Apex Legends Drops Linux Support Due to Cheating Surge
Electronic Arts (EA) has removed support for Apex Legends on all Linux-based systems, including the Steam Deck, citing a significant increase in cheating originating from this platform. This decision, while impacting a segment of the player base, is intended to safeguard the game's integrity for the majority of players.
EA's community manager, EA_Mako, explained that the open nature of Linux makes it a haven for cheat developers. These cheats are reportedly harder to detect and are proliferating at an unsustainable rate. The flexibility of the Linux operating system also allows malicious actors to effectively mask their cheating activities, further complicating EA's anti-cheat efforts.
The decision to block Linux users, including Steam Deck players, was not taken lightly. EA weighed the number of legitimate Linux users against the negative impact of widespread cheating on the overall player experience. The conclusion was that maintaining a fair and cheat-free environment for the majority of players was paramount.
A further complication highlighted by EA is the inability to reliably distinguish between legitimate Steam Deck users and those employing cheats disguised as legitimate Steam Deck installations. The inherent challenges of managing security on an open-source operating system like Linux played a significant role in the decision.
EA assures players on other supported platforms that this change will not affect their gameplay. While this decision may disappoint some Linux users, EA maintains it is a necessary step to preserve the fairness and enjoyment of Apex Legends for its broader community.
