Call of Duty: WWII Offline After Hack Causes X-Rated Pop-Ups and Crashes

Millions of gamers were left in disarray after a hack targeted the popular video game Call of Duty: WWII, causing explicit content and other disruptive elements to appear on players’ screens. The unexpected breach has forced publisher Activision to take the game offline as they investigate the issue.

Players reported seeing gay pornography and insulting messages, which appeared through the Notepad app, alongside malware that led to system crashes, particularly on the Xbox PC version. Screenshots of these glitches have been widely shared by affected users on social media platforms.

According to PCGamer, one user warned others on social media, stating, “I JUST GOT HACKED PLAYING WW2! EVERYONE DO NOT PLAY WW2 ON GAMEPASS!” Another user described the issue as “Someone is trolling gamers with Notepad pop ups, PC shutdowns, and gay pornography.”

Activision’s Response and Investigation

While Activision has not confirmed the exact nature of the hack, they have taken proactive steps by pulling the game offline. In a statement on social media, the company said, “Call of Duty: WWII on PC Microsoft Store was brought offline while we investigate reports of an issue.”

VX-Underground, an ethical hacker group, noted that the hack also involved changing the PC backgrounds to display a prominent lawyer hired by Activision to prosecute video game cheaters. The group expressed concerns about the potential for more severe attacks, such as deploying malware or ransomware, but reassured users that the current attacker seems more interested in causing chaos than stealing personal information.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

Call of Duty: WWII, released in November 2017, quickly became a commercial success, generating $500 million in revenue within three days of its launch. The game’s popularity makes it a prime target for hackers aiming to disrupt a large user base.

This incident follows closely on the heels of significant layoffs at Microsoft, which owns Activision Blizzard. Recently, the company announced job cuts affecting 1,900 employees in its gaming division, representing about 8% of its workforce. Notably, Mike Ybarra, president of Blizzard since 2022, has also left the company amid these changes. Globally, Microsoft has reduced its workforce by over 9,000 positions.

Cheating and Security Concerns

Cheating has long been a challenge in the Call of Duty franchise. Common hacks include aimbots, which automatically aim and target enemies, and wallhacks, which allow players to see through walls. Activision explicitly forbids these practices, as they provide unfair advantages and undermine the gaming experience.

While the current hack does not appear to be a traditional cheating method, it highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities in online gaming. The incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect both players and the integrity of the game.

Looking Forward

As Activision continues its investigation, players are advised to remain cautious and avoid playing Call of Duty: WWII on the PC Microsoft Store until further notice. The company is expected to release more information as they identify the source and scope of the hack.

The gaming community awaits a resolution, hoping for a swift return to normalcy. Meanwhile, this event serves as a reminder of the ever-present risks in the digital landscape, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard against cyber threats.