Apex Legends Removes Linux Support Due to Cheating Surge
Electronic Arts (EA) has ended support for Apex Legends on all Linux-based systems, including the popular Steam Deck handheld. This decision, detailed in a recent blog post by EA Community Manager EA_Mako, cites the escalating problem of cheating on the Linux platform.
EA characterizes Linux as a haven for cheat developers, stating its open-source nature makes it difficult to detect and combat cheats effectively. The blog post highlights the disproportionate resources required to address the growing number of Linux-based cheats compared to the relatively small number of players using the platform.
The flexibility of Linux also allows cheaters to mask their activities, further complicating EA's anti-cheat efforts. EA_Mako emphasized the difficulty in distinguishing legitimate Steam Deck users from those employing cheats, as Linux is the default operating system for the Steam Deck. No reliable method currently exists to differentiate between them.
EA acknowledged the impact on Linux users, stating the decision wasn't made lightly. However, they prioritized the overall health and fairness of the game for the vast majority of players on other platforms. The blog post assures players on Steam and other supported platforms that they will not be affected by this change.
This move, while potentially disappointing to some, reflects EA's commitment to maintaining a fair and cheat-free gaming experience for the broader Apex Legends community.