Compatibility with Linux games is improving steadily.
Compatibility with Linux games is improving steadily.
DXVK is an impressive project that works well for Windows users, often resolving old problems with older games. GTA IV runs smoother in DXVK compared to native versions, and Watch Dogs 2 benefits from fixes on modern systems thanks to DXVK along with numerous other improvements.
Progress remains limited. Not every game is available, and the timeline for full support is uncertain. Certain classic titles may become inaccessible, and DXVK could lead to bans on specific platforms. Many current popular titles or recent releases often face initial issues or temporary unavailability. It's still quite a distance from achieving a fully Windows-free experience.
Not focusing on penguins here, but after about a year using Linux I saw very few new or recently updated SP titles fail completely right out of the box (with Proton). MP titles mostly rely on anticheat and developer support, which is quite different. GPU drivers could also be unstable at times. It's not as bad as it seems, but it's still not ideal. For a regular PC enthusiast willing to tackle the learning curve, it could work if they enjoy that experience.
I haven't played every title and not yet released, but I've heard a lot. Of course it might work if you tweak the settings, but it's not really a straightforward plug-and-play experience for most users. Talking about MP games, they dominate the market and are essential—most people wouldn't even think about using them on another OS. It's still not satisfying enough for the average person, even those who are tech-savvy, who still rely on Windows. Perhaps soon we'll see cross-store game sales or licensing deals, plus developers creating games that work without an OS, which would be a big improvement.
I've faced only minor glitches with games; the biggest hiccups were with DOOM Dark Ages and Indiana Jones which became unplayable for a couple of days after release. I skip using anti-cheat tools like Kernal Level because those titles usually aren't worth the effort. If I needed something average with lots of MTX, I'd just play a mobile gacha. Most games now run smoothly on Linux, and I haven't encountered any problems with GoG emulators—no need to worry about Windows. It's a solid win for me.