"Apex Legends Removes Steam Deck Support Amid Cheating Surge"

EA has made the tough decision to block all Linux-based systems, including the Steam Deck, from accessing Apex Legends. This move comes as a response to the growing issue of cheating facilitated by the open-source nature of Linux. Dive into the details to understand why EA is pulling support for Apex Legends on all Linux devices.

Steam Deck Players to Permanently Lose Access to Apex Legends

EA Calls Linux "A Path for a Variety of Impactful Exploits and Cheats"

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that Apex Legends will no longer be supported on Linux-based systems, including the Steam Deck. The decision stems from the increased security risks associated with the open-source platform, which EA identifies as "a path for a variety of impactful exploits and cheats."

In a detailed blog post, EA Community Manager EA_Mako explained the reasoning behind this move. "The openness of Linux operating systems makes it an attractive target for cheaters and cheat developers. Linux-based cheats are harder to detect, and our data indicates they are growing at a rate that demands significant attention from our team, despite the platform's relatively small user base."

The issue is compounded by the fact that the flexibility of Linux allows malicious actors to hide their cheats, 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 the decision to block Linux users, including Steam Deck players. "We had to balance the number of legitimate players on Linux and the Steam Deck against the overall health of the Apex Legends player community," they stated. The decision was made to prioritize the integrity and fairness of the game for the majority of players.

The challenge of distinguishing legitimate Steam Deck users from those exploiting the system was also highlighted. "Linux is the default operating system on the Steam Deck. Currently, there's no reliable way for us to differentiate between a genuine Steam Deck and a malicious cheat posing as one," Mako added, emphasizing the technical complexities involved with open-source systems.

While this decision may disappoint many Apex Legends enthusiasts and Linux advocates, EA stands firm that it is essential to maintain the game's integrity and fairness for its broader player base on Steam and other supported platforms, which will remain unaffected by this change.