Apex Legends Drops Steam Deck Support Over Security Concerns

Amidst ongoing efforts to safeguard players, EA recently announced that “Apex Legends” will no longer support Steam Deck, the popular handheld PC gaming device. This decision stems from growing security concerns, specifically regarding Linux-based systems and the vulnerability of open platforms like SteamOS to certain exploits that compromise player data and fair play.

The Security Concerns Behind the Decision

According to EA, Linux’s open-source nature offers numerous customization options, yet it also creates opportunities for exploits that can impact the security of online games. Linux users, in particular, face heightened risks due to the ease of access to system-level modifications, which hackers often exploit. As EA explains, these vulnerabilities expose games to unauthorized modifications and cheating. Since the Steam Deck operates on a Linux-based OS, EA ultimately opted to remove support for “Apex Legends” to protect the broader gaming environment.

By leveraging an open platform, the Steam Deck gives players access to extensive gaming features, including mods and system adjustments. However, such flexibility comes with the risk of exposure to unwanted external tools, such as cheating software and other unauthorized code. “Apex Legends,” known for its competitive landscape, has seen significant growth since its 2019 release, attracting a vast audience eager for fast-paced battle royale action. Yet, maintaining a fair, hack-free environment remains paramount, leading EA to prioritize secure gameplay experiences over platform inclusivity.

Community Reactions and Response from EA

The announcement has sparked varied reactions across the community, with some Steam Deck players expressing disappointment over losing access to “Apex Legends” and questioning EA’s rationale. Many players have pointed out that Steam Deck’s OS configuration could incorporate better security mechanisms without alienating users. Others have supported EA’s decision, acknowledging that player integrity and data safety outweigh the convenience of platform expansion.

In response, EA stated, “Our commitment to safeguarding fair play and player data drives our ongoing platform evaluations, and we had to make this choice to enhance security and ensure a quality experience.” Additionally, the company hinted at continuing its security monitoring across other Linux-based platforms, indicating that support may still exist for some operating systems depending on future security developments.

Impact on the Steam Deck Gaming Landscape

For Steam Deck, “Apex Legends” was one of many notable AAA games previously accessible, signaling a broadening compatibility that gave Linux gamers access to mainstream titles without needing to switch to a traditional console. With this change, the handheld PC device may see a temporary shift in its appeal for competitive gaming audiences who now lack access to one of the market's most prominent free-to-play games. Yet, the decision to remove “Apex Legends” could prompt Linux advocates and the Steam Deck development team to advance security protocols and reinstate future compatibility with games requiring stronger data safeguards.

In the interim, Steam Deck players have shared recommendations on compatible FPS and battle royale alternatives that maintain Linux support, including “Fortnite,” “Overwatch 2,” and various indie titles popular within the open-source community. Although some are hesitant to adopt new games following “Apex Legends’” removal, EA assures players that improved security practices and user feedback will shape its approach to cross-platform compatibility in the coming months.

The Road Ahead: A Closer Look at Security on Open Platforms

EA’s decision has rekindled discussions on the security risks associated with open platforms. Although proprietary systems like Windows or macOS restrict backend adjustments, SteamOS, based on Linux, allows significant user modifications, posing a higher risk for unauthorized modifications and third-party applications. Game developers face the challenge of balancing accessibility with maintaining a controlled, secure environment for players.

For “Apex Legends,” maintaining a secure, competitive environment has been central to the game’s operational philosophy, which is why security breaches and unauthorized third-party tools have posed such a challenge. EA has implemented various anti-cheat technologies, including kernel-level drivers for Windows, but replicating such security on open-source platforms remains challenging.

To move forward, companies might adopt a hybrid approach where open platforms have access to select features while restricting others that could compromise security. For instance, limited access modes could be introduced where multiplayer or competitive gameplay is allowed only on verified systems. EA, along with other developers, is reportedly exploring solutions that would permit partial access, ensuring user safety without removing functionality entirely.

Looking Forward: What Players Can Expect

EA’s decision to pull “Apex Legends” from Steam Deck sets a significant precedent for developers striving to make their games more inclusive while prioritizing security. For the foreseeable future, “Apex Legends” will remain absent from Steam Deck, although EA has promised to continue its security efforts and to explore ways of supporting open-platform players. For those with Steam Decks, alternative battle royale options remain available, though the hope remains that companies like EA will eventually bridge the security gap to bring back popular titles without jeopardizing player safety.