This is the second lore vignette from Season 1. It was introduced after Update 1.9.0 on February 21st, 2024. Similar to S01 Lore Vignette 1, the video is a recording of a conversation between Scotty and June after a match has ended. This time, the hacking group CNS is directly referenced in the dialogue.
Transcript
Scotty: "When the coins get tough, the Tough Shells get coins. What a win! On behalf of our sponsors, thanks for tuning in."
"Aaand that's a wrap"
June: "Another broadcast, and another message from CNS."
Scotty: "They're starting to draw attention away from the contestants."
June: "Hmm, the messages tend to appear at the big matches. It's certainly not random."
Scotty: "I mean, I guess it could be a publicity stunt?"
June: "That could explain why VOLPE's tech hasn't blocked them. But, what if it's not a stunt?"
Scotty: "All I know is that whatever 'CNS' even is, it can't outsmart THE FINALS."
June: "True enough. And if CNS wanted to earn real fame, they'd need to compete. Just like you, Scotty."
Breakdown
This recording takes place in the exact same fashion as the previous lore vignette, where a match has just ended and the broadcast is going offline.
June mentions that the broadcast that had just ended had a message from CNS.
The extend of these hacks is so widespread that Scotty thinks that the hacks are stealing the spotlight from the contestants.
June states that the hacks only occur in larger matches, discounting the idea of 'random glitches' and implying that the purpose of the hacks is for publicity, reinforced by Scotty's reply.
Scotty seems to think that the hacks might be some sort of internal publicity stunt.
June mentions that Scotty might be correct, as that would explain why VOLPE did not block the messages. It seems that VOLPE has technology that would have normally blocked a hacker, but has failed against CNS.
In the next line, Scotty says that CNS "can't outsmart THE FINALS." This could imply that THE FINALS gameshow is some sort of larger entity or network of entities that is a force to be reckoned with.
Ending the conversation, June implies that the next highest level of publicity could only be achieved by actually competing in THE FINALS. She also references that fact that Scotty was a former contestant on THE FINALS.