As the highly anticipated game release, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 continues to generate attention, questions have arisen about its compatibility with Valve's popular handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck. Despite the excitement surrounding the next installment in the Black Ops series, prospective players may face hurdles when attempting to play Black Ops 7 on this device.
Challenging Anti-Cheat Requirements
The root of the issue lies with the newly implemented anti-cheat measures for Black Ops 7. Activision has introduced its Ricochet anti-cheat mechanism, originally rolled out during Season 5 Reloaded for Black Ops 6, which mandates Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 compatibility. These technical demands are not aligned with the current capabilities of SteamOS, the operating system powering the Steam Deck.
Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are critical components for ensuring system integrity and security, which the Ricochet system relies on to prevent cheating. Because SteamOS lacks support for these features, players are left in limbo regarding the game's accessibility on the Steam Deck.
Impact on Gamers
Players have encountered similar compatibility issues with other major titles like Apex Legends, Battlefield 6, Destiny 2, and Valorant. Each of these titles also enforces secure systems that are not currently compatible with SteamOS, highlighting an ongoing challenge for gamers who prefer handheld gaming on the Steam Deck.
Although the promise of playing AAA titles on a handheld platform maintains its allure, the necessity for compliance with these enhanced security measures may necessitate alternative solutions. Windows-based handheld devices supporting Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 may offer a viable route for playing Black Ops 7, but they must also satisfy the game's system requirements to ensure a seamless gaming experience.
Uncertain Future
While no official Steam Deck rating for Black Ops 7 has been issued, experts anticipate the game might receive an "Unsupported" status due to these restrictions. This potential classification could place limitations on where and how players can enjoy the game, sparking broader discussions about the future of handheld gaming and system compatibility.
For those eager to explore titles that remain accessible on Valve's handheld system, a comprehensive Steam Deck guide is available to navigate compatible offerings. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, monitoring the interplay between emerging game technology and platform compatibility remains essential for gamers and developers alike.
