Once Human: 115 Accounts Banned for Cheating & Interference
Developer Starry Studio continues its aggressive campaign to ensure a level playing field in its post-apocalyptic survival title, Once Human. In a recent fair play announcement, the studio confirmed that a new wave of bans has been issued, targeting players who violate the game's terms of service. The latest sweep, which covered the period from October 31st to November 6th, resulted in 115 player accounts being penalized for disruptive and unfair activities.
This decisive action underscores the development team's ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy and competitive environment for the dedicated community of "Metas" exploring the game's sprawling, supernatural world. By regularly identifying and removing bad actors, the studio aims to protect the integrity of the gameplay experience for the vast majority of its player base.
Breaking Down the Ban Numbers
The announcement provided a clear breakdown of the infractions that led to the 115 account penalties. The majority of the bans were directly related to the use of illicit software, with a smaller but significant portion targeting players engaging in disruptive behavior.
The specifics of the ban wave are as follows:
- Total Players Penalized: 115
- Penalized for Cheating: 105 players
- Penalized for Malicious Interference: 10 players
The "cheating" category typically encompasses the use of third-party software designed to give a player an unfair advantage. This can include programs like aimbots, which automatically target enemies, or "wallhacks," which allow players to see opponents through solid objects. Such cheats completely undermine the skill-based combat and exploration central to the Once Human experience.
"Malicious interference" often refers to a broader category of rule-breaking that harms the experience of others without necessarily using external software. This could include exploiting in-game bugs for personal gain, intentionally harassing or griefing other players to disrupt their progress, or other activities deemed detrimental to the health of the game's community.
Starry Studio's Proactive Stance on Fair Play
This latest ban wave is not an isolated incident but rather part of a consistent and transparent anti-cheat strategy. Starry Studio has established a pattern of releasing regular "Fair Play Announcements," keeping the community informed of its efforts to police the game world. This proactive approach is crucial in the online survival genre, where a single cheater can ruin hours of progress for legitimate players, from stealing hard-earned loot in PvP encounters to disrupting meticulously built bases.
By making these numbers public, the developer sends a clear message: cheating will not be tolerated. This transparency helps build trust within the community, reassuring players that their reports are being heard and that measures are actively being taken to protect their time and investment in the game. Maintaining a fair environment is paramount for the long-term health and player retention of any online multiplayer title.
The Role of AI and the Appeal Process
In its communication, Starry Studio acknowledged the complexities of modern anti-cheat systems. The developer noted that its backend monitoring utilizes an AI model that is constantly being refined and updated. While powerful, the studio transparently stated that "there is still a slight chance of false bans being triggered" as the system learns and evolves.
To address this possibility, a clear and direct recourse is available for affected players. The announcement encourages anyone who believes they have been wrongly penalized to submit a formal request through the in-game appeal screen. This built-in process ensures that there is a dedicated channel for reviewing potential errors, providing a crucial safety net for innocent players who may be caught in the crossfire of an anti-cheat sweep. This balanced approach—combining aggressive enforcement with a fair appeals system—demonstrates a mature understanding of the challenges of moderating a large-scale online game.
What This Means for the Once Human Community
For the average player, these regular ban waves are overwhelmingly positive news. They signify a safer and more enjoyable game world where skill, strategy, and cooperation are rewarded over illicit shortcuts. When players know that cheaters are being actively removed, they are more likely to engage with the game's core systems, from challenging world bosses to participating in player-versus-player skirmishes.
Ultimately, a clean gaming environment fosters a stronger, more engaged community. These actions by Starry Studio help ensure that Once Human will continue to grow as a destination for players seeking a challenging and fair post-apocalyptic survival experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Once Human Bans
What should I do if I think I was banned unfairly?
If you believe your account was penalized by mistake, you should use the official in-game appeal screen to submit a ticket. The development team will review your case through this channel.
What kind of behavior is considered cheating in Once Human?
Cheating typically involves using third-party software to gain an unfair advantage, such as aimbots, speed hacks, or ESP. Exploiting game-breaking bugs and glitches is also considered a serious offense.
How often does Starry Studio issue these ban waves?
Based on the developer's public announcements, these "Fair Play" reports are issued on a regular, often weekly, basis. This indicates that the game is under constant monitoring for illicit activity.