LogInDeleting the game doesn't uninstall the program from your PC.
Earlier this week, FromSoftware shared a flurry of updates on its upcoming co-op action survival game Elden Ring Nightreign, releasing a new official trailer, announcing its release date, and providing some details about in-game bosses, among other things. However, one update that largely flew under the radar was the addition of kernel-level anti-cheat software – a helpful tool for catching cheaters for some, a potential deal-breaker for others.
According to Nightreign's SteamDB page, the program was added to the game on February 12 – around the same time the aforementioned trailer was released – and in this case, the software in question is Epic Games' Easy Anti-Cheat, used in games like Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends. As per Valve's recently updated rules, the game's official Steam page also discloses the presence of the application, informing players that EAC doesn't get automatically deleted from your PC when you uninstall the game and requires manual removal.
In addition to the obvious concerns many players have about the invasive, malware-like nature of anti-cheat programs, some fans are questioning whether the inclusion of EAC will prevent Elden Ring Nightreign from running on Steam Deck or Linux-powered machines. It's worth noting that the original Elden Ring also uses EAC and works just fine on Valve's handheld, however, the concern remains, and many players won't feel reassured unless the developers address the matter directly.
While some players may be upset by the news, at the very least Elden Ring Nightreign is a co-op title where one's use of cheats could spoil the experience for others, making the addition of EAC justifiable. What's harder to justify is when developers try to monitor your hardware and software in single-player games, with a prime example being Assassin's Creed Shadows, whose user agreement includes a provision allowing the game to monitor your PC's RAM to ensure you're not running any unauthorized programs.
Check out Elden Ring Nightreign on Steam and don't forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.