A couple of traces of code uncovered in Steam counsel that Valve is engaged on compatibility instruments to permit customers to play video games no matter working system. Put one other method, Steam’s going to allow you to run Windows video games on Mac and Linux with a set of software program constructed straight into the consumer.
Uncovered strings all come beneath the “Steam_Settings_Compat” header, and all reference again to Steam Play. That’s at the moment the moniker Valve used to tell apart video games that come as a single buy playable throughout Windows, Mac, and Linux, however the strings counsel a brand new definition on the best way.
Of specific be aware is “Steam_Settings_Compat_Info,” with the outline “Steam Play will automatically install compatibility tools that allow you to play games from your library that were built for other operating systems.” As a gaggle of Redditors have famous, that sounds a complete lot like WINE, and although the info uncovered by SteamDB doesn’t point out any compatibility software by title, it definitely feels like one thing a complete lot like it’s on the best way.
Further strings counsel there will likely be a distinction for video games examined to assist Steam Play, although you’ll probably have an choice to power video games to run within the compatibility layer regardless. It’s value noting that strings with comparable implications have been within the database no less than since January, so that is positively a type of notorious “Valve time” tasks – although one which appears to nonetheless be progressing.
Valve’s personal SteamOS is constructed on Linux, and this might be a part of a renewed push for the platform. There are rumblings across the web about SteamOS 3.zero being on the best way, even after Valve removed Steam Machines from the Steam retailer. At the identical time, Valve reiterated its assist of Linux and Vulkan for PC gaming – if built-in compatibility instruments for non-Windows OSes is on the best way, the corporate’s definitely backing up these plans.
Source