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Skate. Playtests: Anti-Cheat Blocks Steam Deck and Mac Gamers

Last Updated: October 23, 2025

Skateboarding in San Vansterdam with anti-cheat warning.

The much-anticipated return of the legendary skateboarding franchise, now simply titled *skate.*, is in full swing with ongoing insider playtests. Developed by the new EA studio Full Circle, the game is generating significant buzz as players get their first taste of the new city, San Vansterdam. However, for a growing segment of the PC gaming audience, a familiar barrier remains: the game officially does not support Linux, Steam Deck, or macOS, a decision firmly rooted in its anti-cheat technology.

The Long-Awaited Return to San Vansterdam

After years of fan campaigns and fervent hope, EA's revival of the *skate.* series ignited the community. Full Circle's vision promises a modern, evolving experience, shifting to a free-to-play, live-service model. Instead of a traditional release, the developers have opted for a collaborative approach, inviting players into the development process through recurring "Insider Playtests." These tests are crucial for gathering feedback on everything from the refined physics engine to the layout of its vibrant open world, San Vansterdam, before a wider public launch.

The Platform Wall: No Entry for Linux, Steam Deck, or macOS

While the playtest model is building a strong community foundation, it has also drawn a clear line in the sand regarding platform accessibility. Full Circle and EA have been explicit in stating that Linux, Valve's wildly popular Steam Deck handheld, and Apple's macOS are not supported. This isn't a temporary oversight for the testing phase; the developers have confirmed there are no current plans to extend support to these platforms, locking out a significant number of potential players from the get-go.

The Anti-Cheat Conundrum: A Deep-Rooted Technical Hurdle

The official reason for this exclusion is the game's anti-cheat system. To maintain a fair competitive environment in an online, free-to-play game, a robust anti-cheat solution is non-negotiable. This software is designed to prevent hacking and unfair advantages, but its implementation creates significant technical challenges across different operating systems.

Many effective anti-cheat systems operate at the kernel level, integrating deeply with the OS to monitor for malicious software. This is where the problem arises for platforms like the Steam Deck, which runs the Linux-based SteamOS. It uses a compatibility layer called Proton to translate Windows game files and API calls. While Proton is remarkably effective for most games, kernel-level anti-cheat programs often fail to function through this translation layer without specific updates from both the anti-cheat vendor and the game developer to enable compatibility.

Similarly, macOS presents its own unique architecture and security protocols, requiring a dedicated development effort to port and ensure the stability of such low-level software—an effort many large publishers choose not to undertake.

Impact on a Modern, Diverse PC Audience

The decision to forgo support for these platforms has a tangible impact on large and passionate communities:

  • Steam Deck Users: No longer a niche device, the Steam Deck has become a dominant force in PC gaming, giving millions of players access to their libraries on the go. A game's "Deck Verified" status is now a major purchasing consideration, and the lack of support for a highly anticipated free-to-play title like *skate.* is a major disappointment for this massive user base.
  • Linux Gamers: The viability of gaming on Linux has surged thanks to Valve's investment in Proton. This dedicated community actively supports developers who ensure their games are compatible, making the exclusion feel like a step backward.
  • macOS Users: While a smaller portion of the core gaming market, Mac users who wish to participate in major AAA releases are once again left out of the conversation.

An Ongoing Industry Crossroads

The anti-cheat compatibility issue is a recurring theme in PC gaming. It often comes down to a developer's choice of priorities and resource allocation. Some publishers have successfully navigated this challenge; for instance, EA's own *Apex Legends* uses Easy Anti-Cheat, which has a functional Proton-compatible version that allows it to run on the Steam Deck. In contrast, titles like *Valorant*, *Destiny 2*, and now *skate.* remain unplayable on the platform due to their specific anti-cheat implementations. This proves that compatibility is achievable but requires a deliberate commitment from the developer.

The Road Ahead for Skate.

As *skate.* progresses through its playtesting phases toward an eventual full release, the development team's focus remains squarely on polishing the core experience for Windows PC and consoles. While the community will undoubtedly continue to advocate for broader platform support, the official stance from Full Circle remains unchanged. For now, the anti-cheat barrier stands firm, acting as a gatekeeper that determines who gets to drop into the world of *skate.* and who has to watch from the sidelines.