EA launching its own kernel-level anti-cheat system with FIFA 23 on PC Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. EA launching its own kernel-level anti-cheat system with FIFA 23 on PC Coinciding with the debut of FIFA cross-play. News by Matt Wales Reporter Published on 13 Sep 2022 6 comments Following a similar move by Activision Blizzard last year, EA has unveiled EA AntiCheat (EAAC), a new internally developed kernel-level anti-cheat system that'll initially be rolling out with the launch of FIFA 23 on PC this autumn. Announcing EAAC - which is officially described as a "kernel-mode anti-cheat and anti-tamper solution" - in a new blog post, the publisher explained, "PC cheat developers have increasingly moved into the kernel, so we need to have kernel-mode protections to ensure fair play and tackle PC cheat developers on an even playing field." EAAC's arrival will coincide with the release of FIFA 23, which brings cross-play across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation to the series for the first time. "In addition to EAAC protecting our PC players from cheaters," EA notes, "our console players who match with PC opponents will also be protected from cheaters operating on PC platforms." Eurogamer Newscast: Ubisoft moves forwards, bets big on Assassin's Creed. The remainder of the publisher's announcement post aims to address any concerns players might have around its new technology, insisting that EAAC will have "negligible impact" on gameplay when used, and that the system will only be active while games requiring EAAC are running. It also claims to have "limited the information" its anti-cheat technology collects and that it "does not gather any information about your browsing history, applications that are not connected to EA games, or anything that is not directly related to anti-cheat protection." Additionally, EA says EAAC will be automatically removed from a user's system once all games requiring it have been uninstalled, and that it can also be removed manually - although this will prevent games requiring EAAC from running. "We've worked with independent, 3rd party computer security and privacy services firms to ensure EAAC operates with data privacy top of mind," it adds. The publisher also notes that not all of its games will make use of EAAC, citing single-player games and titles without competitive ladders or leaderboards as areas where "the cheat landscape differs". In these instances, it says it may either use other anti-cheat technology or forego using anti-cheat technology altogether. There's no word on where EA maybe considering deploying its EAAC after the launch of FIFA 23, but given it describes third-party anti-cheat solutions as "[preventing] us from implementing additional privacy controls or customisations that provide greater accuracy and granularity", it seems likely it's planning to introduce EAAC across its entire multiplayer portfolio (the likes of Battlefield and Apex Legends 2042 currently use Easy Anti-Cheat) in due course. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store