Introduction

In a surprising move, Respawn Entertainment has officially blocked access to Apex Legends for players using Linux operating systems, a decision that primarily affects Steam Deck users.

Reason Behind the Block

In a recent blog post, the developer explained that this measure is part of their ongoing battle against cheating within the competitive shooter. “We've identified Linux OS as being a path for a variety of impactful exploits and cheats,” Respawn stated, highlighting a significant concern within the community.

Impact on Players

The developers acknowledged the tough decision, noting that although the Linux player base is relatively small, their presence has led to a noticeable increase in cheating incidents. “As a result, we've decided to block Linux OS access to the game. While this will impact a small number of Apex players, we believe the decision will meaningfully reduce instances of cheating in our game,” they elaborated.

The Difficult Decision

Respawn made it clear that they struggled with the decision, weighing the impact on legitimate players against the broader health of the game's community. “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 explained.

Challenges in Differentiation

Another factor in the decision was the inherent difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate players using Steam Deck and hackers posing as them. “There is no reliable way for us to differentiate a legitimate Steam Deck from a malicious cheat claiming to be a Steam Deck (via Linux),” the blog stated.

Silver Lining for Steam Deck Owners

However, there is a silver lining for Steam Deck owners: Apex Legends will remain accessible if users choose to run Windows instead of Linux on their devices. This means dedicated players won't necessarily have to abandon their favorite title, albeit with a few extra steps involved.

No Impact on Other Platforms

Importantly, Respawn assured the community that players accessing the game on PC or other supported platforms will not be affected by this change, preserving the experience for the majority of users.

Community Reactions

This decision has sparked mixed reactions among players, with discussions about the importance of a fair playing field clashing with the frustrations of Linux and Steam Deck enthusiasts. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how Respawn will continue to address cheating while maintaining a welcoming environment for all gamers.

Conclusion

In the midst of this controversy, one question remains: will this impact the game's player base significantly, or are the risks of cheating too high to ignore? Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!