Wardogs Developer Addresses Region Locking Amid Player Backlash

Bulkhead has announced the implementation of region locking in their multiplayer first-person shooter, Wardogs. The studio claims this measure aims to safeguard the majority of players from an influx of regions that have a higher tendency for cheating. However, this decision has sparked concerns among genuine players in Asia, as well as criticism from those who enjoyed cross-region play that now faces restrictions. The region lock operates by capping the maximum ping, or connection latency, to 175. This approach is intended to provide a level playing field by preventing players from far-off regions with potentially unstable connections from participating in matches. According to Bulkhead, this step is also expected to help reduce cheating incidents. Bulkhead expressed their rationale on social media, stating, "We have decided to protect the largest amount of players from an influx of regions that are more prone to cheating. It’s disappointing for us to implement these divisions as social interaction is a crucial aspect of Wardogs, but we must prioritize the majority over a minority." The developer acknowledged that the region locking process is complex and not merely a straightforward switch. They expressed regret that the situation had reached this point and indicated that stricter measures would be taken to manage inter-regional play. Some players have responded to the news with demands for refunds, feeling frustrated by the inability to connect with friends across different countries. One player voiced their discontent, saying, "As an American with Australian friends, this is a ridiculous change. Why not just block access from China entirely?" Another echoed this sentiment, declaring intentions to seek a refund. "I didn’t buy Wardogs to engage in a hardcore shooter experience; I wanted to play with my friends without these ping limits. This won’t stop cheaters either!" Players from Asia have also expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming that the region lock feels discriminatory. One player pointed out, "Our normal gameplay can be flagged, leading to unfair accusations of being 'Chinese cheaters' without any verification. This community often jumps to conclusions, hurling insults without understanding the situation. Despite this, we continue to support the game and help clear up misconceptions." Numerous replies to the Wardogs announcement reflect a shared sentiment that the region lock is a misguided approach that could harm players across the board, rather than addressing the root problem of detecting and banning cheaters effectively. In response to supportive comments from a YouTuber, Wardogs CEO Joe Brammer acknowledged the trade-off involved in their decision. He shared that the team is exploring solutions for players worldwide, stating, "We’re sacrificing a percentage of players to protect the larger community. We will find a solution; this issue extends beyond just Wardogs." Brammer further elaborated that the current ping restriction is a temporary fix and not a definitive answer. "A more comprehensive solution is in the works, but it will take time. It’s not as simple as flipping a switch, as accurately tracking players’ locations can be complicated due to factors like VPN usage."