League of Legends Anti-Cheat: A Potential Game-Changer for Linux Players

League of Legends Anti-Cheat: A Potential Game-Changer for Linux Players

The League of Legends community on Linux has been plagued by the inability to run the popular game's anti-cheat software, Vanguard. However, a recent development in Windows might just change everything.

Microsoft is reportedly changing its stance on kernel-level access permissions for third-party developers, which could have significant implications for Vanguard and, subsequently, Linux players.

The Problem with Vanguard

For those who may not be aware, Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat software developed by Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends. This means that it runs at a low level on Windows, allowing it to detect and prevent cheating on the game.

However, this also means that Vanguard requires kernel-level access permissions, which has been a major hurdle for Linux players. The game's anti-cheat software is not compatible with Linux, making it impossible for players on the platform to run the game without fear of being banned or having their accounts compromised.

Microsoft's Change of Heart

According to a recent article by The Verge, Microsoft is planning to change its approach to kernel-level access permissions. The company has been working closely with security vendors like CrowdStrike, but a buggy update caused 8.5 million PCs to go offline, highlighting the need for greater resilience in Windows.

Microsoft's Vice President of Program Management for Windows Servicing and Delivery, John Cable, stated that "Windows must prioritize change and innovation in the area of end-to-end resilience." This implies that Microsoft is willing to revisit its stance on kernel-level access permissions, potentially allowing developers like Riot Games to create more secure and compatible anti-cheat software.

Implications for Linux Players

If Microsoft does indeed change its approach to kernel-level access permissions, it could have significant implications for Linux players. Vanguard might become compatible with the platform, allowing players to run League of Legends without fear of being banned or having their accounts compromised.

This would be a major win for the Linux community, which has been struggling to keep up with the game's anti-cheat software. It's worth noting that Riot Games has not officially commented on Microsoft's change in stance, but if it does become compatible, it could be a major game-changer (no pun intended) for Linux players.

Conclusion

The potential change in Microsoft's approach to kernel-level access permissions is a welcome development for the League of Legends community on Linux. If Vanguard becomes compatible with the platform, it would be a major win for Linux players and would allow them to run the game without fear of being banned or having their accounts compromised.

Only time will tell if this change will become a reality, but one thing is certain: the League of Legends community on Linux is holding its breath in anticipation of what might come next.