Fortnite is set to break new ground for Windows on ARM devices—with Epic Games tackling a longstanding barrier for gamers on these power-efficient systems. Epic Games has committed to porting the popular Easy Anti-Cheat system to ARM architectures, an effort that promises to bring Fortnite and a host of other multiplayer titles to devices like the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7.
PC gamers who have championed Windows 11 as the future of versatile computing will now have one more reason to celebrate. This initiative may well be the catalyst for broader improvements across the ARM landscape, bridging the gap between energy efficiency and performance-driven gaming.
For Windows users, this breakthrough not only reaffirms Microsoft’s commitment to broad compatibility but also hints at even more innovative upgrades in the near future. As gamers await further announcements and release dates, one thing is clear: the future of gaming on ARM is on the horizon, and it promises to be nothing short of revolutionary.
Source: Neowin Fortnite is coming to Windows on ARM thanks to Epic Games' anti-cheat support
The ARM Gaming Challenge
For years, Windows on ARM PCs have been admired for their sleek designs, long battery life, and always-on connectivity. Yet despite these perks, gamers have long avoided ARM machines because many modern multiplayer games simply refused to run on them. The technical culprit? Kernel-level anti-cheat software. In many titles, anti-cheat systems rely on drivers that are difficult, if not impossible, to emulate on ARM. This incompatibility left popular titles—Fortnite included—inaccessible for ARM users, relegating these devices to everyday tasks rather than positioning them as viable gaming powerhouses.Epic’s Anti-Cheat Breakthrough
In a move that could signal a turning point for ARM gaming, Epic Games is working closely with Qualcomm to bring Easy Anti-Cheat support to Windows on ARM. Rather than building a workaround, Epic is porting the very system that hundreds of popular multiplayer titles—ranging from Fortnite to other Epic Online Services-enabled games—depend on to keep cheaters at bay.- Compatibility Boost: With the new anti-cheat support, Epic plans not only to roll out this feature in Fortnite but to provide an SDK for developers. This means that other games that rely on Easy Anti-Cheat can join the ARM gaming revolution.
- Battle Testing for Future Success: By first deploying these changes in Fortnite, Epic intends to smooth out any kinks in the system. The lessons learned here will pave the way for broader adoption across the PC gaming universe.
Navigating Known Hurdles
While this announcement is a cause for celebration among ARM enthusiasts, it comes with a word of caution. Windows 11 version 24H2 currently has a known bug affecting older Easy Anti-Cheat releases. This issue has prevented some gamers from updating their systems. However, Epic Games has indicated that updating games to their latest versions can lift this block and ensure a smoother experience on ARM devices. This acknowledgement shows that the transition isn’t without challenges, but it is a work in progress with promising potential for improvements later this year.What This Means for Windows on ARM
This move is a significant step forward in leveling the playing field. ARM-powered devices, which were once seen as underdogs in the gaming world, could emerge as a contender in the competitive multiplayer landscape. Here’s why this matters:- Enhanced Device Appeal: With major titles like Fortnite once out of reach, ARM devices can now cater to a wider audience of gamers. This could influence purchasing decisions as consumers start weighing options that combine portability with gaming performance.
- Broadening the Software Ecosystem: By extending anti-cheat technology to Windows on ARM, Epic Games is effectively opening the door to a myriad of online titles. Developers can leverage the upcoming Epic Online Services SDK to adjust their games for ARM compatibility—which in turn could spur innovation and further optimization.
- A Glimpse into the Future: This development is not just about one game. It points to a future where ARM devices are no longer pigeonholed as low-power, productivity-only machines but are recognized as capable gaming platforms able to handle modern, graphically intensive titles.
A New Era for Multiplayer Gaming
For many Windows users, the news comes as a breath of fresh air. By overcoming the anti-cheat barrier on ARM, Epic Games is essentially writing a new chapter in the story of PC gaming. While no exact release dates have been confirmed yet, industry insiders predict that Fortnite’s ARM-compatible version could debut later this year.PC gamers who have championed Windows 11 as the future of versatile computing will now have one more reason to celebrate. This initiative may well be the catalyst for broader improvements across the ARM landscape, bridging the gap between energy efficiency and performance-driven gaming.
Final Thoughts
The porting of Easy Anti-Cheat to Windows on ARM represents more than just an update—it’s a strategic move that could redefine what gamers expect from their chosen devices. Epic Games, teaming up with Qualcomm, is setting a precedent that could lead to a richer, more inclusive gaming ecosystem where ARM-powered machines can shine on par with their x86 counterparts.For Windows users, this breakthrough not only reaffirms Microsoft’s commitment to broad compatibility but also hints at even more innovative upgrades in the near future. As gamers await further announcements and release dates, one thing is clear: the future of gaming on ARM is on the horizon, and it promises to be nothing short of revolutionary.
Source: Neowin Fortnite is coming to Windows on ARM thanks to Epic Games' anti-cheat support
