EA’s anti-cheat tool runs with kernel drivers, Electronic Arts explains in a blog entry. For competitive games like “FIFA 23” this is essential, EA writes there. In recent years, many cheat tools have been released that operate at the kernel level. If the anti-cheat program does not also work on kernel level, these cheats are practically invisible, Electronic Arts’ blog entry says.

Not in single player titles

However, EA AntiCheat (EAAC) will only be used in games that actually need such cheater protection, according to Electronic Arts. For pure single-player titles or multiplayer games without leaderboards, less invasive anti-cheat measures are conceivable, EA writes. In principle, EA titles can do without anti-cheat programs completely. In the concrete example of “FIFA 23”, however, the kernel tool is also mandatory for pure single player players. This is intended to make the development of cheats for multiplayer modes more difficult.

In its blog entry EA is anxious to take away the fear of the anti-cheat tool from players. Comparable tools have a reputation for being data-hungry and degrading game performance. However, EA writes that it has conducted extensive tests and has not found any impact of the tool on the performance and stability of the games. “The impact of EAAC on your gameplay is negligible,” EA writes.

Automatic uninstallation

The tool also only checks processes that interact with the game. Other applications and personal data like the browsing history are not touched, according to EA. EAAC should not be activated at system start, but only when a protected game is started. If this game is closed again, EA’s anti-cheat tool should also be terminated.

In addition EAAC is to uninstall itself automatically, if all protected EA plays were removed from the PC. Manually you can also uninstall the tool – but protected games like the upcoming “FIFA 23” are then no longer playable. To ensure that EAAC works securely and in compliance with data protection laws, EA has worked with independent security and data protection auditors.

Comparable anti-cheat programs are also used by other game companies, including “Call of Duty” developer Activision, which announced tool “Ricochet” last October. Other popular multiplayer titles like “Valorant”, “PUBG” and “Apex Legends” are also protected from cheaters by kernel drivers.