The topic Linux’s Easy Anti-Cheat problem might finally get fixed as Epic Games posts an… is currently the subject of lively discussion — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
While gaming on Linux has come leaps and bounds since a decade ago, it’s still not the perfect replacement for Windows. One of its biggest issues is with Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), a cheater prevention tool owned by Epic Games and runs on the kernel level. There have been some efforts to get EAC working on Linux, but given how Linux users have far more control over the kernel than Windows, some developers felt it too risky to publish their games on Linux, including Epic Games itself, which blocked access to Fortnite.
Now, it seems that Epic Games is working on getting its Easy Anti-Cheat working better on Linux. While it hasn’t made any official announcements yet, it is looking for someone who can hopefully make life easier for people who game on the FOSS system.
However, there are a few interesting lines in the job posting. The first is within the role requirements, which specifically asks for someone who can “Champion Linux anti-cheat capabilities for Epic.” It also asks for someone who has “Deep knowledge of Linux and Windows OS internals,” which is pretty necessary if you’re making an anti-cheat app.
Of course, just because Epic is hiring someone to work on Linux’s anti-cheat system doesn’t mean the company will focus on it, let alone release something that will finally allow Linux gamers to get on Fortnite. But it’s encouraging to see the company actively advertising a role that involves working on the Linux anti-cheat system, and it’s hopefully a sign that things will improve in future.
Pirates on Windows might make life harder for gamers on Linux.