Why did Bungie ban Steam Deck?
Bungie banned Steam Deck because it natively runs on Linux, which Bungie does not officially support, and the studio relies on the BattlEye anti-cheat system to maintain the integrity of Destiny 2 and the security of its existing players. The use of Linux and Proton, a compatibility layer that allows running Windows games on Linux, is not allowed by Bungie, and attempting to play Destiny 2 on Steam Deck using Proton will result in the game shutting down and potentially leading to a ban.
Understanding the Ban
Bungie’s decision to ban Steam Deck is primarily driven by its commitment to ensuring the security and fairness of Destiny 2. The BattlEye anti-cheat system is a crucial component of this effort, and supporting Linux would require significant adjustments to this system, potentially compromising its effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I play Destiny 2 on Steam Deck?
Playing Destiny 2 on Steam Deck without Windows installed will result in the game shutting down, and attempting to bypass this restriction may lead to a ban.
2. Can I get banned for streaming Destiny 2 to Steam Deck?
Yes, attempting to stream Destiny 2 to Steam Deck or playing it on the device without Windows can result in a ban.
3. Why is Steam Deck not popular?
The Steam Deck faced initial challenges, including being a buggy mess and having compatibility issues with many games, which may have contributed to its relatively slow adoption rate.
4. Is Steam Deck a flop?
Despite selling around 10 million units in its first year, the Steam Deck‘s success is debated, with some considering it a flop due to its limited game compatibility and technical issues.
5. Can you play Destiny 2 on Steam Deck without getting banned?
To play Destiny 2 on Steam Deck without risking a ban, you must install Windows on the device, allowing you to run the game in a supported environment.
6. Are Destiny 2 bans permanent?
Bans in Destiny 2 can be permanent, depending on the reason for the ban and the discretion of Bungie.
7. How do I get unbanned from Bungie?
To appeal a ban, you must provide evidence to support your case, including detailed instructions if you were exploiting a game bug, and be honest about any violations of Bungie’s terms.
8. Is Destiny Steam Deck verified?
Destiny 2 is not officially supported on Steam Deck or when using Proton, unless Windows is installed and running.
9. Will there be a Destiny 3?
Rumors about Destiny 3 have intensified, but there is no official confirmation from Bungie, and any information should be treated with caution.
10. Why doesn’t Bungie own Halo?
Bungie does not own Halo because Microsoft acquired the IP when it purchased Bungie in 2000, and Bungie split from Microsoft in 2007, leaving Microsoft with the rights to Halo.
11. Why doesn’t Bungie make Halo anymore?
Bungie stepped away from Halo to pursue other projects and not be tied to a single franchise, allowing for growth and innovation in the gaming industry.
12. Will Halo Infinite ever work on Steam Deck?
Although Halo Infinite is not verified for Steam Deck, it is possible to play it on the device, offering a potential alternative for fans of the series.
13. Does Bungie overturn bans?
Bungie may overturn bans if sufficient evidence is provided, especially in cases where a game bug was exploited, and detailed instructions are given to reproduce the issue.
14. How do you know if Bungie banned you?
If you receive an Error Code Weasel while logged into Destiny, it indicates that you have been banned or restricted from playing.
15. Is the Steam Deck legal?
Using the Steam Deck as an emulator is legal in the United States, but the use of game ROM files can be considered legally dubious, and users should be aware of the legal implications of their actions.