Anti-cheat arrives on SteamOS and Proton: what changes for the Deck and Linux

Valve integrates anti-cheat into SteamOS and Proton, expanding multiplayer games on Linux. See impacts for the Deck, EA, Capcom, and the future of PC gaming.

Valve has moved forward by incorporating anti-cheat software directly into SteamOS and Proton, Steam's compatibility layer between Windows and Linux. The change seeks to eliminate historical compatibility barriers for multiplayer games on Linux, paving the way for a smoother experience on devices like the Steam Deck.

Breaking barriers: anti-cheat for Linux

The initiative focuses on anti-cheat solutions that work natively on Linux via SteamOS and Proton. One benchmark is EA's Javelin anti-cheat system, which is being adapted for the Linux/Proton combination. Furthermore, there are plans to extend support to ARM drivers, which could significantly expand the pool of eligible hardware for multiplayer titles.

As a consequence, games like Battlefield 1 and Battlefield 6 may enjoy greater compatibility on SteamOS and the Steam Deck, reducing roadblocks that previously kept players away from Linux platforms.

Capcom expands focus on PC

Capcom is strengthening its position on PC, with about half of its revenue coming from PC in the last 12 months. The company has been optimizing titles for SteamOS and for the Deck itself, seeking to improve performance and reach. Examples cited include adjusted ports of titles such as Resident Evil Reququum and Monster Hunter Wilds, in addition to joint efforts with the Switch 2 to share development efforts.

For the future, Pragmata and Anusha Way of the Sword are mentioned as releases expected to perform well in the PC ecosystem, reinforcing the idea that PC remains a strategic axis for Capcom.

Resident Evil 7: performance on the Steam Deck

Resident Evil 7 is used as a reference for portable performance, running on the Steam Deck with settings close to maximum at about 45 frames per second. The title reveals the Deck's potential for on-the-go PC experiences, with DLCs that extend replayability and demonstrate Capcom's commitment to high-level portability.

Innovations for performance

Tools like FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR4) and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) are elevating performance and visual fidelity on devices like the Steam Deck and the probable Switch 2. For developers, this opens the way for more ambitious games that run well on less powerful hardware.

Capcom's responsiveness to fan feedback has been cited as part of its success on PC, with a focus on the quality of PC ports and community feedback helping to shape portability and performance.

Facing scalping: a persistent challenge

Even with technological advancements, the industry continues to deal with scalping on limited edition items, such as Resident Evil themed watches. The discussion points to solutions like more robust verification methods or supply chain approaches to reduce excessive resale and maintain fair access for genuine fans.

The future of PC gaming

The integration of anti-cheat into Valve's hardware ecosystem, coupled with Capcom's renewed focus on PC and the promise of technologies like FSR4 and DLSS, signals an increasingly inclusive ecosystem for PC games — including on portable devices. Although the challenge of scalping persists, the changes indicate a path where Linux platforms become viable options for popular and multiplayer titles.

How do you see this change affecting the adoption of Linux for gaming? Share your expectations in the comments: do you believe that the presence of anti-cheat integrated into SteamOS can really bring more players to the Deck and to Linux?

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