Last Updated on October 1, 2024
GTA Online Welcomes Anti-Cheat Software: A New Era for Players
As the 11th anniversary of Grand Theft Auto V arrives, fans of the franchise are excited about a significant update to GTA Online that introduces anti-cheat software to its notorious PC version. This move aims to address long-standing issues involving teleportation and excessive interference from hackers, creating a more equitable gaming environment for players.
So, how has the implementation fared thus far? The initial response has been largely positive, though some players have reported being unable to access the game due to the platform they use. This has left them longing for a return to the bustling streets of Los Santos, especially as rumors circulate about potential delays concerning GTA 6—currently, those rumors seem to suggest that a delay may not be in the cards.
According to the recently released patch notes, Rockstar Games has integrated the well-known anti-cheat technology BattlEye into the game. Many players may recognize this name from popular titles such as Destiny 2, Fortnite, and PUBG. For those who prefer to explore the single-player mode, Rockstar has provided an option to disable the software. However, it is important to note that BattlEye can impose hardware-level bans on players who engage in cheating—if caught, their computer may no longer be able to launch GTA Online.
Early reactions from players have been encouraging. One user shared their experience, stating, "I played for over an hour in a public lobby without experiencing long load times or interruptions. No one teleported me to random locations, and there were no lags. Just 27 players creating chaos in a public lobby. I even managed to sell some business products after a long time. It felt great, and I’m really happy with the change." This indicates a resurgence of enjoyment for those immersed in car meet-ups and grinding for in-game currency.
However, this newfound sense of tranquility is not accessible to everyone. Players using Steam Deck or Linux systems have found themselves locked out of GTA Online due to BattlEye’s compatibility limitations. Rockstar has not yet added GTA Online to the list of titles that are compatible with BattlEye on Deck through Steam’s Proton compatibility tool.
This restriction has led to frustration for many, as players are actively expressing their concerns and submitting tickets to Rockstar’s customer support, urging the developer to seek a resolution. It remains to be seen if the studio will issue a subsequent update that reinstates access for players on these platforms.
With the introduction of anti-cheat measures, how do you feel about the future of GTA Online? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below!