Kernel Level Anti-Cheat Is Coming To Linux ...

Summary

Epic Games is reworking Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) for Linux, potentially enabling Fortnite and other multiplayer games to run on the platform. The announcement also included plans for a native Linux version of the Epic Games launcher.

The video presents this as a significant step for Linux gaming, while noting that the implementation and long-term plans are still developing.

How the proposed EAC approach works

The Linux version is intended to rely on security features already available in Linux, including:

• Secure Boot and trusted signing keys: EAC would accept kernels and system components signed with keys on a list maintained by Epic and recognized maintainers.
• TPM 2.0 and measured boot: These can help verify a system’s configuration and record what happens during startup.
• Kernel lockdown: A measure intended to make the kernel harder to tamper with.
• IOMMU and disabling kexec: Additional controls intended to limit certain ways of altering or replacing system components.
• Linux Security Module (LSM) hooks and eBPF: These could let anti-cheat software observe or restrict security-relevant activity through interfaces controlled by the kernel.

The presenter describes this as kernel-level access, but not unrestricted access. Unlike a dedicated kernel module, the anti-cheat would use mechanisms and hooks provided by the kernel.

Compatibility and concerns

The approach may require players to enable security measures and use a trusted kernel while playing. The presenter notes that Epic’s initial list of trusted distributions and maintainers does not include some popular options, such as SteamOS, Arch-based distributions, and Tuxedo OS. Broader compatibility remains an open question.

The video also raises security and compatibility concerns, especially for users who customize their operating systems or kernels. The presenter expects Steam Deck support may eventually be included, but treats this as likely rather than confirmed. Epic’s longer-term strategy remains unclear, and the video notes that BattlEye had not yet announced a comparable update.

Bottom line: The presenter considers this a major advance for Linux gaming, but not an ideal solution. It may improve multiplayer support while still requiring substantial system-level trust and leaving important compatibility questions unanswered.

Guides, reviews, or tutorials

No step-by-step guide, tutorial, or product review is provided. The video analyzes Epic’s announced anti-cheat approach and its implications for Linux gamers.

Main speaker/source

• Michael Horn, the video’s presenter.