Epic Games Is Hiring a Security Engineer to Champion Linux Anti-Cheat

Why It Matters

A robust Linux anti‑cheat could unlock a large, underserved segment of gamers, encouraging developers to ship titles without costly workarounds and expanding Epic’s market reach.

Key Takeaways

• Epic hires senior engineer to improve Linux anti‑cheat
• Easy Anti‑Cheat lacks kernel‑level support on Linux currently
• Better Linux anti‑cheat could reduce game blocking on Steam Deck
• Success depends on reaching tens of millions Linux gamers
• Hiring signals Epic’s long‑term Linux strategy

Pulse Analysis

Epic Games’ decision to add a senior security engineer focused on Linux anti‑cheat reflects a growing pain point for developers and players alike. Easy Anti‑Cheat, Epic’s flagship cheat‑prevention suite, currently operates in user space on Linux, which limits its ability to detect sophisticated hacks and forces many titles to block the platform outright. By targeting kernel‑level integration, Epic aims to close that security gap, offering a more robust shield that aligns with the expectations set by Windows‑based games. This move also acknowledges the technical debt accumulated as Linux gaming expands beyond hobbyist circles.

From a market perspective, the upgrade could unlock a sizable segment of Steam Deck and other Linux‑based users who have been sidelined by anti‑cheat incompatibilities. Tim Sweeney has repeatedly warned that Epic will only prioritize native Linux support once the user base reaches ‘tens of millions.’ Recent Steam Deck sales suggest that threshold may be approaching, with estimates placing active Linux gamers at 15‑20 million worldwide. A more reliable anti‑cheat layer would give developers confidence to ship titles without costly workarounds, potentially expanding Epic’s revenue share on the platform.

Beyond Epic, the push for kernel‑level anti‑cheat on Linux signals a broader industry shift toward cross‑platform parity in security. Competitors such as Valve’s VAC and Ubisoft’s RakNet have already invested in Linux‑compatible solutions, but none have matched Easy Anti‑Cheat’s market penetration. Strengthening Linux defenses could also deter cheat‑as‑a‑service operations that target low‑cost hardware, improving overall player experience. If Epic succeeds, it may set a de‑facto standard, encouraging more publishers to consider Linux as a first‑class release target rather than an afterthought.