Throne and Liberty, the highly anticipated fantasy MMORPG developed by NCSoft and published by Amazon Games, has made waves since its release, setting records on the Steam charts within mere hours. However, the game’s launch has not been without its complications, particularly for players attempting to enjoy their experience on the Steam Deck. This handheld console’s encounter with Throne and Liberty has raised questions about compatibility and performance, revealing the intricacies of integrating modern games with various technological platforms.
With the excitement surrounding its launch, many gamers eagerly anticipated trying out Throne and Liberty on the Steam Deck. This handheld device has garnered a reputation for being capable of running more demanding titles, but unexpected issues arose soon after the game went live. Reports surfaced of players being disconnected from servers, raising alarms about the reliability of the game on this platform.
At the heart of the problem was Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), a tool routinely used in the gaming industry to prevent cheating and maintain competitive integrity. Contrary to expectations, the integration of EAC with the Linux-based SteamOS appeared to have been overlooked during development. While the notion of a casual oversight during a celebratory launch is somewhat humorous, it points to a significant gap in the game’s preparation for deployment across various operating systems.
Understanding Easy Anti-Cheat: The Technical Oversight
For gamers unfamiliar with the technical aspects, the integration of anti-cheat systems such as EAC is crucial for online functionality. It blocks unauthorized access and remains a staple for modern multiplayer experiences. However, it also requires careful implementation across different platforms. In the case of Throne and Liberty, it seems that either NCSoft or Amazon Games failed to enable EAC support specifically for SteamOS in the official build they released.
Valve’s documentation suggests that the process for enabling EAC on Linux is not inherently complex, yet it often demands a specific configuration. The unfortunate result of this oversight was that players on the Steam Deck were met with a wall, unable to engage in online play due to the game misidentifying the absence of EAC. Fortunately, this was a temporary setback, and as of the latest reports, players are back to exploring the vast world of Throne and Liberty without issues.
This isn’t the first time a game has faced similar hurdles in adapting to the Steam Deck. Other titles, such as Wuthering Waves, initially offered playability only to become abruptly inaccessible due to anti-cheat software issues. The situation with Throne and Liberty contrasts sharply with what players have experienced with Rockstar’s GTA Online and Fortnite, both of which have faced substantial challenges in ensuring compatibility without clear communication from their developers.
What these instances underscore is a broader issue within the gaming industry regarding cross-platform play. Gamers on different devices expect seamless experiences, yet inconsistencies often arise due to the technical demands of security measures like anti-cheat systems.
A Silver Lining: The State of Play on the Steam Deck
Despite the initial hiccup, gaming on the Steam Deck has revived its playful call. Players are now reporting a satisfactory experience overall. The performance, while not perfect, remains decent. Many users find that the game controls well, with the frame rate generally stable, even if some graphics settings require adjustment for optimal display quality. Yet, it’s worth noting that the user interface can present challenges, particularly in terms of text readability on the handheld’s smaller screen.
For players navigating through the world of Throne and Liberty, tweaking settings, like enhancing upscaling modes, can lead to a more aesthetically pleasing experience. This flexibility can often make a significant difference in gameplay, allowing players to enjoy exploration without shortcuts in visual fidelity.
The launch issues surrounding Throne and Liberty on the Steam Deck serve as both a cautionary tale and a lesson in the importance of comprehensive platform testing. Though these initial struggles could tarnish the launch experience, the game’s successful resolution points to resilience on the part of developers. With continuous updates and attention to technical detail, Throne and Liberty has the potential to emerge not only as a popular title but also as a model for future MMORPGs looking to embrace the increasingly diverse landscape of gaming platforms, including handheld devices. The excitement is not just for the game itself, but for the lessons it continues to impart about making modern gaming universally accessible.
Leave a Reply