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PunkBuster is Even Balance’s anti-cheat system for online games. Players encounter it through games that use it; game developers and publishers are the other audience, since they can seek licensing and support from Even Balance. The available sources identify supported games, but do not establish how many people use PunkBuster or who they are demographically.
Who uses PunkBuster?
Players in supported games
PunkBuster is relevant to players when a game or server they use relies on it. Even Balance describes the product as an anti-cheat system for online games, with support for major and proprietary game engines and Windows, Linux, and Mac. Even Balance’s product page describes the system and its compatibility.
That does not mean every server, mode, or player in a listed game necessarily uses or requires PunkBuster. Support for a title is evidence of a relationship with the game, not a count of active users or universal enforcement.
Developers and publishers
Even Balance also addresses game developers and publishers seeking anti-cheat support. Its licensing inquiry page provides a route to ask about licensing. This indicates a potential customer audience, not an affiliate or referral program.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which games use PunkBuster?
Even Balance’s supported-games listing names these examples:
- Battlefield 4
- Battlefield 3
- Battlefield Hardline
- America’s Army Proving Grounds
- Far Cry 3
- Ghost Recon Future Soldier
- Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad
The vendor listing gives client version 1.905 and server version 2.351 for Battlefield 4; client version 1.905 and server version 2.352 for Battlefield 3; and client version 1.905 and server version 2.340 for Battlefield Hardline. These are product version identifiers shown on the listing, not usage statistics or proof that every server still runs the system. See Even Balance’s supported-games page for its listed titles and versions.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How can you tell whether a particular game uses it?
Check the game’s own listing and documentation
Battlefield 4 is a concrete example: its Steam store listing identifies PunkBuster under “Uses Anti-Cheat Software” and lists online PvP. EA’s Battlefield 4 PC EULA says a player may opt to install Even Balance’s PunkBuster technology during software installation. Together, these establish the game’s association with PunkBuster, but not a requirement for every match or server.
Distinguish support from current activity
A title appearing on the vendor’s list does not show how many people currently play it, how many servers enable PunkBuster, or whether it remains required in a particular mode. The available evidence does not provide a current deployment census.
Rank #3
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
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- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why might PunkBuster affect a player?
Even Balance’s player FAQ includes troubleshooting for players kicked from Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4, and Battlefield Hardline. It also warns that uninstalling PunkBuster for relevant games can prevent play. That makes the system practically relevant to some players of those titles, but does not establish that all players or servers use it. See Even Balance’s player FAQ.
If you are troubleshooting a kick, use the game-specific guidance in the FAQ and check whether the server or game mode you joined requires PunkBuster. Do not assume that a supported title uses the anti-cheat system in every context.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Does PunkBuster have a known user count or demographic?
No independently attributable, current figure for PunkBuster’s user count or demographic composition is established by the sources cited here. A game’s sales, storefront reviews, or inclusion on a supported-games list would not supply a reliable count of people using its anti-cheat system. Even Balance’s version numbers describe software versions, not users.
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What does Even Balance say about its audience?
Even Balance’s manuals index describes documentation for players interested in using or learning about PunkBuster. It also identifies game software developers as organizations it seeks to work with for anti-cheat support. In practical terms, the audience includes both players who encounter the software in online games and developers or publishers considering its use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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