Reimagining Anti-Cheat for Linux Gamers:

A Call to Action

Linux gaming has come a long way, with platforms like Steam Play, Proton, and Lutris opening the doors to an impressive library of games. Yet, one glaring challenge continues to hinder the experience: anti-cheat compatibility. For many Linux gamers, the inability to play online games due to intrusive or unsupported anti-cheat solutions is a frustrating barrier (Fortnite, anyone?).

So, what if we flipped the script? Instead of forcing traditional anti-cheat solutions into Linux systems, let’s design an anti-cheat system that embraces the principles Linux users care about: transparency, portability, and security. Enter the idea of a SASE-based anti-cheat solution packaged as a Flatpak or AppImage.

The Problem with Current Anti-Cheat Systems

Most anti-cheat systems rely on kernel-level access, such as kernel drivers on Windows. These drivers allow deep system monitoring but also raise significant concerns about performance, privacy, and security. For Linux users, it’s even worse. Many of these anti-cheat solutions are incompatible with Linux’s open-source ecosystem or require invasive methods that go against its core philosophy.

While Wine and Proton make incredible strides in enabling Windows games on Linux, anti-cheat solutions that depend on proprietary, closed-source drivers or system-level hooks can break compatibility entirely. The result? Linux gamers are often locked out of online multiplayer games.

A New Vision: SASE Meets Flatpak and AppImage

Instead of adapting invasive, Windows-centric anti-cheat systems for Linux, why not build something new? By combining the cloud-first approach of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) with the portability and sandboxing benefits of Flatpak or AppImage, we can create an anti-cheat solution tailored to Linux. Here’s how:

What Is SASE, and Why Does It Fit?

SASE systems are designed to analyze and secure traffic dynamically, providing real-time protection. Applied to gaming, this means:

- Real-time monitoring of game data for suspicious behaviour.

- Cloud-based updates to counter new cheats without requiring player intervention.

- A flexible and scalable approach that benefits all supported games simultaneously.

By offloading complex cheat detection to the cloud, the local client can remain lightweight and efficient—a perfect match for Linux.

Why Flatpak or AppImage?

Both Flatpak and AppImage are cross-distro packaging formats, meaning the anti-cheat solution could work on any Linux distribution without needing separate builds. They also provide sandboxing, ensuring the system is isolated and transparent. This aligns with the privacy and security expectations of Linux users while making installation and updates straightforward.

How It Could Work

1. Local Anti-Cheat Client

   - Packaged as a Flatpak or AppImage, the client runs alongside the game. It monitors game-related activity within its sandbox and sends relevant telemetry to the cloud for analysis.

2. Cloud-Based Cheat Detection

   - A SASE backend analyzes network traffic, gameplay patterns, and suspicious behaviour in real-time. Updates to detection rules are pushed dynamically, ensuring the system stays ahead of new cheats.

3. Game Integration

   - Developers integrate the anti-cheat client as a prerequisite for launching their game, making it part of the standard player experience.

4. Transparency and Privacy

   - The local client’s code (or parts of it) could be open-source or auditable, building trust within the Linux community. Privacy-focused measures ensure no unnecessary data is collected.

Why Developers Should Care

Building such a system is not just a win for Linux gamers; it’s a win for developers, too. A universal anti-cheat system designed with Linux in mind would:

- Open the doors to a growing audience of Linux gamers.

- Reduce support overhead for anti-cheat compatibility issues.

- Showcase a commitment to open standards and inclusivity.

The gaming industry thrives on innovation, and an open, cloud-powered anti-cheat solution could become a game-changer not just for Linux but for all platforms.

Let’s Build It Together

This is a call to developers, open-source enthusiasts, and gaming companies: let’s create an anti-cheat system that Linux gamers can trust and embrace. By leveraging modern technologies and packaging solutions, we can address the pain points of traditional anti-cheat systems while fostering a more inclusive gaming landscape.

Are you ready to take on the challenge? Let’s reimagine anti-cheat for a new generation of gamers.