a player perspective"
One question though are people with a PS3 now relying on Sony for a possible fix or are IW also working with Sony (even if it's just possible idea's) on a fix for your current/past games or do they have to wait until a new game is released to see any improvement?
"This is a platform wide issue, not game specific. So there is little help we can provide, but will provide any help we can. This is an issue that I am sure is a very high priority for Sony as the implications of this breach reach far beyond people changing things in Modern Warfare 2."
If you couldn't (Fix it) with MW2, where is the warranty that you'll be able to do so in MW3 or any other title with new threats?
"Allow me to clarify, We can in Modern Warfare 2, just not retroactively. Its a fix that requires the entire game to be developed with this problem in mind. This wasn't a issue that needed addressed when developing Modern Warfare 2, therefore it wasn't addressed.
Similar to when Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare came out, and then Sony released Trophies and Rumble Support. We were unable to retroactively add support for either, but could very simply ensure Modern Warfare 2 had them."
So, let me get this straight: you can't make MW2 hacker-free with a patch, you have to either completely re-issue the game, or Sony needs to fix the breach, as the security system in MW2 is just as embedded in the game as, say, the Special Ops mode.
"Correct, Sony needs to fix the breach."
"Let me assure you, while we are very reliant on Sony updating their firmware and security to address the core problem of this issue. We are looking at EVERY option available to us to help any user affected."
"Nothing is off the table however, and if a solutionis discovered that does allow us to update the game without it being wasted work that is simply bypassed or reverted by the hackers, it will be done."
"At this time no update is planned. However if a solution is discovered that we are able to implement, without relying on the security of the console to be resolved, we would work to implement it."
Thanks in advance, Im sure we would all appreciate to understand more of what exactly is going on other then our our accounts being hacked and people cheating.
"Speaking solely in regards to Modern Warfare 2, the worst case scenario is having your Modern Warfare 2 stats and unlocks reset or altered.
Essentially, these hackers are just changing variables and files that alter how things are displayed and unlocked in-game. They're not accessing your actual hardware or private information.
For example, a variable may set players run speed to 1, and they're changing it to 3; or a file is set to display a specific line of text, and they're replacing that with a different message. It's novelty stuff, but to us players who have put hours into obtaining these unlocks, having our experience lost is devastating"
Welcome to the Call of Duty Forums!
For the latest news and updates on what is happening in the PlayStation community, head over to our Announcements & Events forum. To post a message, you will need to Sign In to the Forums using your PLAYSTATION®Network Sign In ID and password. If you do not yet have a PSN account, just click here to register.
For more information on Black Ops II click here!
Website ©2013 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
All content, game titles, trade names and/or trade dress, trademarks, artwork and associated imagery are trademarks and/or copyright material of their respective owners. All rights reserved. [more info]
