Apex Legends has permanently banned more than 2,000 accounts after enabling a new detection system targeting XIM cheating devices. The latest Apex Legends ban wave was confirmed by the game’s official competitive communications account, which stated that third party cheating peripherals are not tolerated in the battle royale.

The move follows an earlier January crackdown on Titan cheat devices, which resulted in over 1,000 permanent bans. Combined, Respawn Entertainment says more than 3,000 accounts have been banned in 2026 alone for using hardware designed to bypass anti cheat systems.

New XIM Detection Enabled In February

On February 19, a new detection specifically targeting XIM devices had gone live, immediately leading to over 2,000 permanent bans.

🔨 BANWAVE
A new detection targeting XIM cheating devices was enabled today that resulted in over 2,000 accounts being permanently banned. This follows a detection we enabled in January which targeted Titan cheat devices and resulted in over 1,000 accounts being banned.
Use of…

— ApexLiveComms (@ApexLiveComms) February 18, 2026

XIM adapters are external peripherals that allow players to use mouse and keyboard on consoles while appearing as a controller input. In some cases, they can also manipulate aim assist behaviour, giving players an advantage in gunfights.

Respawn previously introduced a separate detection in January focused on Titan cheat devices. That earlier action resulted in more than 1,000 accounts being removed from the game. According to reporting from Esports Insider, the combined total of hardware related bans since the start of 2026 now exceeds 3,000 accounts.

Ongoing Anti Cheat Efforts Since Season 23

This latest Apex Legends ban wave builds on broader anti cheat updates rolled out in September 2025. At that time, Respawn strengthened its detection systems in an effort to limit anti recoil exploits and automated bot activity.

Since the launch of Season 23, over 400,000 accounts have been permanently banned, largely due to improved bot detection and enforcement against exploit usage.

The new wave also comes shortly after the launch of Season 28 on February 10. The current season introduced Hardlight Meshes, along with a rework to Fuse’s ultimate ability, changes aimed at shifting the competitive meta while anti cheat measures continue to operate in the background.

Community Reaction And Console Debate

As expected, the announcement sparked debate across social media.

Some players questioned whether the bans were limited to PC. One user claimed they had heard nobody on console had been banned, suggesting the action may have focused primarily on PC accounts. Others argued that XIM usage is more closely associated with console environments, which added to the confusion.

Another player called for console level hardware bans, referencing how Bungie previously implemented console bans in Destiny. The suggestion was that platform level enforcement, potentially involving PlayStation and Xbox, could prevent cheaters from simply creating alternate accounts.

At this stage, Respawn has not publicly clarified whether the 2,000 bans were spread across PC and console or concentrated on one platform.

Impact Ahead Of ALGS Season Six

The timing of the crackdown is notable. The sixth season of the Apex Legends Global Series begins on February 28 with regional Online Open tournaments, which determine eight teams qualifying for the first Pro League split in April.

With competitive play ramping up, hardware cheat detection becomes increasingly important. Removing players who rely on third party peripherals helps protect the integrity of ranked play and the wider esports ecosystem.

Apex Legends is not alone in tightening enforcement. Earlier this month, the Call of Duty franchise announced new measures to target hardware devices that enhance reaction times or manipulate aim assist in Ranked Play across Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone.

For now, Respawn’s latest Apex Legends ban wave signals that hardware based cheating remains firmly in its sights. Whether this significantly reduces XIM usage long term, or simply pushes cheaters to create alternate accounts, will likely become clearer over the coming weeks as Season 28 continues.

The post Apex Legends Bans 2,000 Accounts For XIM Cheating Devices appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The video game industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. Vince Zampella, the co-creator of Call of Duty and a founding force behind Respawn Entertainment, has died following a car crash in Southern California. He was 55.

The news was confirmed on 23 December, sending shockwaves through the global gaming community, where Zampella was widely regarded as a visionary leader who helped shape modern shooters.

A Fatal Crash in the San Gabriel Mountains

According to the California Highway Patrol, Zampella was involved in a single-vehicle accident at around 12.45 pm on Sunday along Angeles Crest Highway, a winding scenic road north of Los Angeles.

Authorities say the southbound Ferrari veered off the road and struck a concrete barrier. The vehicle caught fire, trapping the driver inside. Zampella died at the scene, while a passenger who was ejected from the car later died in hospital. Investigators have not yet released details on what caused the crash.

Witnesses reportedly provided video of the incident, which involved a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, a high-performance hybrid sports car.

Geoff Keighley Pays Emotional Tribute

Zampella’s longtime friend and industry figure Geoff Keighley shared a heartfelt message on social media.

Vince was an extraordinary person — a gamer at heart, but also a visionary executive with a rare ability to recognize talent and give people the freedom and confidence to create something truly great.

I saw that up close while writing The Final Hours of Titanfall. I’ll always be…

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 22, 2025

“I cannot believe I am writing this,” Keighley said, describing Zampella as “a titan of the video game industry” and “a dear friend”.

Keighley reflected on working closely with Zampella while writing The Final Hours of Titanfall, praising his honesty, transparency, and unwavering commitment to putting players first. He added that despite Zampella’s legendary body of work, it always felt like his greatest game was still ahead of him.

From Infinity Ward to Respawn Entertainment

Zampella began his career in the mid-1990s before co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002 alongside Jason West and Grant Collier. There, he helped create Call of Duty, a series that would go on to sell more than 500 million copies worldwide.

Under his leadership, Infinity Ward produced some of the franchise’s most celebrated titles, including Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2, helping redefine the first-person shooter genre.

After departing Activision in 2010, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment, which was later acquired by Electronic Arts. At Respawn, he oversaw the creation of critically acclaimed games such as Titanfall and the global hit Apex Legends.

Leading Battlefield and a Last Public Appearance

In recent years, Zampella also took on a senior leadership role overseeing EA’s Battlefield franchise. Just 10 days before his death, he appeared at The Game Awards 2025, where Battlefield 6 won Best Audio Design.

EA described his passing as “an unimaginable loss”, calling Zampella a friend, leader, and visionary whose influence would be felt for generations.

A Legacy That Shaped Modern Gaming

Beyond sales figures and awards, Zampella was known for empowering creative teams and prioritising craftsmanship over trends. Colleagues frequently credited him with recognising talent early and giving developers the freedom to take bold risks.

From Medal of Honor to Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Battlefield, his fingerprints are on some of the most important games of the past two decades.

As tributes continue to pour in, one sentiment is shared across the industry. Vince Zampella didn’t just make successful games, he changed how they were made, and how millions of players experienced them.

The post Call of Duty Co-Creator Vince Zampella Dies Aged 55 in Tragic California Car Crash appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Apex Legends has just dropped a huge announcement, and it’s flipping the script on competitive play. Respawn Entertainment is launching the Apex Legends Creator Tournament Series, where creators and influencers will be in charge of hosting their very own tournaments with custom rules.

A new kind of Apex tournament is coming, and this time, you’re in charge. We’re teaming up with Creators to build the wildest, most unforgettable events.

Got a bold idea powered by your chaotic brilliance? Creator Hub is open: submit your idea.
➡️ https://t.co/Ybnr313U6S pic.twitter.com/H2QmRo9Mb9

— Apex Legends (@PlayApex) August 25, 2025

That’s right, no more sticking to the same formats we see in the ALGS or standard esports events. Instead, this new programme is all about community-powered competitions that are bold, chaotic, and completely unique.

What’s the Apex Legends Creator Tournament Series?

Respawn calls it “a new kind of Apex tournament,” one where they’re teaming up with the community to create “the wildest, most unforgettable events.” If you’re tired of the usual kill races and point ladders, this is where things get exciting.

Think of it like Apex with a twist:

• Melee-only matches
• Tabletop RPG-inspired challenges
• One bin loot runs
• No cooldown modes

Basically, if you can dream it, you can pitch it, and Respawn might just make it happen.

Image Credit: Electronic Arts

Powered by the Global Creator Programme

The initiative ties directly into the Apex Legends Global Creator Programme, with selected creators set to host monthly tournaments. Respawn isn’t just leaving you to fend for yourself, either. They’re promising full support to make these events shine, including:

• Prize pool backing
• Twitch drops for your channel
• Exclusive code giveaways
• Official stream assets
• Social media support from Respawn
• Event organisation assistance

So, whether you’re looking to grow your community or bring a wild Apex idea to life, there’s a proper support system in place.

How to Get Involved

Submissions are open right now through the official Apex Creator Hub. If you’re already part of the Global Creator Programme, you can check in on Discord or with your local creator lead for updates.

For those looking to sign up, the Creator Hub process involves filling out a quick “Get Verified” survey. You’ll need to share details about your content, the platforms you stream or post on, and a bit about your community.

Currently, the programme is mainly focused on English-speaking creators across North America, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Germany, and France.

More Than Just Tournaments

Being part of the Creator Hub doesn’t stop at running tournaments. Respawn has also outlined extra perks for members, including:

• Early access to playtests
• A chance to give direct feedback on the game
• Updates via the Creator Discord
• Collaboration opportunities
• An official Creator Code for Apex Legends

So, not only do you get to put on some of the most unpredictable Apex events ever, but you’ll also be part of shaping the future of the game.

Why This Matters for the Apex Community

Apex Legends has always thrived on its community. From highlight clips to custom scrims, fans have constantly found new ways to enjoy the game outside of ranked ladders and professional play. The Creator Tournament Series looks like Respawn’s way of doubling down on that creativity, giving players the tools and backing to make those crazy “what if?” Apex moments official.

And honestly? That’s a win for everyone, whether you’re a viewer, a player, or a creator looking for the next big stage.

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