One more title underneath the EA umbrella has taken steps to dam Linux OS gaming PCs, and the Steam Deck, from with the ability to entry the sport. The Apex Legends staff posted an replace blaming Linux for a excessive proportion of “impactful exploits and cheats”, resulting in this drastic motion being taken.
The Steam Deck continues to be the most effective handheld gaming PC, however the current loss from the platform of a number of EA video games with on-line options can’t be ignored. This additionally comes off the heels of Grand Theft Auto 5 on Steam Deck struggling an identical destiny, with GTA On-line not accessible on Valve’s handheld.
In a publish to X (previously Twitter), the next replace was posted: “We’re sharing at this time that Linux (and Steam Deck utilizing Linux) will not be capable of entry Apex Legends.”
The publish goes on to state that the staff has “recognized Linux OS as being a pathway for quite a lot of impactful exploits and cheats.” Provided that many EA video games have not too long ago adopted EA Anti-Cheat, which excludes Linux by default, it was anticipated that Apex Legends may make this transfer in some unspecified time in the future provided that it’s one of many final EA-published on-line video games with out it. This isn’t the case, however the present Apex anti-cheat is as a substitute being modified.
This publish admits that the portion of Linux gamers is small however then claims the affect was too nice to disregard, bringing concerning the final resolution to ban the working system solely. It goes on to level out that it has no option to “differentiate a legit Steam Deck from a malicious cheat claiming to be a Steam Deck (by way of Linux).” As such, it has applied this blanket ban.
The Steam Deck consumer base is kind of small within the grand scheme of issues, even when it’s arduous to differentiate an actual variety of gamers, however nonetheless quantities to a big complete. A greatest estimate has recommended that 1.5% of month-to-month Steam customers play on a Deck, which might complete round 1.45m gamers.
In the meantime, wanting on the Steam Deck most performed chart for the previous yr, Apex Legends sits in forty eighth place, down 24 areas from the earlier yr. It’s been a reasonably constant performer on Valve’s handheld, however will quickly drop off the record solely because of this newest growth.
If you wish to know which video games can nonetheless be performed on Valve’s moveable, then take a look at our record of the most effective Steam Deck video games which options video games we’ve examined on your peace of thoughts.