What's Happening?
Ubisoft has removed Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) from its game, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands. This change is particularly beneficial for players using Linux/SteamOS and for modding communities. Despite the removal of EAC, players still need to contend
with Denuvo Anti-tamper and the Ubisoft Connect launcher. A user attempting to play the game on a Steam Machine encountered issues with Ubisoft Connect failing to verify ownership and a broken Steam Input Gamepad profile, requiring manual adjustments. Once these hurdles were overcome, the game reportedly ran smoothly on the Steam Machine with high settings, demonstrating its continued visual appeal despite being an older title. The game was originally released on March 7, 2017, and is playable on Proton/Wine (Windows) platforms.
Why It's Important?
The removal of Easy Anti-Cheat from Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands signifies a positive development for a segment of the gaming community, particularly those on Linux/SteamOS. Anti-cheat software can often create compatibility issues and performance overheads, making its absence a welcome change for players seeking a smoother experience on alternative operating systems. Furthermore, modders, who often face restrictions due to anti-cheat measures, will find greater freedom in customizing and enhancing their gameplay. However, the continued presence of Denuvo Anti-tamper and the Ubisoft Connect launcher highlights ongoing challenges related to digital rights management (DRM) and third-party launchers, which can still impede user experience through verification issues and lack of gamepad support. This situation underscores the tension between publishers' efforts to protect their intellectual property and players' desire for seamless and unrestricted access to their purchased games.
What's Next?
While the removal of Easy Anti-Cheat is a step towards improved accessibility for some players, the ongoing presence of Denuvo Anti-tamper and the Ubisoft Connect launcher suggests that players may continue to face challenges. Ubisoft could potentially consider further streamlining its DRM and launcher requirements to enhance the overall player experience, especially for those on non-Windows platforms. The community will likely monitor whether the removal of EAC leads to a more vibrant modding scene for Ghost Recon Wildlands. Future updates from Ubisoft for other titles might also reflect a similar approach to anti-cheat software, depending on the success and feedback from this change. Players will continue to navigate the complexities of third-party launchers and DRM, hoping for further improvements in game accessibility and performance.
Beyond the Headlines
This development touches upon broader discussions within the gaming industry regarding player ownership, digital rights management, and the impact of anti-cheat technologies. The persistent issues with Ubisoft Connect and Denuvo, even after the removal of EAC, highlight the ongoing debate about the balance between copyright protection and consumer rights. Many players argue that once a game is purchased, they should have more control over its use, including the ability to modify it or play it on their preferred operating system without excessive technical barriers. The move by Ubisoft, while beneficial in one aspect, also draws attention to the fragmented nature of PC gaming, where multiple launchers and DRM systems can create a less unified and often frustrating experience for users. This situation could fuel further calls for industry-wide standards that prioritize player experience while still addressing legitimate concerns about piracy and fair play.
