This new security platform, if vendors chose to actually go ahead and use it, could mean the oppositefor Linux gaming, and cause a whole bunch of new headaches when it comes to supporting it regardless of it being via Native Linux games, or Windows games through Wine and Proton. So if anything, I would say that rather than paving the way for Linux gaming to get better, it’s just going to be another hurdle. As annoying as that is.
Just because some things may move out of the kernel-level, also doesn’t mean things will suddenly work on Linux (or get any easier to support via Wine / Proton). There will be various ways for developers to detect Linux, and continue to block it.
Just look at Destiny 2 as the easy and simple example here, they very clearly check for and completely block Linux platforms from playing Destiny 2 via Proton with no way around it.
Roblox is an additional easy example here to really make the point. Their latest anti-cheat is not kernel level, and completely blocks Linux. Something doesn’t need to be in the kernel to block Linux-based systems.
ESET: … It remains imperative that kernel access remains an option for use by cybersecurity products to allow continued innovation and the ability to detect and block future cyberthreats.
One that has been really doing the rounds lately, especially across Reddit and other social media is from Notebookcheck, with a rather sensational article title of “Microsoft paves the way for Linux gaming success with plan that would kill kernel-level anti-cheat”.
Here’s the thing: Microsoft don’tactually say they will kill off kernel-level access, and if they tried that (again - they tried with Vista before), they will no doubt again face some pretty serious push-back from both cybersecurity vendors and regulators across various countries. Something that would likely be more hassle than its actually worth. What Microsoft doactually talk about, is providing additional options that are outside of kernel mode - a whole new platform to “meet the needs of security vendors”.
I’m sure a lot of people started taking unnecessary code executed at low levels a lot more seriously after the Crowdstrike fiasco.
Well, Windows implemented kernel-level protection to prevent another Crowdstrike situation. lt actually makes kernel-level game anti-cheats to break.
Well thats good in terms of putting linux on an even playing field
Nope
https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/09/microsoft-windows-kernel-changes-dont-suddenly-mean-big-things-for-linux-gaming/
Source? I doubt they could do that so quickly, plus I haven’t heard of it.
Source? I only see thing about not do that. Maybe plan (unsure?), but not done.
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/09/12/taking-steps-that-drive-resiliency-and-security-for-windows-customers/
another based on above:
https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/09/microsoft-windows-kernel-changes-dont-suddenly-mean-big-things-for-linux-gaming/