Apex Legends Removes Linux Support Due to Cheating Concerns

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the termination of Apex Legends support for all Linux-based systems, including the Steam Deck, citing a significant increase in cheating activity on the platform. This decision, while impacting a segment of the player base, is intended to protect the integrity of the game for the majority of players.

EA's community manager, EA_Mako, explained that the open nature of the Linux operating system makes it easier for cheat developers to create and deploy undetectable cheats. These cheats are reportedly harder to detect and are proliferating at an unsustainable rate.

The flexibility of Linux also allows cheaters to effectively mask their activities, making enforcement extremely difficult. EA_Mako stated that the data clearly shows a disproportionate level of cheating originating from Linux systems compared to the relatively small number of players using the platform.

The decision to block Linux users was not made lightly, according to EA. The company weighed the impact on legitimate Linux players against the need to maintain a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for the broader community. They ultimately concluded that the latter outweighed the former.

Furthermore, EA highlighted the technical challenges involved in distinguishing legitimate Steam Deck users from cheaters. Since Linux is the default operating system on the Steam Deck, there's currently no reliable method to differentiate between them.

While this decision may disappoint some players and Linux advocates, EA maintains it's a necessary step to preserve the fairness and integrity of Apex Legends for the vast majority of its players on other supported platforms. Players on Steam and other platforms will not be affected by this change.