
Apex Legends Removes Support for Steam Deck and Linux: A Security Measure Against Cheating
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Apex Legends Blocks Linux Support: The Reasons Behind the Decision
Apex Legends has long been a standout in the battle royale genre, not only for its engaging gameplay but also for its compatibility with various platforms, including the Steam Deck gaming handheld. However, recent announcements from Electronic Arts (EA) and Respawn highlight a major change: the game will no longer support the Linux OS. This decision arises from escalating concerns regarding cheating exploits on Linux systems.
Understanding EA's Position on Linux Access
In a blog post, EA clarified their stance, revealing that Linux OS has emerged as a pathway for various cheats and impactful exploits. "In our efforts to combat cheating in Apex, we’ve identified Linux OS as being a path for a variety of impactful exploits and cheats," EA stated. Despite previously utilizing the Epic Games’ Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) – a system that had been compatible with the Steam Deck for over three years – the growing complexity and prevalence of Linux-based cheats forced EA to reassess its policies.
The Challenge of Anti-Cheat Measures on Linux
Even with the existing anti-cheat measures in place, the situation with Linux remains concerning. EA noted that Linux cheats are increasing at a rate necessitating greater focus from their team, one that seems disproportionate to the relatively small user base on the platform. Moreover, it was found that cheats designed for the Windows OS could be emulated on Linux, complicating detection further.
Industry-Wide Concerns
This isn't an isolated case. Riot Games has also been vocal about its reservations regarding Linux support for titles like Valorant and League of Legends, citing similar worries about the possibility of cheats slipping through. Phillip Koskinas, the director of anti-cheat for Valorant, elaborated: "You can freely manipulate the kernel, and there’s no user mode calls to attest that it’s even genuine," indicating how Linux's open nature presents inherent risks.
The Financial Consideration
While the technical challenges are significant, there is also a financial aspect. Developers like Epic Games have previously mentioned that without a substantial user base on platforms like the Steam Deck – in the realm of tens of millions – it becomes challenging to justify the investment in custom solutions to support those platforms. EA's decision echoes this sentiment, as they weighed the small population of Linux players against the larger impact of cheating across their community.
What’s Next for Steam Deck Users?
For fans of Apex Legends who wish to continue gaming on the Steam Deck, there is a workaround: installing Windows on the device. While Valve has not yet released a dual-boot installer to facilitate this transition, there have been recent improvements in the Windows drivers to enhance user experience. Thus, players can still enjoy their battles on Apex Legends, albeit with the additional step of setting up Windows.
Conclusion
While the decision to block Linux access to Apex Legends may disappoint some players, it reflects broader concerns across the gaming industry regarding cheating and platform security. As developers continue to navigate these challenges, the experience for players on alternative operating systems will likely evolve.
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