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Electronic Arts (EA) announced on Thursday that it is removing access to Apex Legends for players using Linux and Steam Deck. This decision, effective immediately, is part of EA’s ongoing efforts to combat cheating within the popular battle royale game.
Anti-Cheat Measures Prompt Removal
According to a post on the Apex Legends forums, EA made this difficult choice after discovering a significant number of cheats and exploits originating from Linux distributions. This connection prompted the company to block access for all Linux users, impacting Steam Deck players as well, since SteamOS is Linux-based.
Balancing Player Experience and Game Health
EA acknowledged the impact on legitimate Linux and Steam Deck players, emphasizing the decision was made to prioritize the overall health of the Apex Legends community. While the Linux player base is relatively small, the prevalence of cheats stemming from these systems disproportionately affected a larger segment of players. EA stated this imbalance ultimately led to their decision.
Alternative Access Options Remain
Although Apex Legends is no longer directly playable through the default Steam Deck launcher, players can still access the game on Steam Deck by installing Windows. Furthermore, the game remains accessible on PC through the Steam platform.
EA’s Ongoing Fight Against Cheating
alt textEA’s commitment to combating cheating in Apex Legends is well documented. The company previously reported banning over six million accounts since the game’s launch, with an average of over 100,000 bans issued monthly. EA currently utilizes Easy Anti-Cheat software to monitor and address cheating across its titles, including Apex Legends.
Not an Isolated Incident on Steam Deck
The removal of Apex Legends from Steam Deck due to anti-cheat measures follows a similar trend. Last month, Grand Theft Auto 5 and Grand Theft Auto Online were also removed from the platform following the integration of BattlEye Anti-Cheat, though Rockstar Games did not provide specific details regarding the incompatibility.
Conclusion
EA’s decision to remove Apex Legends support for Linux and Steam Deck underscores the ongoing challenge of combating cheating in online gaming. While this move impacts a segment of legitimate players, EA aims to protect the broader player base and ensure a fair and enjoyable gaming experience. Players can still access Apex Legends through alternative methods, but the decision highlights the complexities and trade-offs involved in maintaining game integrity.
