Call of Duty leads game cheat searches

A recent study shows that the popular shooter series Call of Duty tops online searches for game cheats. The research, conducted by the cybersecurity firm Surfshark, analyzed search trends for terms such as “aimbot,” “wallhack,” and “hack” across 15 major multiplayer games.

The findings reveal a strong interest in cheating among certain game communities. Players of Call of Duty perform about 66 cheat-related searches per 1,000 players every month. This level surpasses competitors such as Rocket League and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, highlighting how competitive multiplayer environments shape gaming trends and player behavior.

Cheat interest higher in shooters

Among multiplayer titles, first-person shooters often attract more cheat searches. The study shows that games with kernel-level anti-cheat software, which runs with system-level permissions, generally report lower cheat searches. These systems, used in games like Fortnite and Dead by Daylight, average 20 searches per 1,000 players.

In contrast, games relying on user-level anti-cheat software see more frequent searches for cheating. These games average 35 searches per 1,000 players, suggesting that players are aware of how anti-cheat methods affect their chances of using cheats successfully.
Despite Rocket League’s server-authoritative physics making cheating difficult, it still ranks second in cheat-related searches. Analysts believe that sophisticated methods, like AI-driven bots and prediction scripts, are driving these trends. These technologies mimic human input and create challenges for anti-cheat systems, illustrating how gaming trends evolve alongside technology.

MOBA games show low cheating

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games, including League of Legends and Dota 2, report the lowest cheat searches, about 0.3 per 1,000 players. The complexity of these games makes traditional cheats hard to implement.
This strong community integrity also reflects the social nature of these platforms. Many players engage in strategy, teamwork, and communication rather than seeking shortcuts, highlighting how game design influences player behavior in entertainment.

However, cheating of interest is more than a fairness issue. Players often disable antivirus software or grant elevated system access to run cheats. This creates security risks, allowing malware such as info-stealers or trojans to infiltrate devices. As gaming becomes more popular, cybersecurity remains a critical concern for the industry.

Social impact of online gaming

Online multiplayer gaming has evolved into a major social platform. Players not only compete but also form friendships and communities. In-game chat tools and platforms like Discord make it easy to connect. These interactions go beyond gaming, influencing other areas such as iGaming, where social features are now used to boost player engagement and community involvement.

However, online social interaction carries risks. Cyberbullying, harassment, and toxic behavior are real concerns, especially for younger audiences. Developers are aware of these challenges and continue to design safer environments. Recent releases, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, offer cooperative campaigns alongside large multiplayer experiences, encouraging teamwork while promoting fair play.
The study highlights that gaming trends are driven by both technology and player behavior. As cheats grow more sophisticated and anti-cheat systems improve, the online gaming community faces a constant struggle between fair play and rule-breaking, shaping the future of entertainment and gaming culture.