Proton 11 Beta Fixes EA Games on Linux and Steam Deck

Valve's Proton 11.0 beta fixes a major issue that stopped many EA games from launching on Linux. This update makes 18 more games playable.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Technology |

Valve has pushed out the initial beta release of Proton 11.0, a compatibility layer vital for running Windows games on Linux and the Steam Deck. This update addresses a critical failure that rendered many Electronic Arts (EA) titles unplayable after a recent change to their desktop client.

The release is significant for its fix of EA game launch crashes and Steam Overlay issues, alongside broader performance enhancements derived from a rebase to Wine 11.0 and the introduction of NTSYNC. The update also broadens the catalog of supported titles, making an additional 18 games playable.

Valve's Proton 11 beta boosts Linux gaming with better performance and classic game support - 1

Performance Gains and New Architectures

A core feature of Proton 11.0 beta is the integration of NTSYNC, a thread synchronization mechanism. This is expected to particularly benefit multi-threaded games, potentially smoothing out performance and reducing micro-stutters, a welcome change for handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck.

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The update's move to Wine 11.0 brings under-the-hood improvements including better support for the ARM architecture, suggesting expanded possibilities for PC game emulation on Android devices. Other updated components include DXVK to 2.7.1, DXVK-NVAPI to 0.9.1, Wine Mono to 11.0.0, and vkd3d-proton to an April 10 build.

Valve's Proton 11 beta boosts Linux gaming with better performance and classic game support - 2

Expanded Game Support and Fixes

Proton 11.0 beta makes a total of 19 games playable, including titles previously functional only on the experimental channel. Notable additions include various Resident Evil titles, Dino Crisis games, DCS World Steam Edition, and X-Plane 12. The release specifically rectifies issues that prevented games like Apex Legends and Battlefield from launching on Linux machines due to EA client changes. The Steam Overlay, which had malfunctioned in affected titles, is also reportedly fixed.

Background

Proton acts as a bridge, enabling Windows games to operate within the Steam client on non-Windows operating systems. Its development by Valve is crucial for expanding the reach of PC gaming beyond the Windows ecosystem, especially for users of Valve's own Steam Deck hardware. The iterative nature of these releases, often starting with a beta phase, allows for community testing and feedback before a wider rollout. The move to a new Wine base signifies a commitment to maintaining compatibility and leveraging upstream advancements for improved gaming experiences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the new Proton 11.0 beta update?
Valve has released the first beta of Proton 11.0, a tool that helps run Windows games on Linux and the Steam Deck. This update fixes problems that stopped many EA games from starting.
Q: Why did EA games stop working on Linux recently?
A recent change to the desktop client for EA games caused many titles to crash when trying to launch on Linux. Proton 11.0 beta fixes this issue.
Q: What performance improvements does Proton 11.0 beta offer?
The update uses NTSYNC for better performance in games with many threads, which can make gameplay smoother. It also moves to Wine 11.0, bringing general improvements and better support for ARM processors.
Q: How many new games can now be played with Proton 11.0 beta?
Proton 11.0 beta makes a total of 19 games playable on Linux. This includes titles like Resident Evil games, Dino Crisis games, DCS World Steam Edition, and X-Plane 12.
Q: Are there other technical updates in Proton 11.0 beta?
Yes, the update includes newer versions of DXVK, DXVK-NVAPI, Wine Mono, and vkd3d-proton, all contributing to better game compatibility and performance.