EA Removes Apex Legends from Steam Deck: A Major Setback for Handheld Gamers

EA Pulls Apex Legends from Steam Deck Amid Cheating Concerns

In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the gaming community, EA has decided to remove Apex Legends from the Steam Deck. This decision comes as the company faced challenges with players exploiting Linux systems to cheat in the popular first-person shooter. With immediate effect, players can no longer access the game on Valve’s handheld platform, marking a significant shift for those who enjoyed gaming on the Steam Deck.

Apex Legends Steam Deck EA’s Apex Legends on the Steam Deck has been cut off due to cheating concerns.

EA’s announcement outlined their reasoning clearly: “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.” They noted that while the number of Linux users is relatively small, the impact of cheats using this platform had infected a considerable portion of the player base, leading to this unfortunate decision.

The developer emphasized, “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.”

Despite the disappointment among gamers who enjoyed Apex Legends on Steam Deck, EA reassured players that the game remains available on Windows systems. This means that players using traditional PCs, along with Windows-based handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, can continue their battle royale adventures without interruption.

Impact on the Gaming Community

This move is not entirely unprecedented within the realm of competitive gaming. Other popular titles, including Destiny 2, have faced similar restrictions due to rampant cheating on the Steam Deck. The rampant cheating issues present a growing concern for game developers as more players adopt handheld gaming. With Valve’s platform gaining traction, this issue will likely prompt a reevaluation of how developers address security and player integrity across various operating systems.

While attempts to curb cheating are essential for maintaining the game ecosystem, the loss of Apex Legends on the Steam Deck poses a significant setback for handheld gaming enthusiasts. Many gamers embraced the Steam Deck for its versatility and performance, and losing access to such a popular title might alter how the community interacts with handheld devices in the future.

Steam Deck Gaming The Steam Deck has been a game-changer for portable gaming, but it faces roadblocks.

Looking Ahead

As developers continue to grapple with the challenges of cross-platform play and cheating, it’s clear that the future of gaming ideologies may require players and corporations alike to adapt. EA’s decision to prioritize the health of the Apex Legends gaming community illustrates the balancing act developers must perform between innovation and player security. With the increasing prevalence of cheating tools, especially in open-source environments like Linux, developers now face critical decisions about accessibility and the integrity of their online worlds.

In conclusion, while the removal of Apex Legends from the Steam Deck is undoubtedly disappointing for fans, it is a necessary step to ensure fairness in the gaming experience for the wider player base. As handheld gaming continues to evolve, so too will the strategies developers implement to keep their games secure and enjoyable.

Published: November 1, 2024