Throne and Liberty has made a significant splash since its launch, skyrocketing to the top of the Steam charts almost instantly. However, its journey hasn’t been completely smooth, especially for those utilizing a Steam Deck for gameplay. The combination of a highly anticipated MMORPG and cutting-edge gaming hardware should have made for an ideal pairing, but recent developments reveal that not all players have had a seamless experience. The issues stem from the game’s anti-cheat mechanism, Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), leading to a temporary disruption in gameplay for Steam Deck users.
Upon launching, Throne and Liberty appeared to be functioning well on the Steam Deck, much to the delight of fans. However, reports soon indicated a troubling issue: players using the handheld device found themselves unexpectedly kicked from servers. This was primarily linked to EAC erroneously flagging the game. Such a failure raises questions about communication and the testing protocols implemented by both NCSoft and Amazon Games. It seems plausible that in the rush to roll out the game, necessary steps to ensure EAC compatibility with SteamOS were overlooked.
As any gamer knows, anti-cheat systems are crucial in maintaining a fair playing environment, particularly in competitive online settings. However, when these systems inadvertently affect legitimate players, frustration inevitably ensues. In this case, the lack of support for Linux, upon which SteamOS is based, led EAC to assume it was inactive, blocking online access to all players on the Steam Deck, regardless of their play intentions. Fortunately, as of October 2nd, it appears these issues have been resolved, allowing players to reconnect and enjoy the immersive world of Throne and Liberty without major interruptions.
Despite the initial hiccup, the resolution of this issue has restored hope for the Steam Deck community. As they venture into the vast expanse of Throne and Liberty, players report a smoother gaming experience. Some even note the interesting transformation mechanics where players can change into wolves—adding a layer of fun to the game. While the early days post-launch proved challenging, the game’s developers seem to have acted swiftly to rectify the problems, preventing what could have been a more dire situation for their player base.
However, this scenario is not entirely unique in the realm of portable gaming. Recent experiences with other high-profile titles illustrate a broader pattern of anti-cheat software creating hurdles for handheld platforms. Games like Grand Theft Auto Online and Fortnite have struggled with compatibility issues, often leaving players frustrated and without clear resolutions. In comparison, Throne and Liberty’s speedy recovery from the EAC debacle showcases the importance of developer responsiveness in today’s fast-paced gaming environment.
For those who are able to dive back into Throne and Liberty, gameplay on the Steam Deck brings a mixed bag of experiences. Though the game runs relatively smoothly at frame rates above 30fps on lower settings, some players have reported that the UI text is challenging to read on the 7-inch screen. While portable gaming offers incredible convenience, developers must ensure that user interface elements are appropriately scaled for smaller displays. Adjustments in settings, such as enabling FSR upscaling, can enhance visual fidelity but highlight a fundamental challenge faced by many game studios—designing with versatility in mind.
Critically, while it’s premature to label Throne and Liberty as ‘Steam Deck Verified,’ the resolution of the major initial hiccup bodes well for its future compatibility. It invites a broader conversation regarding the importance of thorough testing, especially concerning anti-cheat systems which can inadvertently disrupt player experiences. As the gaming community becomes increasingly portable-focused, developers must heed the lessons learned from such incidents to deliver seamless interactions across multiple platforms.
While Throne and Liberty’s launch has been met with impressive success, its rocky road on the Steam Deck reveals the multifaceted challenges of modern gaming. The responsive action taken by the developers lends hope for the future, but it also serves as a reminder that ongoing attentiveness and adaptability will play essential roles in supporting an increasingly diverse player base.