Dear @FTC @linakhanFTC CC @Activision @ATVIAssist @ATVI_AB
The recent developments involving bans of players like #Cloakzy and #Bobbypoff highlight significant inconsistencies in the #anticheat enforcement policies of major gaming companies like #Activision. As Dennis “cloakzy” Lepore is part owner of #Complexity… it is critical to advocate for fairness and transparency, especially when these decisions impact the integrity of our community and the american & global esports industry.
Cloakzy's recent ban from Call of Duty, which occurred alongside Bobbypoff’s, raises urgent questions about the application of anti-cheat measures. While Bobbypoff faced penalties for his actions, Cloakzy’s ban was inexplicably overturned per his words attached a few days later.
Activision has stated that “no bans are ever false,” ( https://x.com/charlieINTEL/status/1778154927472181317…) yet this assertion contradicts the decision to lift Cloakzy’s penalty, particularly given his history of bans in both PUBG and Call of Duty. This discrepancy suggests a troubling reality: high-profile players may be subject to different standards, undermining the trust that is essential for a healthy competitive environment.
Activision has previously acknowledged in federal court the complexities surrounding their relationships with high-profile streamers, yet they fail to provide the transparency necessary for the public to understand and self-regulate these matters. (“Defendants conduct extensive and ongoing business with users in the State of California and the United States. Among the customers of the Cheating Software are high-profile streamers of the COD Games who reside in the United States.” – Plaintiff's Complaint at 5, Activision Publishing, Inc. v. EngineOwning UG, No. 2:22-cv-00051-MWF-JC (C.D. Cal. Jan. 5, 2022))
Under federal law, specifically Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, unfair or deceptive practices can result in significant consequences. The lack of clear guidelines for enforcing bans not only harms individual players but also erodes the trust of the entire gaming community.
When a company like Activision admits to the existence of high-profile streamers but provides no framework or query ability for how these individuals are treated in comparison to everyday players, it creates an environment ripe for fraud, suspicion and discontent. Players, even including those who have faced bans like Cloakzy, deserve clarity about the processes that govern their actions and so do the public. The community must be able to hold itself accountable, and this begins with transparent policies that apply equally to all participants, regardless of their status.
Despite Activision's comprehensive terms of service, which outline a range of prohibited activities aimed at maintaining fair play and a positive gaming environment, it has become increasingly apparent over years… that many prominent streamers, who are often seen as ambassadors for the Call of Duty franchise, routinely flout these violations without consequence. This troubling trend raises significant questions about the integrity of the gaming ecosystem, as the actions of these influential figures can set dangerous precedents for their vast audiences.
The apparent lack of enforcement against such violations not only undermines the terms established by Activision but also places the entire franchise in a precarious position. As community trust erodes and player experiences are compromised, the situation for Call of Duty becomes increasingly dire. Given these circumstances, there is a growing argument that this crisis merits a federal probe to assess the implications of these violations on both the gaming industry and consumer protection standards.
Cloakzy's past infractions cannot be ignored, and the decision to unban him sends a message that status may outweigh accountability. Conversely, Bobbypoff’s history of multiple accounts and violations of the Terms of Service illustrates the need for consistent enforcement of rules. The integrity of the gaming ecosystem hinges on equitable treatment for all players, regardless of their prominence.
As the developer of the widely-used Windows software and the current owner of Activision, Microsoft possesses unparalleled development capabilities and resources within the gaming industry. Given this significant position, it is essential that the public has access to information regarding player status—specifically, bans and prior usernames. The lack of transparency in these matters is simply unacceptable, especially when players are often left in the dark about the reasons for bans and the criteria for enforcement.
During the merger negotiations, Microsoft assured that the buying of Activision would not result in chaos or mismanagement. However, as time progresses, it has become increasingly clear that promises of improved systems and accountability remain unfulfilled. The clock is ticking, and the community is still grappling with unresolved issues that hinder fair play and trust.
To rectify this situation, we urge Microsoft to implement mechanisms that allow players to verify their status openly and provide clarity around disciplinary actions. By doing so, not only would they enhance accountability, but they would also reinforce their commitment to fostering a fair and equitable gaming environment. The time for action is now; the community deserves nothing less than transparency and a genuine effort to rectify ongoing challenges.
Call of Duty tournaments have increasingly become marred by rampant cheating, transforming what should be a celebration of skill and strategy into a breeding ground for deception. This pervasive issue has created a dangerous environment within the competitive landscape, where the integrity of the game is compromised, and the spirit of fair competition is overshadowed by fraud.
With millions of dollars on the line, the temptation for dishonest practices has driven some participants to exploit system vulnerabilities, directly undermining the tireless efforts of countless dedicated players who invest their time, sweat, tears, and blood to refine their skills. This rampant cheating not only tarnishes the reputation of the Call of Duty franchise but also jeopardizes the integrity of the entire esports ecosystem. As trust erodes, spectators and sponsors alike grow increasingly hesitant to invest in a competitive scene marred by deception and fraud, threatening the very foundation of what makes esports thrive.
To combat this alarming trend, it is crucial for Activision and tournament organizers to implement stringent anti-cheat measures and to enforce them consistently. Without a firm commitment to upholding the principles of fair play, the integrity of Call of Duty tournaments will continue to erode, transforming a once-thriving competitive landscape into a multi-million dollar fraud. Addressing these issues must be a top priority, as the future of the franchise and the trust of the community hang in the balance.
It is fundamentally true that every American customer—and indeed, players around the globe—deserves to be treated equally under the law. The principle of fairness should extend beyond mere rhetoric; it must be a guiding standard in all interactions within the gaming industry. Players should never be reduced to pawns in a broader marketing strategy or manipulated for corporate gain.
The gaming community is diverse, comprising individuals from various backgrounds and skill levels, all united by their passion for play. This diversity should be celebrated, not exploited. When companies prioritize profit over equitable treatment, they risk alienating their player base and compromising the very values that underpin a healthy gaming culture.
If proactive measures are not taken, the future of games like Call of Duty is bleak. In the coming years, without significant capital investment and strategic reform, these franchises could fade into obscurity, reduced to mere shadows of their former glory. As competition intensifies and player expectations evolve, simply maintaining the status quo will not suffice.
The gaming industry is dynamic, driven by innovation and community engagement. If developers fail to address pressing issues—such as cheating, player dissatisfaction, and lack of transparency—they risk alienating their audience and losing relevance. A continual influx of capital may keep these titles afloat temporarily, but without genuine commitment to improvement and accountability, even the most iconic franchises may struggle to survive.
For Call of Duty and similar games to thrive in the future, it is imperative that companies prioritize meaningful changes that resonate with players. Otherwise, the franchise may find itself unable to compete in a landscape that demands more than just financial backing—it requires a dedication to quality, fairness, and community trust.
While we wholeheartedly advocate for the implementation of robust anti-cheat measures, it is imperative that we also emphasize the necessity for their consistent and equitable application across the gaming landscape. The emotional and psychological toll that bans impose on players—particularly those in the public eye—can be substantial, leading to feelings of injustice and disenfranchisement. However, the pursuit of fairness and accountability must not be sacrificed in the process.
The gaming industry, and particularly companies like Activision, must engage in a comprehensive reassessment of their enforcement strategies to guarantee that all players are subject to the same standards and repercussions. This approach is crucial not only for maintaining the integrity of the game but also for preserving the trust of the community, which can be easily undermined when disparities in treatment become apparent.
We strongly urge Activision and other industry stakeholders to prioritize transparency in their operations. By fostering an environment where the community can effectively govern itself, we can ensure that every player, irrespective of their status or prominence, is held accountable to the same set of rules. Only through this commitment to equality and openness can we cultivate a gaming atmosphere characterized by integrity and fair play, which ultimately benefits the entire community and the general public. As it stands, we find ourselves in a position of constant backpedaling, undermining the very values everyone should seek to uphold.
Respectfully submitted,
SusOrNah.com – Community Driven Anti-Cheat
On behalf of the Call of Duty Community & FairPlay.