9 in 10 Windows games are running on Linux

New data shows that the number of Windows games that either run perfectly or work with minimal tweaks on Linux is rising. The number of games that do not launch at all is at an all-time low.

Gaming on Linux has been a challenge for many reasons over the years, with one of the biggest challenges being that most commercial computer games are developed for Windows. That means a whole umbrella of discomforts, such as a lack of graphics driver support on Linux or Windows-specific APIs that Linux does not have. At least not by default.

However, now the situation is getting better.

It all started on ProtonDB, a website where regular users can share reports about how well games work on Linux. It focuses on games that run through Valve’s Proton, which is a kind of translator that helps games created for Windows run on Linux computers.

Boiling Steam analyzed that information and concluded that nearly 90% of Windows titles now launch successfully on Linux systems. Here’s how the platform got there – it categorized games into five levels:

• Platinum: Games run perfectly right away
• Gold: Games work provided the players do minor tweaks or configuration
• Silver: Games are being able to play, but not perfectly
• Bronze: Games fall between Silver and Borked
• Borked: Does not launch

The data shows a steady rise in the proportion of games rated Platinum or Gold, suggesting that most Windows games now run smoothly on Linux with minimal setup. Meanwhile, the number of titles that fail to launch at all has shrunk to 10%.

In practice, this means that some games remain difficult to play because of restrictions or anti-cheat systems that do not support Linux, two more reasons why Windows games have been struggling to run on Linux for years.

For example, the MOBA March of Giants is inaccessible for Linux users, but Sickly Days and Summer Traces can be run with some tweaking.

In contrast, some games have moved up the list and are now easily playable, even though in the past they used to crash, for example, Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring.

According to the Boiling Steam report, the increasing number of Linux-friendly games for Windows stems from Valve’s efforts. Valve is the company behind the Steam gaming platform and the Steam Deck, a gaming console that runs on Linux.

Valve has improved its Proton tool enough to make many games designed for Windows playable on Linux.

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