Electronic Arts (EA) has made the tough call to block all Linux-based systems, including the Steam Deck, from accessing Apex Legends. This decision stems from the growing security concerns that have led EA to withdraw support for the game on all Linux devices. Let's delve into the details of this situation and the reasons behind EA's decision.
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 significant move affecting the Linux community, including Steam Deck users, EA has announced the cessation of support for Apex Legends on Linux devices. The company cites the increasing security risks posed by the open-source nature of Linux, which they believe has turned it into "a path for a variety of impactful exploits and cheats."
EA's Community Manager, EA_Mako, shed light on this shift in a detailed blog post, stating, "The openness of the Linux operating systems makes it an attractive one for cheaters and cheat developers. Linux cheats are indeed harder to detect, and the data shows that they are growing at a rate that requires an outsized level of focus and attention from the team for a relatively small platform."
EA's concerns go beyond just Linux users exploiting the system; the flexibility of the platform enables malicious actors to mask cheats, thereby complicating enforcement efforts.
A Difficult, But Necessary Decision for the Broader Apex Legends Community
EA_Mako acknowledged the gravity of blocking an entire segment of players, explaining, "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." The decision, they suggest, prioritizes the well-being of the broader Apex Legends community over the interests of Linux users.
Moreover, EA highlighted the difficulty 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)," Mako noted, highlighting the technical challenges posed by open-source operating systems.
While this decision might be disappointing for many Apex Legends players and Linux enthusiasts, EA believes it's a necessary step to maintain the integrity and fairness of the game for its wider player base across Steam and other supported platforms, which, as confirmed in the blog post, will not be affected by these changes.
