Valve's Steam Machine, despite being a potentially exciting hardware launch, faces significant limitations that prevent it from playing a substantial number of major games. This inability stems not from hardware deficiencies but from a software restriction tied to its operating system, SteamOS, a modified version of Linux.
The primary obstacle is the compatibility of anti-cheat software, a critical component for many online multiplayer games. The majority of anti-cheat programs do not support Linux, effectively barring games that rely on them from running on the Steam Machine. Even if a game offers offline or single-player content, an anti-cheat check can render it unplayable. While installing Windows is an option, it negates the purpose of the Steam Machine as a distinct, console-like device.
Several prominent titles are currently unplayable on the platform due to these anti-cheat requirements. Epic Games' massively popular battle royale, Fortnite, cannot run on SteamOS because its anti-cheat system is incompatible with Linux-based platforms. Epic Games has maintained a firm stance, citing concerns that supporting Linux could make it easier for cheaters to exploit the game.
Similarly, the Battlefield series, including recent installments like Battlefield 2042, Battlefield 5, and Battlefield 1, are inaccessible. These titles utilize kernel-level anti-cheat technology, a deeply embedded system that requires specific security features and root access not available on Linux. The new Battlefield 6 also debuted with this type of advanced anti-cheat, making it and its predecessors off-limits.
Respawn Entertainment's Apex Legends, a popular free-to-play battle royale, previously supported SteamOS but was later dropped due to persistent cheating issues on Linux. The game now requires Windows. Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto Online, a cornerstone of GTA V's continued success, also suffers from the same limitation. An online account check, necessitated by an update, has made it unsupported on SteamOS, impacting even those who wish to play the single-player campaign without extensive tinkering.
EA Sports' football franchise, including recent iterations of EA Sports FC, faces similar restrictions. Modern EA Sports games incorporate anti-cheat programs that do not support Linux or SteamOS, preventing play in any mode, including offline. The Call of Duty series, particularly titles from 2019 onwards such as Modern Warfare (2019), Black Ops Cold War, Vanguard, Modern Warfare 2 (2022), and Modern Warfare 3 (2023), are also largely unplayable. Activision's development of an in-house kernel-level anti-cheat solution, implemented to combat rampant cheating, further solidifies Windows as the sole option for these games.
Riot Games' entire portfolio, including League of Legends, Valorant, and the upcoming 2XKO, is inaccessible. These titles are not available on Steam, and even if the Riot Launcher could be installed, their Vanguard anti-cheat system is incompatible with SteamOS.
While many modern games rely on third-party anti-cheat solutions, some of which are becoming available on Linux, Valve's ability to influence developer adoption is limited. The success of the Steam Machine as a platform that might incentivize such changes is uncertain, given its price point and expected supply constraints, which could hinder the growth of its user base large enough to warrant dedicated support for anti-cheat compatibility.
Destiny 2, despite receiving its final update and remaining popular, is also impacted. Bungie has previously cited anti-cheat software as a reason for not supporting the Steam Deck, and with the game's development concluding, it is unlikely to gain SteamOS compatibility.
As of now, players looking to enjoy these major titles on their Steam Machine will find their options severely limited, underscoring the persistent challenges of gaming on Linux-based platforms when robust anti-cheat measures are in place.