Throne and Liberty, a highly anticipated fantasy MMORPG from NCSoft and Amazon Games, recently launched with great fanfare, quickly soaring to the upper echelons of the Steam charts. Yet, even a triumphant release is not devoid of challenges. In the first days post-launch, players using the Steam Deck—a handheld gaming console—encountered significant issues that threatened to mar the game’s initial success. This article delves into the problems with Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) and how it has impacted the gaming experience, while also exploring the current state of playability on the Steam Deck.
Reports began emerging soon after Throne and Liberty’s launch that players on the Steam Deck were facing disconnection problems. This was largely attributed to EAC, a widely used anti-cheat system intended to maintain the integrity of online gaming. It appeared that the developers inadvertently set up the game in a way that rendered its online features incompatible with the Linux-based SteamOS used by the Deck. The lack of support for the anti-cheat framework resulted in players being ejected from servers, leading to frustration among those eager to explore the game’s vast fantasy world.
This scenario raises questions regarding the development process. It seems that either NCSoft or Amazon Games overlooked the essential configuration needed to enable EAC for Linux during the final launch preparations. Given that Valve’s documentation points towards a straightforward setup, the issue might stem from a failure to factor in how critical EAC is for seamless online gameplay, especially on a platform as unique as the Steam Deck.
However, as of October 2nd, it appears that the issues have been addressed. Players have reported that Throne and Liberty is running smoothly on the Steam Deck once more, which is certainly a relief for many who had already invested time and money into the game. It’s worth noting that while the initial hiccups created a wave of concern, no players seemed to face permanent bans as a consequence of trying to access the game on the offending platform.
Such recoveries are promising and suggest that both NCSoft and Amazon Games are willing to respond promptly to player feedback—a crucial aspect of maintaining a dedicated gaming community. In a landscape where other titles have struggled with similar compatibility issues—like Wuthering Waves and Fortnite—Throne and Liberty’s relatively swift resolution speaks volumes about the developers’ commitment to their player base.
Performance on the Steam Deck: A Mixed Bag
When evaluating the game’s performance on the Steam Deck, it becomes evident that while strides have been made, there are still areas that require improvement. Although the game runs above 30fps on lower graphic settings—a feature that typically enhances the handheld gaming experience—the visual fidelity presents some challenges. The UI text has been flagged as overly small for the 7-inch screen, which could deter players who prefer a more detailed interface.
Moreover, the graphical performance exacerbates these concerns; characters intermittently appear as though they are disintegrating when in motion, a visual artifact that disrupts immersion. Players may find it beneficial to switch the FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) from Balanced to Quality mode to alleviate some of these graphical concerns, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Despite these challenges, the community around Throne and Liberty continues to thrive, with players actively engaging in gameplay and exploring the game’s mechanics. Their transition to new forms, such as wolves, adds an exciting dimension to gameplay, allowing for diverse combat strategies and exploration styles.
As the community shares strategies for overcoming UI issues and enhances their gameplay experience through updates and patches, it underscores an important aspect of modern gaming: the shared journey between developers and players. Updates addressing compatibility issues reinforce the notion that player feedback is vital for iterative improvements.
The journey of Throne and Liberty is emblematic of the trials that often accompany innovative gaming experiences, particularly in multiplayer environments. As it stands, the game may have stumbled at the starting blocks; however, it seems poised for recovery and improvement. The overall gaming experience on the Steam Deck is not without its frustrations, but with responsive developers and an engaged community, the potential for epic adventures in this new fantasy world remains bright. As players continue to navigate the complexities of gameplay and connectivity, they effectively forge a path toward a more refined experience in the realm of Throne and Liberty.
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