"Battlefield 6 vows relentless war against hackers, amping up anti-cheat measures with kernel-level protection throughout Open Beta"
Battlefield 6: A Look at Its Kernel-Level Anti-Cheat System and Controversies
Preorders for Battlefield 6 are now available across all its platforms, with the game scheduled to launch on October 10 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. The game, developed by DICE and led by Vince Zampella, CEO of Respawn Entertainment, promises to bring back the series' class system, map-shaping destruction, and a grounded aesthetic of "gritty realism."
One of the notable features of Battlefield 6 is its use of EA's proprietary "Javelin Anticheat" software. This kernel-level anti-cheat system has generated controversy primarily due to privacy, security, and compatibility concerns.
Because kernel-level tools have the deepest access to the system, many users worry about excessive data collection and potential misuse of such access by third parties. Additionally, these anti-cheat systems themselves pose security risks, as bugs or vulnerabilities in kernel-level drivers can lead to system crashes or expose users to hacking exploits.
Performance issues and system stability are also concerns. Failures in kernel-level anti-cheat drivers can cause blue screen crashes, negatively impacting the user experience. Some kernel-level anti-cheats continue running even after the game is closed, raising questions about user control and trust.
Moreover, compatibility problems are a significant issue. Kernel-level anti-cheats often do not work on Linux-based operating systems or Steam Deck due to requirements like Secure Boot enforcement, effectively preventing users on these platforms from playing the game. Battlefield 6’s Javelin anti-cheat requires Secure Boot and kernel-level access, leading EA executives to confirm that Battlefield 6 won’t work on Steam Deck or Linux through Proton compatibility layers.
Lastly, some gamers criticize such anti-cheat software for being invasive without effectively stopping cheating, citing that many games with kernel-level anti-cheats still suffer from cheating problems.
Despite these controversies, it's worth noting that developers are constantly working to create and improve anti-cheat software. Cheating is a persistent issue in many multiplayer shooters on PC, and solutions like Javelin Anticheat have been used in other EA games like Madden and F1 titles.
Battlefield 6 will also feature an Open Beta weekend prior to its launch, running from August 9-10 and August 14-17. Early Access will be given to Battlefield Labs testers on August 7-8. The Javelin Anticheat software will be active during these Open Beta weekends and the full release of Battlefield 6.
In the face of these controversies, it remains to be seen how Battlefield 6 will handle these issues and whether the game will provide a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
References:
- Kernel-level Anti-Cheat Software: A Double-Edged Sword
- Battlefield 6 Won't Work on Steam Deck Due to Anti-Cheat Requirements
- EA Confirms Battlefield 6 Won't Run on Linux or Steam Deck
- Why Anti-Cheat Software Like Javelin in Battlefield 6 is Controversial
The kernel-level anti-cheat system in Battlefield 6, named Javelin Anticheat, is a topic of controversy due to privacy, security, and compatibility concerns. This software, similar to other kernel-level anti-cheats, raises questions about user control and trust, as it can continue running even after the game is closed.
Despite these controversies, Battlefield 6 will have an Open Beta weekend prior to its launch, offering a glimpse of the Javelin Anticheat software's performance. The beta will run from August 9-10 and August 14-17, with early access for Battlefield Labs testers on August 7-8.
Although the Javelin Anticheat software is a proprietary software by EA, it has been used in other EA games like Madden and F1 titles, indicating ongoing efforts to improve anti-cheat solutions in multiplayer shooters on PC.
Battlefield 6 will be available on various platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. However, it has been confirmed that the game will not work on Steam Deck or Linux due to Secure Boot and kernel-level access requirements, in line with Javelin Anticheat's need for a high level of system access.
Gamers argue that while such anti-cheat software can be invasive, it may not effectively stop cheating in some cases, with many games using kernel-level anti-cheats still experiencing cheating issues. As the game draws nearer, it remains to be seen how Battlefield 6 will handle these issues to deliver a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
