Despite 2K's assurances, Zen cheaters continue to ruin NBA 2K
By Brian Allen
Did you ever have a friend with a $2,000 stereo installed in a $200 car? That's what paying more than $100 to play a $70 game looks like. Zen controllers use all manner of mods such as aim assist and strafe shot to make games easier.
They're best known for allowing bad shooters to hit pro-level shots in games such as Call of Duty. But as sports games fill up with skill meters and quick-time events, zens have infiltrated this genre as well The always controversial spokesperson Ronnie 2K inspired hope when he tweeted that zen users would be "down bad" in 2K25.
According to pro players and content creators including Tydebo, zen cheaters are not down bad. In fact, they seem to be eating just fine. Because 2K25 has revamped shooting again, many players are struggling with the new mechanics. This makes people even more suspicious of anybody hitting shots at an exceptionally high rate.
The potential rewards for winning games now include tournament cash and YouTube stardom, giving even more incentive to cheat. If pro sports has taught us anything, it's that some people's moral compasses point due south when financial rewards are involved.
Let's be honest about online gaming for a moment. There are plenty of players who cheat just to feel superior to their opponent, or because they enjoy being a troll. Being able to make cash at the game while being a terrible person is just a bonus for them.
Of course, using modded controllers is against the terms of service that we all agree to without reading. But game publishers are in a constant battle against the companies that sell cheating enabling products, and it looks like they're losing.