Ex-Valve Developer Uncovers How CS Nearly Implemented Deadlock’s Anti-Cheat Method First

Valve has introduced an amusing new feature in its Deadlock anti-cheat system, which transforms hackers into frogs instead of outright banning them. This peculiar addition was reportedly intended for Counter-Strike, according to a former developer.

Deadlock has seemingly evolved into Valve’s favored initiative, particularly among Counter-Strike enthusiasts who have noticed the developer consistently rolling out new updates, features, and characters at an impressive pace.

The latest update introduced an interesting anti-cheat feature that allows players in a lobby to decide whether to immediately ban a detected cheater to end the game or turn them into a frog for the remainder of the match.

A former Valve developer, Burton Johnsey, shared on social media shortly after the update’s release that this whimsical idea had been in the works for a long time and was initially intended for Counter-Strike.

Chickens are a common sight in Counter-Strike’s maps.

“Holy crap, they finally built codename ‘FU Surprise Mode’?! When I worked on VAC, Rich and I designed this for CS, but the cheater was a chicken,” Johnsey, who was at Valve in 2016, stated.

Chickens have become iconic within CS, populating its various maps without much utility other than occasionally blocking doors or bursting into a cloud of feathers when shot.

The presence of these little creatures could have served as a fitting punishment for cheaters in the Valve FPS, compelling them to remain in the lobby and walk around aimlessly. Nonetheless, it appears that the feature is being included in the yet-to-be-released title instead.

CS2 players have voiced their frustrations regarding feeling neglected by Valve as it focuses on Deadlock and its growing player base, rather than other FPS titles. This whimsical anti-cheat update may, unfortunately, come off as another slight to those players.

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