Battlefield 5's development team is set to roll out the EA Anti-cheat feature on Wednesday, April 3. This development is a significant step forward as the increase in Battlefield 5's popularity has brought to light the prevalent cheating issues within the game.
With Battlefield 2042 striving to regain its appeal among fans, older titles like Battlefield 1 and Battlefield 5 have experienced a surge in player numbers. Presently, Battlefield2042 has around 43,000 users at its peak on Steam over the last 30 days, Battlefield5 boasts about 53,000 users, and Battlefield1 has approximately 19,000 users. While fans have embraced the return to classic Battlefield gameplay, they have also been vocal about the presence of cheaters in the older games. Thankfully, steps are being taken to address this issue in Battlefield 5.
The EA Anti-cheat feature will go live in Battlefield 5 on April 3 at 4 a.m. EST. Players will automatically receive the upgrade by restarting their game. According to the Battlefield team, this update will enhance the identification and removal of cheating players. The introduction of EA Anti-cheat is part of an ongoing initiative to promote fair play within the enduring shooter franchise, with further enhancements expected in the future. There has been no confirmation yet on whether Battlefield 1 will receive a similar upgrade.
Battlefield 5 Introduces Enhanced Anti-cheat Feature on April 3
The EA Anti-cheat system is a kernel-level tool designed to combat modern cheating software. In 2023, Battlefield 2042 underwent a similar upgrade, resulting in a noticeable reduction in cheating instances, although sporadic occurrences still persist. EA's FAQ on the anti-cheat system emphasizes its performance efficiency and assures players that it will not impact their gaming experience.
Some players may express concerns about downloading a kernel-level anti-cheat due to privacy apprehensions, reminiscent of Riot's Vanguard anti-cheat and the associated controversies. However, EA clarifies that the EA Anti-cheat system only operates during gameplay of an EA Anti-cheat-enabled title and can solely scan processes related to the game. Additionally, most Battlefield 5 enthusiasts likely have experience with other kernel-level systems from playing other contemporary multiplayer shooters.
As fans continue to enjoy the franchise's classic titles, they eagerly anticipate updates on the next Battlefield installment. Recent developments have not been entirely positive, with a former Battlefield director criticizing EA's management of the franchise. Progress on the upcoming mainline title has undergone significant restructuring in recent months, including the closure of Ridgeline Games, the studio working on the next Battlefield single-player project. However, some of its staff have been reassigned to Ripple Effect (formerly DICE LA), potentially continuing their work there.