Epic Games and Qualcomm Team Up to Bring Fortnite to Windows on Arm Devices

In a groundbreaking announcement, Epic Games has partnered with Qualcomm to bring support for its Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) software to Arm-based Snapdragon processors, marking a significant step in the evolution of Windows on Arm devices. This partnership promises to make Fortnite available on laptops powered by the Snapdragon X family, opening up new opportunities for gaming on Arm-powered devices like the Surface Laptop and other cutting-edge machines.

The Revolution of Windows on Arm

Windows on Arm is steadily transforming the way PCs operate. While it was once limited by compatibility issues, recent advancements have allowed for more robust performance and a broader range of applications on Arm-based devices. The Snapdragon X family, in particular, has become a game-changer in the laptop industry, providing powerful performance in ultra-thin designs with longer battery life. These benefits have made Arm-powered PCs, like the Surface Laptop, increasingly popular among both casual users and professionals.

However, despite these advancements, gaming on Windows on Arm devices has been a challenge. The architecture of Arm processors differs significantly from traditional x64 (64-bit) processors, leading to compatibility issues with many applications, especially resource-heavy games. Epic Games, recognizing this gap, has worked closely with Qualcomm to address these limitations.

A New Era for Gaming on Arm: Fortnite and Easy Anti-Cheat

Fortnite, one of the most popular online multiplayer games worldwide, will soon be available on Arm-based laptops, thanks to the collaboration between Epic Games and Qualcomm. Easy Anti-Cheat, Epic Games’ proprietary anti-cheat solution, is integral to maintaining a fair and enjoyable gaming experience. Traditionally, anti-cheat software has been built for x64 architecture, making it incompatible with Arm devices. This partnership addresses this issue head-on, ensuring that Fortnite will run smoothly and securely on the latest Windows on Arm laptops.

Epic Games’ decision to bring Easy Anti-Cheat to Windows on Arm is driven by the rapid growth of Arm-based devices in the gaming market. Windows 11 on Arm has made significant strides over the past year, and the increasing number of Windows on Arm users means that developers like Epic Games need to ensure their titles are accessible to this growing audience. By enabling Fortnite to run with Easy Anti-Cheat on Snapdragon-powered laptops, Epic Games is ensuring that players on these devices can enjoy the game without compromising security or performance.

Overcoming Compatibility Challenges

One of the most significant hurdles for Windows on Arm has been its compatibility with existing software. Arm’s architecture is fundamentally different from x64, meaning that many programs, including games, need to be adapted for the platform. This is particularly true for complex applications like anti-cheat software, which relies on specific hardware features of x64 processors.

“Due to the way anti-cheat software works with x64 features, additional tooling is required for compatibility with these devices,” said an Epic Games representative in a press release. The tooling required to bridge the gap between x64 and Arm is no small feat, but Epic Games’ collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies has made it possible to optimize Easy Anti-Cheat for Snapdragon processors. This partnership is a significant step forward for the entire Windows on Arm ecosystem, proving that the platform can support high-performance, security-conscious applications like online multiplayer games.

Snapdragon X Family Powers the Future of Gaming

The Snapdragon X family of processors has been at the forefront of innovation in the laptop industry. Known for their high performance and efficiency, Snapdragon X processors are well-suited for gaming, offering the kind of power and speed necessary to run demanding applications like Fortnite. With this partnership, Qualcomm and Epic Games are ensuring that Windows on Arm devices can take full advantage of these powerful chips, providing gamers with a seamless and immersive experience.

The Snapdragon X family is particularly known for its ability to deliver exceptional battery life without sacrificing performance, making it an ideal choice for gamers who want to play on the go. By enabling Fortnite and other popular titles to run on these devices with full anti-cheat support, Epic Games and Qualcomm are helping to unlock the potential of Arm-powered laptops, which are poised to play an increasingly important role in the gaming world.

A Win for the Windows on Arm Ecosystem

For Windows on Arm, this partnership is a huge win. While the platform has faced challenges in the past due to limited software compatibility, the progress made in recent years is undeniable. With major developers like Epic Games committing to supporting Windows on Arm, the platform is on track to become a more viable option for gamers.

The ability to play Fortnite on Windows on Arm devices opens the door for other game developers to follow suit, creating a more robust gaming ecosystem on Arm-powered PCs. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more games, both big and small, optimized for Arm-based devices, expanding the range of options available to gamers.

What This Means for Gamers and Developers

For gamers, this partnership is a game-changer. It means that they can enjoy Fortnite on more devices than ever before, including the latest laptops powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. The addition of Easy Anti-Cheat ensures that the game will be as secure and fair as it is on traditional x64 systems, addressing one of the biggest concerns for competitive gamers.

For developers, this collaboration highlights the importance of embracing new architectures like Arm. As the market for Arm-based PCs grows, it’s becoming increasingly important for developers to optimize their games and software for this platform. The work done by Epic Games and Qualcomm to bring Easy Anti-Cheat to Windows on Arm is an example of how collaboration between industry leaders can help push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.

The Future of Windows on Arm and Gaming

The partnership between Epic Games and Qualcomm is just the beginning. As more developers recognize the potential of Windows on Arm, we can expect to see more games and applications optimized for this platform. The success of Fortnite on Arm-based devices could serve as a model for other popular titles, helping to solidify Arm’s place in the gaming market.

With ongoing advancements in hardware and software, Windows on Arm is poised to become a serious contender in the gaming space. As Snapdragon-powered laptops continue to improve, offering more power, efficiency, and portability, we can expect to see a growing number of gamers choosing Arm-based devices for their gaming needs.

In conclusion, the partnership between Epic Games and Qualcomm is a major milestone for both Windows on Arm and the gaming industry as a whole. By bringing Fortnite and Easy Anti-Cheat to Snapdragon-powered laptops, the two companies are opening up new possibilities for gamers, developers, and PC enthusiasts alike. The future of gaming on Arm looks brighter than ever.