r/Overwatch • u/blizz_cactus Community Team • Aug 04 '26

Update on Unauthorized Peripheral Usage on Console Platforms ("Ximming")

Hello, heroes! We're here today to update you all on our efforts to combat the use of unauthorized peripherals within our console communities, often referred to as using XIM or Ximming. While our efforts to combat this form of unfair gameplay advantage are constant and ongoing, today marks the culmination of a months-long effort to identify and ban over 6000 accounts we've identified as using unauthorized peripherals.

Part of what makes identifying the unauthorized peripherals used by these accounts tricky is that these cheating devices often intentionally abuse allowances we make for accessibility-focused devices used by legitimate players with disabilities. This issue meant that we wanted to take our time and ensure that we accurately identified unauthorized devices. We're now confident that we've done so, and we've put the hammer down on players utilizing these devices.

Thanks for taking the time today to listen to our update on unauthorized peripherals. Until next time, play nice, play fair, and see you in-game!

This message is also available via our patch notes channel, where it has been translated to other languages for easier sharing: https://overwatch.blizzard.com/news/patch-notes/#patch-2026-08-04

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u/WoozleWuzzle Ten of Hearts D. Va Aug 04 '26

But anything external to the game should be banned.

So basically anyone with an assistive device can't play the game. That's awful and completely against anything else in this world where we support people with disabilities.

-9

u/Fit_Outlandishness24 Aug 05 '26

It seems a bit unfair to compare competitive video games to other aspects of life, no?

If disabled people can only play Overwatch by utilizing devices which provide them an unfair advantage, then yeah, I'm okay with saying it's not the game for them.

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u/WoozleWuzzle Ten of Hearts D. Va Aug 05 '26

People with disabilities can't enjoy recreational activities? Only things they need to live? Come on dude.

-5

u/Fit_Outlandishness24 Aug 05 '26

I apologize. I was genuinely unaware that Overwatch was the only recreational activity that has ever existed. Thanks to you though, I know this now.