Epic Games is developing a significant overhaul of its Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) system, aiming to bring its flagship title, Fortnite, to Linux. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to improve multiplayer game support on the operating system, which has seen growing interest due to devices like the Steam Deck and concerns about Windows.
Anti-Cheat Rebuild for Linux Compatibility
Currently, while EAC offers some Linux support, many developers, including Epic, have chosen not to utilize it, opting instead to exclude Linux from their multiplayer game offerings. The primary reason cited is the anti-cheat system's inability to provide the same level of protection on Linux as it does on Windows. Epic's solution involves a native rebuild of EAC, designed to function without the need for translation layers such as Proton. This rebuilt version, EAC Linux v2, is intended to bring parity with the Windows version's protective capabilities.
"We are also planning to pilot EAC Linux v2 in Fortnite first, where we’ll test it in a live environment and refine it based on what we learn," Epic stated in a blog post. "Once we’ve validated EAC v2’s effectiveness, we’ll make it available to more game developers so they can bring their multiplayer games to Linux players too."
Fortnite as a Pilot Program
Fortnite will serve as the initial test environment for EAC Linux v2. Epic Games plans to refine the anti-cheat system based on its performance and effectiveness in a live, multiplayer setting. Following successful validation, the updated EAC system will be made accessible to other game developers, enabling them to support Linux players for their own multiplayer titles.
Epic Games has not yet provided a specific timeline for the release of Fortnite on Linux or the full rollout of EAC Linux v2. The pilot program is expected to be available through the Epic Games Store launcher.
AI-Driven Launcher Development
In related news, Epic Games has reportedly been experimenting with AI in its development processes. An "AI-first" production model is being explored, with a new version of the Epic Games Store launcher described as "vibe coded." While this version is still in preview and lacks some features of the main launcher, Epic claims it has observed speed improvements. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential risks of linking financial information to an application undergoing rapid, AI-driven iteration without extensive human oversight, especially given reports of early bugs.