7 years later, Valve's Proton has been a game-changer for Linux
3 days ago
- #Steam Deck
- #Linux Gaming
- #Proton
- Proton, Valve's compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux, has revolutionized Linux gaming over the past 7 years.
- Proton enables tens of thousands of games to run on Linux with minimal effort, with over 15,855 games rated playable on ProtonDB and 21,694 on Steam Deck Verified.
- Valve's commitment to Linux and open source, while self-serving, has benefited Linux desktop users and paved the way for hardware like the Steam Deck.
- Linux user share on Steam is nearing 3%, showing steady growth despite Windows' dominance.
- Proton provides a stable platform for future Valve hardware, ensuring compatibility with existing games without requiring repurchases.
- Proton's success is attributed to collaboration with CodeWeavers and ongoing community efforts, though challenges like kernel-level anti-cheat and video codecs remain.
- The article reflects on the evolution from early Linux gaming struggles to the seamless experience offered by modern tools like Proton and SteamOS.
- Concerns about Valve's long-term commitment to Linux gaming persist, given potential changes in leadership or corporate priorities.