As title says. I was trying to figure out if they are or if Valorant is it's own thing. If they are in the same universe could you link me it so I can read about it. Thanks.

Haven't played in about a year or so, want to pick it up cause my friend has it but the last time I heard about it, the anti-cheat was sort of invasive and ran even on PC startup, and when the game was closed. Is it still like this?