“GTA V BattlEye Anti-Cheat Problems: Steam Deck Users Speak Out”

Rockstar Games surprised the gaming community yesterday with the release of the GTA V BattlEye update, effectively integrating anti-cheat software for the game’s multiplayer lobbies. This addition is a significant improvement for many PC players anticipating enhanced security in online gameplay. However, there is notable frustration regarding its current implementation on the Steam Deck, rendering the multiplayer experience unplayable on this popular handheld console.

Details about the incompatibility were shared by Rockstar Games on their Support page on September 17, 2024, which drew considerable attention from the gaming community.

“So they f***** all Steam Deck users”

A screenshot of @MaxModz1382's reaction to the Steam Deck incompatibility news on social media (Image via X) — A screenshot of @MaxModz1382’s reaction to the Steam Deck incompatibility news on social media (Image via X)

Another gamer, @Lucas7yoshi_RS, expressed surprise at the situation, mentioning:

“GTA was one of the most played games on the Steam Deck. That’s crazy”

Rockstar confirmed on their support page that the Steam Deck does not officially support the BattlEye anti-cheat associated with GTA V Online. However, tech enthusiast Timo Schmidt highlighted a previous statement from the BattlEye official account on X, indicating that they do support Linux and Mac, including plans for Steam Deck compatibility. Schmidt emphasized that the incompatibility decision came from Rockstar Games.

Reactions to the GTA V BattlEye anti-cheat update, which has rendered online multiplayer unavailable on the Steam Deck, have been mixed. The first voice expressed disappointment at the new changes, while others discussed the potential for an opt-in system for the BattlEye anti-cheat feature:

A collage of comments on @TezFunz2's report regarding the same (Image via X) — A collage of comments on @TezFunz2’s report regarding the same (Image via X)

What Should GTA V Online Steam Deck Users Do Right Now?

For now, players are advised to reach out to Valve’s Steam Deck support for any questions regarding the BattlEye issue, as indicated in the screenshot below:

A screenshot of the Rockstar Games Support page mentioning the Steam Deck incompatibility with the BattlEye anti-cheat for GTA Online (Image via Rockstar Games Support)

The fact that Grand Theft Auto V Online is unplayable on the Steam Deck is just one of the several challenges that BattlEye has introduced for PC gamers. Here are some other known issues with the anti-cheat integration acknowledged by Rockstar Games:

BattlEye is not functioning correctly with graphics mods such as ReShade or Special_K.
BattlEye is experiencing compatibility issues with certain antivirus programs, including AVG and Trend Micro.

While the exact number of gamers playing Grand Theft Auto V Online on the Steam Deck remains uncertain, indications suggest it could be quite significant. A recent report by @PLTytus on X noted a sharp decline in the player count for Grand Theft Auto V on Steam following the BattlEye anti-cheat update.

As of now, there has been no further commentary from Valve or Rockstar Games regarding the situation. Steam Deck players can only hope for an expedited resolution, but for the time being, they are limited to playing the story mode on this popular gaming device.

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