Epic Games is partnering with Qualcomm to bring Fortnite to Windows 11 ARM-powered laptops, a move aimed at overcoming longstanding compatibility challenges and expanding gaming access on Snapdragon-powered devices.
The collaboration will integrate Windows on Snapdragon support into Epic’s Easy Anti-Cheat system, enhancing development tools and ensuring smoother gameplay experiences for ARM users.
Overcoming Fortnite’s Compatibility Barriers on ARM
Historically, gaming on ARM-based Windows devices has faced significant obstacles, particularly concerning compatibility with security and anti-cheat systems.
Most PC games are developed for x64 architecture, which poses challenges for ARM processors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon. Anti-cheat technologies often rely on x64-specific system calls, further complicating support for ARM platforms.
Epic’s latest move addresses these barriers. By integrating Windows on Snapdragon support into Easy Anti-Cheat, the company is eliminating one of the primary reasons games like Fortnite have struggled to function on ARM laptops.
This initiative will not only enhance Fortnite’s performance but also establish a framework for broader ARM game development, encouraging developers to optimize their titles for Snapdragon-powered Windows devices.
Opening Development Doors with Epic’s SDK Update
The partnership extends beyond Fortnite. Epic Games plans to update its Epic Online Services SDK later this year, enabling developers to integrate Easy Anti-Cheat support for their own titles on ARM-powered systems.
The update is designed to streamline game development for Snapdragon devices and address a long-standing challenge in ARM-based gaming.
For gamers, this shift could dramatically expand the number of compatible multiplayer titles. Games like Apex Legends and Fall Guys—previously hampered by anti-cheat restrictions on ARM—may soon be playable on Snapdragon-powered devices.
Epic’s decision to open its SDK reflects a broader commitment to making ARM gaming more accessible. However, it’s not just about expanding access. Reliable anti-cheat measures are vital for ensuring competitive integrity, especially in esports-focused titles where fairness is essential.
ARM Gaming Challenges Persist Despite Progress
Despite these advancements, ARM-based gaming still faces notable hurdles. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors, while efficient, have historically struggled to match the performance levels of x86 counterparts from Intel and AMD.
Microsoft’s AI-powered Copilot+ PCs—equipped with Snapdragon chips—have struggled with game compatibility, partly due to the transition from x86 to ARM architecture.
Microsoft has attempted to bridge this gap using a software translation layer, known as Prism, to convert x86 instructions for ARM processors.
However, this process is far from seamless, often resulting in inconsistent gameplay experiences. In fact, only about half of 1,300 games tested on ARM-powered PCs ran without significant issues, as noted by The Wall Street Journal.
Anti-cheat measures present another layer of complexity. Even when games run through translation layers, anti-cheat protections can fail, leaving multiplayer environments vulnerable to exploitation. Qualcomm has acknowledged these issues but remains optimistic.
While Epic’s collaboration with Qualcomm marks progress, experts caution that addressing these deeper architectural issues will take time. For developers, optimizing titles for ARM still requires substantial effort, particularly when games rely on low-level hardware interactions.
Reshaping Industry Perceptions of ARM Gaming
The implications of this partnership extend beyond Fortnite. ARM processors are gaining traction in sectors focused on AI and energy-efficient computing, but gaming remains a critical challenge.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip represents the company’s ambition to position ARM as a viable platform for high-performance tasks. Yet, widespread gaming compatibility remains an unresolved issue.
Some analysts argue that while adding Easy Anti-Cheat support removes one major barrier, it may not be enough to drive mass adoption of ARM-powered gaming devices. According to TechPowerUp, the slow adoption of ARM in the gaming sector reflects concerns about performance and compatibility. It remains to be seen if Epic’s efforts catalyze broader change.
ARM-powered Windows devices still represent a niche segment compared to x86 systems, and while Easy Anti-Cheat support may lower entry barriers, developers must weigh the costs of optimizing for a platform that hasn’t yet achieved widespread market penetration.
Broader Opportunities and Ongoing Challenges
Epic Games has yet to provide an exact release timeline but expects Windows on Snapdragon support to arrive later this year. This move aligns with Epic’s broader strategy of encouraging ARM-friendly development through its updated SDK and cross-platform tools.
For Qualcomm, the collaboration underscores efforts to reshape perceptions of ARM-powered gaming devices. While Snapdragon processors have dominated in the mobile space, expanding into gaming laptops presents new challenges and opportunities.
Whether this partnership signals a turning point for ARM gaming remains to be seen. The success of this initiative will depend on how effectively developers and hardware partners optimize their offerings for ARM architecture.
In the near term, the integration of Easy Anti-Cheat support into Windows on ARM could reshape gaming experiences on ultrabook-class devices. However, overcoming deeper architectural challenges will be key to sustaining long-term growth in this space.
