Riot Games recently announced that it will no longer support the Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 operating systems for its popular first-person shooter game, Valorant. The change will come into effect from October 2022, and users will need to upgrade to Windows 10 to continue playing the game.
This move is part of Riot Games' decision to discontinue support for older operating systems across its entire portfolio of games. In a blog post, the company stated that it is prioritizing the stability and security of its players, and that continuing support for these outdated operating systems would hinder those efforts.
The decision also affects the anti-cheat software, Vanguard, which is required to play Valorant. Vanguard will no longer be available for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, which means that players on those systems will not be able to launch the game. Vanguard is designed to detect and prevent cheating, and Riot Games believes that it is essential for maintaining a fair and competitive environment for all players.
While this may be an inconvenience for some players, it is ultimately a necessary step for Riot Games to ensure the continued security and stability of its games. Upgrading to Windows 10 is a straightforward process, and it offers a host of benefits beyond just being able to play Valorant. It is a more modern operating system with better performance, improved security features, and a more user-friendly interface.
Players who are unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 10 will unfortunately no longer be able to play Valorant. However, Riot Games is confident that the majority of its players are already using Windows 10, and that this change will have minimal impact on the player base.
