Steam Machine’s upcoming release means more people will be playing games on Linux, specifically SteamOS. The idea of ditching Windows for gaming is becoming more attractive, as the Steam Machine is first-party desktop-level hardware that’s optimized for Linux-based SteamOS. The biggest hurdle for Linux gamers right now is a lack of support for many anti-cheats – particular those that require kernel-level access. But with the release of the Machine, Valve hopes game devs take notice.

Steam Machine seems to getting the most attention out of Valve’s latest hardware launches. The Steam creators announced the new console-like mini PC alongside the Steam Frame VR headset and new Steam Controller. Even the Frame runs on SteamOS, which means Valve now has a trio of first-party hardware on Linux (including the Steam Deck handheld).

Valve expects more people to play multiplayer games on Steam Machine

In response to Eurogamer, a Valve representative spoke on the issue of anti-cheat support, and the idea that Steam Machine owners will want to play games with (currently unsupported) anti-cheats – such as the recently launched Black Ops 7, Battlefield 6, or something older like Valorant.

“While Steam Machine also requires Dev participation to enable anti-cheat, we think the incentives for enabling Anti-cheat on Machine to be higher than on Deck as we expect more people to play multiplayer games on it. So ultimately we hope that the launch of Machine will change the equation around anti-cheat support and increase its support.”

Valve

The Steam Deck is a great device for gaming on the go, but it’s obvious why Valve expects more Steam Machine owners to focus on multiplayer games. First of all, the company says it’s six times more powerful than the Deck, and that already helps ensures smoother performance for titles where it’s important (like competitive shooters). Plus, we don’t imagine too many Deck owners are playing multiplayer games while they’re out and about or fully reliant on Wi-Fi – Steam Machine has an ethernet port.

Apex Legends and GTA V are two examples which lack multiplayer support due to their anti-cheat solutions. Apex Legends developers Respawn Entertainment even said blocking Linux users from the game helped reduce the number of cheaters. A similar opinion was shared on Reddit by Alistair McFarlane, COO & Company Director of Facepunch Studios.

The issue of kernel-level access is the biggest one. You’ll notice that Valve’s very own anti-cheat solution, VAC, isn’t so intrusive. That means you’ll safely be able to play games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, or upcoming Deadlock without a hitch on SteamOS.

The workaround will always be dual-booting Windows so you can run those games with kernel-level anti-cheats. Valve openly calls the Steam Machine a PC – “Install your own apps, or even another operating system. Who are we to tell you how to use your computer?” is plain for all to see on the device’s store page. But if the Steam Machine is a major success, and helps boost Linux usage on Steam (its currently just over 3%), we also hope to see game and anti-cheat developers take notice.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.