Electronic Arts (EA) has made a significant decision to block all Linux-based systems, including the Steam Deck, from accessing Apex Legends. This move, aimed at curbing rampant cheating, has stirred the gaming community. Let's delve into the details and understand why EA is withdrawing support for Apex Legends on Linux devices.
Steam Deck Players to Permanently Lose Access to Apex Legends
EA has announced that Apex Legends will no longer be playable on devices running Linux, which includes the popular Steam Deck. The company cited security concerns, stating that Linux has become "a path for a variety of impactful exploits and cheats." This decision directly impacts Linux users and Steam Deck players, who will lose access to the game.
In a detailed blog post, EA Community Manager EA_Mako explained the rationale behind this move. "The openness of the Linux operating systems makes it an attractive one for cheaters and cheat developers," they stated. "Linux cheats are harder to detect, and the data shows they are growing at a rate that requires significant attention from our team for a relatively small platform." The inherent flexibility of Linux allows cheat developers to mask their exploits, making it challenging for EA to enforce fair play.
A Difficult, But Necessary Decision for the Broader Apex Legends Community
EA_Mako acknowledged the gravity of this decision, noting that blocking a segment of players was not taken lightly. "We had to weigh the decision on the number of players who were legitimately playing on Linux/the Steam Deck versus the greater health of the population of players for Apex," they explained. The decision was made with the broader player community's well-being in mind, prioritizing the integrity of the game over the convenience of Linux users.
Additionally, EA highlighted the technical challenges in distinguishing legitimate Steam Deck users from cheat developers. "Linux is used by default on the Steam Deck. There is currently no reliable way for us to differentiate a legitimate Steam Deck from a malicious cheat claiming to be a Steam Deck (via Linux)," EA_Mako stated. This technical limitation has further complicated EA's efforts to maintain a cheat-free environment.
While this decision may disappoint many Apex Legends players and Linux advocates, EA stands firm that it is a necessary measure to preserve the integrity and fairness of the game. The broader player base on Steam and other supported platforms will remain unaffected by this change, ensuring that the majority of players can continue to enjoy a level playing field.
