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Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

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31–40 of 327 posts

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#31
post #10

What permissions does this require? A kernel module? Something that watches all processes all the time? Messes with input settings or breaks assistive devices? On windows, a lot of the actions that "anti-cheat" software takes is indistinguishable from a rootkit.

Thank you. This makes me very uneasy. Apart from the obvious, it also potentially makes linux a bigger target by increasing exploitable surface a hacker can hold on to. And I am saying this as a happy proton user.

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Arguably necessary when cheats people install themselves are actual rootkits.

Not 'arguably necessary'. Cheats can just as easily be detected from the server side through statistical analysis.

Oh great, so you've solved the problem then. The entire industry just hasn't discovered your one simple trick. You should let them know.

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#33

I could totally see Linux hitting 5+ percent market share for desktops on the next couple years

I doubt it. Desktop computers haven’t been relevant since 2008ish, and were struggling to maintain relevance after the 4th gen Intel GPU/Power-consumption changes. Headless servers and consumer electronics are, already, largely using Linux.

Go to Twitch.tv, everyone there will be on gaming PCs.

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#34

I could totally see Linux hitting 5+ percent market share for desktops on the next couple years

I doubt it. Desktop computers haven’t been relevant since 2008ish, and were struggling to maintain relevance after the 4th gen Intel GPU/Power-consumption changes. Headless servers and consumer electronics are, already, largely using Linux.

desktops are effectively the only thing people play PC games on.

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#35

I could totally see Linux hitting 5+ percent market share for desktops on the next couple years

I doubt it. Desktop computers haven’t been relevant since 2008ish, and were struggling to maintain relevance after the 4th gen Intel GPU/Power-consumption changes. Headless servers and consumer electronics are, already, largely using Linux.

If anything, this is the reason Linux could hit that point. Desktops are increasingly for specialized applications: gaming, development, content production, etc. If you just need general consumption, you probably have a tablet or phone. I could absolutely see Linux hitting 5% just because people who would never use Linux have stopped using a computer at all.

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#36

I could totally see Linux hitting 5+ percent market share for desktops on the next couple years

I doubt it. Desktop computers haven’t been relevant since 2008ish, and were struggling to maintain relevance after the 4th gen Intel GPU/Power-consumption changes. Headless servers and consumer electronics are, already, largely using Linux.

And yet we just went through a massive GPU shortage suggesting Desktop is alive and well. Do we have any recent industry stats on this?

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#37

I could totally see Linux hitting 5+ percent market share for desktops on the next couple years

I doubt it. Desktop computers haven’t been relevant since 2008ish, and were struggling to maintain relevance after the 4th gen Intel GPU/Power-consumption changes. Headless servers and consumer electronics are, already, largely using Linux.

This is a startlingly out of touch comment. Desktop PC gaming, along with self builds are one of lockdowns hottest trends.

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#38
post #10

What permissions does this require? A kernel module? Something that watches all processes all the time? Messes with input settings or breaks assistive devices? On windows, a lot of the actions that "anti-cheat" software takes is indistinguishable from a rootkit.

I wouldn't be shocked if it used BPF probes or something like that. A kernel module is possible, too, especially if they're targeting Ubuntu with DKMS.

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Arguably necessary when cheats people install themselves are actual rootkits.

Sure except EAC doesn't work, even on windows with the full kernel rootkit installed. Money back guarantee SaaS cheats are like $10/month that are undetected by EAC.

And those aren't even cheaters using a full DMA module and separate PC which is nearly impossible to detect if done properly.

Re: Epic launches anti-cheat support for Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck

#40

This is cool. Nothing ruins a game like someone cheating. What are the security implications of running an anti-cheat system on Linux? Do I need to give it root access?

Like another said in this thread, yes you would but it's because some cheats are rootkits. It's a little invasive but doesn't seem as problematic as other ACS like Riot's Vanguard, which is always on and China-owned.
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