Windows operating system continues to dominate the market when it comes to PC Gaming. It is so popular that PC gaming is used as synonyms with gaming on the Windows platform. macOS gaming does exist but it is not very popular. Even the majority of games are released for the Windows platform and consoles as opposed to macOS. Along with its regular updates, Microsoft secretly rolled out an anti cheat engine for Windows 10. The update was termed as the ‘Fall Creators Update’ which was released in the Fall season of 2017.
What is the Anti Cheat Engine in Windows 10?
The Anti Cheat engine for Windows 10 is called TruePlay. It was created in competition to Steam’s existing anti cheat engine – VAS. The main difference between the two is that TruePlay is an API program while Steam’s VAS is not.
As a result, Windows 10 Anti Cheat Engine is a much robust process that cannot be disabled as easily. Moreover, the API nature of the program allows it to be easily implemented in the Games.
How does the Anti Cheat Engine Works?
Microsoft’s Anti Cheat Engine works closely similar to the existing engines. However, the only exception is that it constantly monitors the PC and collects user data. If any cheating is detected, the anti cheat engine will report the same to the game’s developers.
As a result, developers can use this information to improve their game in the future. Also, they can take necessary action against the player as well.
The Anti Cheat Engine can also stop certain cheats from executing. Some of the common ones like Wall Hacks and Aimbots can be easily subdued by the engine. Hence, the program will block the cheater’s actions along with reporting the same. For this, the anti cheat engine constantly monitors the game sessions and its behavior to detect any types of manipulation.
Why was Anti Cheat Engine Introduced?
Currently, online multiplayer games have become very popular in the gaming industry. While solo game modes are still available, multiplayer modes have become an option as well. This feature allows gamers to play with their friends or make new ones across the world.
However, cheating in an online game can create a very disheartening gaming experience. As a result, normal gamers suffer and may even lose their in-game items. Therefore, it creates a huge dissatisfaction in the gaming community.
For the most part, cheaters and hackers could cheat to collect in-game items or rank up faster. Players can buy or sell such in-game items while ranks help to flaunt the player’s skills. Ordinarily, a cheater or hacker does not possess any gaming skills without their hacks.
Therefore, anti cheat engines were introduced to stop such cheaters in their tracks. This was done to provide fair gameplay for all kinds of players. Hence, cheaters would be banned if they were detected by the Engine.
As of now, Steam has its own anti cheat engine called Valve’s Anti Cheat system or VAC for short. EasyAntiCheat is another popular engine that is used by games like Watch Dogs 2 and Fortnite Battle Royale. Now, Microsoft is trying to enter the market by introducing its anti cheat engine for Windows 10.
How Could it be Better than Existing Anti Cheat Engines?
To begin with, some of the existing anti cheat engines have become outdated. Most of them use the same old techniques of scanning game signature or PE heuristics to catch the cheaters. As a result, the majority of cheaters getaway by spoofing those details.
Therefore, Microsoft’s anti cheat engine proves to be a good option in terms of better detection. It can also help to cut down on costs of video game developers. Currently, some games have to pay some share for the program to be implemented in their system.
Overall, Windows anti cheat engine could prove to be a cost-effective solution for most gaming companies. As a result, both developers and gamers will benefit if the engine is implemented properly.
Current Problems with Windows 10 Anti Cheat Engine
Sadly, Windows 10’s anti cheat engine works with games created with UVP technology which is short for Universal Windows Program. This means that the program is only functional with games available from the Windows Store. Hence, it is yet to be implemented in games for other platforms.
Moreover, the anti cheat engine has not been adopted as it is still new and fresh. Therefore, it has to undergo various improvements for it to be commercially available. Another flaw of the program is that it is turned off by default. You have to go through the following instructions to turn it on.
- Press the Start button and then click on the Settings icon.
- On the left menu pane, click on TruePlay.
- Now, click on the slider to turn the engine on in your system.
The program is not on by default due to privacy issues. This was imposed as the program required constant surveillance of the system in and outside the game.
In comparison with existing anti cheat engines, TruePlay is a mere choice. For EasyAntiCheat and Steam’s VAC, it is required to run in the background. Without it, the games will not run properly. Even if you succeed in uninstalling or disabling the engine, you will not be able to play the multiplayer modes.
This compulsion is yet to be implemented for the anti cheat engine of Windows 10. Unless Microsoft makes it mandatory, the engine is currently not in suitable working condition. Hence, game developers are still opting for the existing anti cheat engines.
Final Words
In conclusion, Anti Cheat Engine for Windows 10 is a welcome addition but still needs to be popularly implemented. Currently, Steam’s VAC and EasyAntiCheat continue to dominate the current market. Moreover, Microsoft’s anti cheat engine is yet to support other games outside the Universal Windows Platform. Hence, the program still needs to undergo various levels of development.