New concerns about the Steam Deck's compatibility have emerged following the announcement that Everybody's Golf Hot Shots will employ kernel-level Easy Anti-Cheat software. This revelation was confirmed on the game's Steam store page, rekindling the ongoing discussion around the suitability of such anti-cheat measures on Valve's gaming handheld device.
Kernel-level anti-cheat systems, while robust in preventing cheating, are known to cause complications for devices like the Steam Deck, which is powered by SteamOS and Linux. The nature of these complications often involves limitations on game compatibility, much to the dismay of users who prize the device for its portability and versatility as a leading mobile gaming platform.
Concerns Rise Among Users
The choice of Easy Anti-Cheat for a game like Everybody's Golf Hot Shots has surprised many. The game, generally considered family-friendly and not traditionally associated with the robust ranks of competitive gaming titles, has prompted questions regarding the necessity of such intense anti-cheat measures.
Steam Deck aficionados, particularly active on the r/SteamDeck subreddit, have expressed a range of concerns. These range from questioning the appropriateness of kernel-level anti-cheat in a children's game, to broader concerns about data access and privacy implications.
Despite the unease, Hyde Inc., the developer of Everybody's Golf Hot Shots, has stated that Easy Anti-Cheat can indeed function with SteamOS and Linux, provided there is specific compatibility enabled by the developer. However, at this moment, the game's Steam Deck compatibility remains uncharted territory as the official rating has yet to be disclosed.
Developer's Silence Fuels Speculation
Hyde Inc. has not elaborated on why Easy Anti-Cheat was favored over less intrusive alternatives. The silence has fueled speculation and increased demand for transparency from the developers. Steam Deck users are understandably cautious, preferring to have clarity on game compatibility issues before proceeding with their purchases, notwithstanding Steam's refund policy which offers a degree of consumer protection.
For now, the hope remains that any potential compatibility issues will be ironed out in time for the game's release on SteamOS. Steam Deck owners continue to monitor the situation closely, eager for updates that reassure them of the device's ongoing utility and reliability in the gaming space.
