Ubisoft's "The Division" has been beset by problems since its launch less than 24 hours ago. One problem was widespread server outtages, as well as occassional connection issues, that began to occur shortly after midnight. Such issues are hardly unprecedented and should be expected considering the AAA-status of the game.
However, it's one thing when the server prevents players from playing, but its a completely different matter when other players are the root of the problem. Unfortunately, this is the situation that has begun to unfold on launch day.
Much to the chagrin of players hoping to try out their new game, trolls have found that it is possible to block people's progress in the "The Division" by standing in a doorway. Long gone are the days when it was standard procedure to have avatars in MMO's simply phase through each other, instead they adhere to the inconveniences of physics and collide with one another instead.
This is annoying no matter the circumstance, but the issue is that this can be used as early as the game's first safehouse to impede a player's progress. Player's spawn in a small room there after meeting one of the game's main characters, Faye Lau, in a cut-scene. This means that even if the servers are working, the troll's presence blocks the only way to continue the game.
As if that wasn't enough, being the trolls that they are, many will add insult to injury by waving or doing jumping jack emotes in everyone's faces. One user on Reddit even reported someone asking other players for a password before they could pass.
"So I just started playing on the PC and there's a guy here called [NAME REMOVED] blocking the doorway into the first safe house demanding people say a password for entrance," the user said.
"I was stuck there for a good 10 minutes before I managed to sprint through him as well as a couple of others," the user continued. "Should probably make us able to pass through players in safehouses."
Certain gaming outlets have reached out to Ubisoft to ascertain whether there is workaround to the problem, or if it is working on the issue. In the meantime, others report having found a temporary solution to the issue - albeit an obnoxious one.
Testing has found that it is indeed possible to pass by someone blocking the doorway, but it requires a bit of work. Continuously run into the offending player for a few seconds until the physics engine relents and allows you to pass through. Only running will work, neither walking or continued pushing will do the trick.
Unfortunately those who are aware of this workaround are in the vast minority, leaving the remainder to wallow in defeat as they remain trapped.
The lesson learned? If there is a way to ruin other people's fun, someone will find and abuse it.
Check out a video of the door-blocking action below (you'll also see someone using the aforementioned trick to get past):
