EA’s upcoming title, Battlefield 6, will not be playable on Valve’s Steam Deck due to compatibility issues, primarily stemming from the game’s anti-cheat software. While EA has not officially detailed the exact reason, it’s widely believed that the anti-cheat system’s requirement for Windows kernel-level access conflicts with the Steam Deck’s Linux-based operating system, rendering the game unplayable on the popular handheld device.
Battlefield 6 Excluded from Steam Deck Support
EA executive vice president Vince Zampella has confirmed that Battlefield 6 will not be supported on the Steam Deck at launch. While Zampella left the door open for potential support on other PC gaming handhelds, he explicitly stated that the Steam Deck is a “complete non-starter.” This decision is particularly disappointing as it appears to be an OS-level restriction rather than a matter of the handheld’s hardware capabilities, especially since Battlefield 6 is expected to run on relatively modest PC specifications.
Anti-Cheat Software as the Primary Obstacle
The incompatibility is largely attributed to EA’s new anti-cheat software, which has previously caused similar issues with other EA titles on the Steam Deck. Games like Battlefield V, Battlefield 2042, and EA FC 2024 have already become unplayable on the device after updates incorporating this anti-cheat. The software’s reliance on Windows kernel-level access is the core reason for this conflict with Linux-based systems like the Steam Deck.
Key Takeaways
- Battlefield 6 will not be playable on the Steam Deck at launch.
- The primary reason cited is EA’s anti-cheat software, which is incompatible with the Steam Deck’s Linux operating system.
- This issue has affected other EA titles, rendering them unplayable on the handheld.
- EA has confirmed that other PC handhelds might offer support, but the Steam Deck is explicitly excluded.
Potential for Other Handhelds
Despite the exclusion of the Steam Deck, EA has indicated that other PC gaming handhelds might support Battlefield 6. Devices that can utilize external GPUs or those equipped with powerful integrated graphics, such as the ROG Ally X or upcoming handhelds with AMD’s Strix Halo chip, could potentially run the game. However, the current landscape of handhelds may still present graphical limitations for optimal gameplay.
Modest PC Requirements Contrast with Handheld Exclusion
Interestingly, Battlefield 6’s PC system requirements are surprisingly modest for a modern AAA title. The game is expected to run on hardware as old as an Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600, with recommended specs including an Intel Core i7-10700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. This makes the exclusion from the Steam Deck, which is capable of running many demanding PC games, even more perplexing and a point of contention for players hoping to enjoy the title on the go.
Via PCGamesN
