Electronic Arts (EA) has made the significant decision to block all Linux-based systems, including the Steam Deck, from accessing Apex Legends. This move stems from concerns over security and cheating within the game. Below, we delve into the reasons behind EA's decision to drop support for Apex Legends on 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"
In a decision affecting all Linux users, including those utilizing the Steam Deck, EA has announced that Apex Legends will no longer be supported on devices running Linux. The primary reason cited by EA is the escalating security risks posed by the open-source nature of Linux, which they describe as "a path for a variety of impactful exploits and cheats."
EA's Community Manager, EA_Mako, elaborated on this change in a recent blog post. They noted, "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 shows that their usage is growing at a rate that demands significant focus and attention from our team, despite the platform's relatively small user base."
The concern is not just about Linux users exploiting the system; the flexibility of the platform allows malicious actors to disguise their cheats, making enforcement more challenging.
A Difficult, But Necessary Decision for the Broader Apex Legends Community
EA_Mako emphasized that the decision to block Linux users was not made lightly. "We had to balance the number of legitimate Linux/Steam Deck players against the overall health and fairness of the Apex Legends community," they stated. This indicates that the well-being of the larger player base was a critical factor in their decision-making process.
Moreover, EA highlighted the difficulty in distinguishing legitimate Steam Deck users from those developing and using cheats. "The Steam Deck uses Linux by default, and currently, there is no reliable method for us to differentiate between a legitimate Steam Deck and a malicious cheat posing as a Steam Deck," Mako explained, highlighting the technical challenges posed by open-source systems.
While this decision may disappoint many Apex Legends players and Linux enthusiasts, EA believes it is essential for maintaining the game's integrity and fairness for the majority of its player base across supported platforms like Steam. These players will continue to enjoy the game without any impact from this change.
