Call Of Duty: WW2 Pulled Offline Amid Hacking Claims After It Starts Messing with PCs
If you had been planning to dive into the world of Call Of Duty: WW2, an FPS widely praised by critics as one of the best games released in 2017, you might want to reconsider your plans for the moment. Certain versions of the game have started displaying unusual behavior, leaving players with a range of unsettling experiences.
Reports from PCGamer suggest that some players' computers have been taken hostage by the game, displaying explicit content, sending insulting notepad messages, and in the worst-case scenario, filling their systems with ransomware. The situation has sparked widespread concern among gamers, who are now wondering if it's safe to play the game.
The Xbox PC Version Takes a Hit
Activision has taken swift action by pulling the Xbox PC version of Call Of Duty: WW2 offline, citing an "issue" that needs to be addressed. While the company has not confirmed the cause of the problem, speculation is rife among gamers and cybersecurity experts alike.
The game's recent release on Microsoft's PC Game Pass service seems to have timed perfectly with this sudden development. It remains to be seen whether the Steam and Battle.net versions are also affected, but it's likely that players will want to exercise caution before loading up their copies of the game.
Theories Abound
One theory surrounding the hacking claims is that the game has been compromised by a remote code execution exploit (RCE). This would allow hackers to manipulate the game's code from afar using the developer's own programming language. VX-Underground, a white hat hacker group, has posted a speculative analysis of the situation, suggesting that the attackers are capable of deploying information-stealing malware and ransomware.
However, it seems that these malicious actors might be more interested in causing mischief than carrying out any serious cybercrime. As Smelly, admin of VX-Underground, notes: "thankfully, it appears this attacker is primarily interested in memeing and fucking with people."
A Call to Caution
While the situation might seem amusing at first glance, gamers should be cautious when playing Call Of Duty: WW2. The risks associated with hacking claims cannot be ignored, especially when it comes to ransomware and other forms of malware.
In light of this development, it's perhaps wise to explore alternative gaming options. Hate.net, for instance, might not have the most welcoming community, but at least you won't risk having your computer compromised by a malicious attacker.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, gamers are advised to exercise caution when playing Call Of Duty: WW2 and consider exploring alternative gaming options.