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Steam Deck Users Upset Over GTA Online Update That Blocks Access
Rockstar Games has come under fire from Steam Deck users following the latest update to Grand Theft Auto Online, which has rendered the game unplayable on Valve's popular handheld device. The update, released in mid-September, introduces a new anti-cheat system, BattlEye, which is incompatible with Linux-based systems, leaving many players locked out of the game.

Anti-Cheat System Brings Unexpected Consequences

On September 17, 2024, Rockstar Games rolled out a highly-anticipated update to Grand Theft Auto Online and Grand Theft Auto V. The update addressed long-standing player concerns by introducing BattlEye, an anti-cheat system that was much-requested by the community. With the PC version of GTA Online plagued by rampant cheating and hackers for years, this move was seen as a significant win for the integrity of the game.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/1fj7ean/this_from_faq_about_gta_online_new_anti_cheat/?utm_source=embedv2&utm_medium=post_embed&utm_content=whitespace&embed_host_url=https://gamerant.com/gta-online-update-steam-deck-compatibility-broken/

However, for Steam Deck users, the update has been anything but welcome. The Linux-based system, which powers the Steam Deck, does not support BattlEye, making GTA Online completely inaccessible on the handheld device. While players can still enjoy the single-player campaign of GTA V on Steam Deck, the online mode is now off-limits.

Steam Deck Users Voice Their Frustration

Following the update, GTA Online fans took to Reddit to express their frustrations. Many Steam Deck players slammed Rockstar for neglecting Linux users and questioned why the anti-cheat system couldn’t be enabled on the platform. Some users even accused Rockstar of misleading its community, claiming the company could have easily made BattlEye compatible with Linux but chose not to.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/1fj7ean/comment/lnmu2z1/?utm_source=embedv2&utm_medium=comment_embed&utm_content=whitespace&embed_host_url=httpsgamerant.comgta-online-update-steam-deck-compatibility-broken

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/1fj7ean/comment/lnmsnp2/?utm_source=embedv2&utm_medium=comment_embed&utm_content=whitespace&embed_host_url=httpsgamerant.comgta-online-update-steam-deck-compatibility-broken

A recurring complaint has been Rockstar's suggestion that players should seek answers from Valve, when, as users argue, it’s "literally Rockstar's fault the game doesn't work anymore." As of now, there’s no indication that Rockstar plans to fix the issue or provide an alternative for Steam Deck players. Many fans are left wondering why a game that worked perfectly fine on the platform until now is suddenly unavailable.

Major Impact on Player Base

The fallout from this update has been immediate, with reports suggesting that GTA Online’s concurrent player base on Steam has dropped by as much as 50%. According to a post from GTAOnlineNews on Twitter, the sudden decline can likely be attributed to two factors: the loss of Linux and Steam Deck users, and the departure of hackers and modders, who may have been deterred by the new anti-cheat system.

This is particularly disheartening for the GTA Online community, which has seen many updates over the years that affected gameplay without causing such a disruption to its player base. Steam Deck players were regular contributors to the game’s success on the platform, and with the update, their absence is being felt.

Ongoing Player Discontent

This recent update is just the latest in a string of decisions by Rockstar that have frustrated the GTA Online player base. Not long ago, the developer faced backlash for removing beloved content, including the adversary mode "Hasta La Vista," which pitted trucks against bicycles in a thrilling, high-speed chase. Fans were particularly upset because the mode was pulled after just one week, leading to further disappointment in Rockstar’s recent handling of game updates.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of BattlEye into GTA Online was intended to improve the gaming experience by eliminating cheaters, but for Steam Deck users, it has had the opposite effect. Rockstar's decision not to support Linux-based systems, despite the game’s popularity on the platform, has left a significant portion of the player base locked out and disappointed. Whether Rockstar will respond to the growing backlash and address the issue remains to be seen, but for now, many Steam Deck owners are left wondering if they'll ever be able to rejoin the world of GTA Online.

Also Read:
https://news.thebadgamer.in/esports/steam-deck-users-upset-over-gta-online-update-that-blocks-access/

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