Should You Stop Playing League of Legends Because of Riot Vanguard?

Patrick_Yu · July 22

Cheating in League of Legends

League of Legends, one of the most popular online MOBA, has been and still is grappling with significant cheating issues. Recent statistics have revealed a startling reality: as many as one in 15 matches globally are tainted by cheaters, with some regions experiencing rates as high as one in five. This problem is far more widespread than the community previously believed.

The severity of the issue is underscored by the alarming data shared in the latest developer blog from Riot Games. Scripters, cheaters who use automated scripts to gain unfair advantages, have an astounding 80% win rate in ranked matches. Moreover, over 10% of games in the Master+ ranks are compromised by cheaters. The ease with which banned cheaters can return to the game by purchasing new accounts for as little as $1.99 further complicates the situation.

What is Riot Vanguard?

In response to this pervasive issue, Riot Games has introduced Vanguard, an advanced anti-cheat software, to League of Legends. Already a part of Valorant, Vanguard is designed to operate at a deep level within players' PCs, making it extremely difficult for cheat developers to understand and circumvent.

Vanguard catches cheaters by using a kernel-level driver that grants it deep access to the computer's system processes and memory, allowing it to run continuously in the background. This access enables Vanguard to detect unauthorized software or modifications that provide unfair advantages. It connects to Riot Games' servers to report any suspicious activities, using AI to identify and adapt to new cheating methods. When cheating is detected during a match, Vanguard can instantly terminate the game, ensuring no win or loss is recorded, and it imposes bans on cheaters, including hardware bans to prevent them from simply creating new accounts. This measure aims to outpace the quick adaptations of cheat manufacturers, providing a more secure and fair gaming environment.

Vanguard's approach leverages kernel mode, a highly privileged mode of operation traditionally reserved for operating systems. This mode allows the software to execute any instruction and access any memory address, providing complete control over the computer's hardware and system resources. While this level of access is powerful for combating cheats, it raises significant security and privacy concerns.

What is kernel mode?

Kernel mode is a critical concept in computer operating systems, representing a privileged level where the core functions of the operating system (OS) run. Modern operating systems, like Windows, Linux, and macOS, operate in two main modes: user mode and kernel mode.

User mode is where regular applications and software run with limited access to system resources and hardware, ensuring stability and security. In contrast, kernel mode is where the core components of the OS run, including device drivers, system services, and the kernel itself. In this mode, software has unrestricted access to all system resources and hardware, operating at the highest privilege level (Ring 0).

The power and control afforded to kernel mode come with significant security implications. Bugs or vulnerabilities can lead to severe breaches, allowing attackers to gain complete control over the system. Additionally, errors in kernel mode can cause system crashes, affecting the overall stability of the OS. Allowing third-party software, like anti-cheat programs, to run in kernel mode poses certain risks, including exploits that compromise system security and privacy due to the software's ability to monitor all computer activities.

So, Vanguard is basically like a Rootkit?

Essentially, yes. A rootkit is a type of software that provides privileged access to a computer, often hiding its existence or the existence of other software. By operating in kernel mode, Vanguard has similar capabilities to a rootkit:

Unrestricted Access: It can access all system resources and hardware.
High Privilege Level: It operates at the highest privilege level, above even regular user operations.
Potential Risks: Just like rootkits, if exploited or misused, Vanguard could be used to access sensitive information, cause system instability, or introduce security vulnerabilities.

The primary difference is the intention behind the software. While rootkits are typically associated with malicious purposes, Vanguard is intended to prevent cheating and enhance the gaming experience. However, the risks and concerns associated with such deep system access remain plausible especially when you consider who owns Riot Games…

Who owns Riot Games?

Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, is fully owned by Tencent, a Chinese multinational conglomerate. Tencent is one of the world's largest technology companies, known for its extensive investments in gaming, social media, and other digital services. The ownership by Tencent raises concerns for some gamers due to the company's ties to the Chinese government.

In Q3 to Q4 of 2023, the Chinese government took a "golden share" in a domestic subsidiary of Tencent, marking a step in increasing its control over the tech sector. Wangtou Zhicheng, an entity controlled by the Chinese government, now owns a 1% stake in Shenzhen Yayue Technology, a Tencent subsidiary. This stake, known as a "golden share," sometimes involves a board seat or other rights, allowing the government to gain access to online data and monitor business activities.

Should I quit League of Legends?

The introduction of Vanguard, Riot Games' advanced anti-cheat software, has raised significant concerns about privacy and security. However, it is not necessarily a reason to quit playing League of Legends or any other games by Riot. Vanguard aims to create a fairer gaming environment by reducing cheating, which can enhance your overall gaming experience.

While it is understandable to be wary given Tencent's ties to the Chinese government, it is important to note that there is no evidence to suggest that Tencent or Riot Games will use Vanguard for nefarious purposes. The primary intention of Vanguard is to combat cheating and improve the integrity of the game. Riot Games has a reputation to uphold, and it is in their best interest to maintain player trust and security.

For those particularly concerned about the potential risks associated with kernel-level access and who value their security and privacy, a prudent approach would be to separate your work computer from your gaming computer. By using a dedicated gaming PC, you can mitigate the risks to your sensitive work-related or personal data while still enjoying your favorite games.

If you are considering getting a new gaming computer, you might want to check out the Acer Predator and Acer Nitro lines. These models are well-regarded for their performance and reliability, making them excellent choices for a seamless gaming experience without compromising on security.