Windows games Archives

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

I’ve Been Gaming On Linux For Five Years – Is It Ready To Replace Windows?

Steam Deck debuted in early 2022 with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that uses the Wine-based Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games. This development has significantly advanced Linux gaming, with approximately 95% of games functioning well on Linux. Steam's Verified program lists nearly 9,000 Verified games, and around 30,000 playable titles, with only about 1% of popular games failing to run entirely. Anti-cheat systems remain a major limitation, preventing popular titles like "Fortnite" and "League of Legends" from being playable on Linux. Game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW offer alternatives for playing anti-cheat games on Linux. Linux distributions provide better controller support compared to Windows, particularly for handhelds and living room PCs. Accessing non-Steam games can be cumbersome, though tools like Heroic Launcher help. Compatibility issues with proprietary standards, such as HDMI 2.1 support, persist in Linux gaming.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

These 5 Linux distros promise to run Windows apps—I tried them all, and one was clearly the best

One of the main challenges for users transitioning from Windows to Linux is software compatibility. Linux has many applications, but users often depend on specific Windows programs. Wine and its frontends allow Windows applications to run on Linux without a virtual machine, although the ease of use varies by distribution. Zorin OS integrates Windows application support directly into its desktop experience, allowing users to install .exe and .msi files easily through its Windows App Support component. It provides a familiar workflow and recommends the best usage options for popular Windows installers. Winux (Wubuntu) aims to create a Linux environment that resembles Windows, making it easier for users to adapt. However, running Windows software can be challenging due to compatibility issues with proprietary components. Bazzite focuses on gaming, offering excellent compatibility for Windows games through Wine-based tools, but may not be ideal for users seeking to run standard Windows applications. Nobara Project, based on Fedora, enhances gaming experiences and simplifies configuration for gaming on Linux, but is not primarily designed for running Windows productivity applications. Garuda Linux caters to experienced users and gamers, leveraging Wine and Proton for compatibility but may be complex for those simply wanting to install Windows applications. Zorin OS is identified as the best choice for users needing to run Windows applications on Linux, providing a manageable transition while maintaining a familiar aesthetic.

BetaBeacon

August 15, 2026

Competitive Shooters Like Counter-Strike 2 Can Reach New Popularity Heights On Android Smartphones, As Sustained Performance Mod Allows Game To Stay Above 100FPS

A dual-CPU cooling mod by Redditor "ntsow" allows the Nubia Z70 Ultra to run Counter-Strike 2 at over 100FPS, showcasing significant performance improvements.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

The Best Places to Buy and Rent PC Games Online in 2026

The digital landscape for purchasing PC games has evolved, offering various online stores for Linux, macOS, and Windows games, with some also featuring e-books, movies, and software. Notable platforms include Steam, Epic Games Store, Humble Bundle, and Xbox, each with diverse game libraries. Some publishers, like Blizzard and EA, initially required exclusive downloads but are now allowing games across multiple storefronts. Steam offers extensive titles and a Verified program for Steam Deck users, while GOG.com focuses on classic games and itch.io on indie titles. Consumers can purchase games from different platforms and use tools like CheapShark to compare prices and find deals.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Linux May Soon Get PC Game Pass via Open-Source Project

Xbox has reduced the pricing of its Game Pass offering, attracting interest from open-source developers, particularly those working on the Heroic Games Launcher. A new open-source project called Xodus aims to bring PC Game Pass games to Linux and macOS by utilizing Valve's Proton and custom runtimes. Previously, Linux gamers had limited access to Game Pass titles, mainly through Xbox Cloud streaming, which faced latency issues. Xodus plans to support third-party launchers like Heroic, Lutris, and Bottles, allowing users to install and launch games via Steam. The development team has made progress in authorization and game downloads and is now focusing on game SDK development to ensure effective gameplay on Linux.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

How Valve’s desperation to escape Windows 8 turned it into a Linux powerhouse

In 2012, Valve's CEO Gabe Newell expressed concerns about Microsoft's control over the PC market due to Windows 8, prompting the company to explore Linux and develop SteamOS. Valve addressed the "chicken and egg" issue of game compatibility on Linux by introducing Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux without separate versions. The company also began contributing to the Linux ecosystem by upstreaming improvements in graphical rendering and developing the RADV open-source Vulkan driver for AMD GPUs. Valve has made SteamOS available for free download and installation on personal computers, aiming to compete with Windows in the gaming sector and promote broader Linux adoption. As a result, Valve has become a significant player in the Linux landscape, enhancing the gaming experience and benefiting the open-source community.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

Proton got so good I keep forgetting which of my games were even built for Windows

Linux gaming has gained popularity, especially after the release of Valve's Steam Deck, which shows that many PC games can run well on Linux despite not being designed for it. Proton, Valve's compatibility layer, allows Windows games to run efficiently on Linux without developer intervention. Most games lack specific Linux versions, but many Windows titles, including Elden Ring and Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered, perform better on Linux through Proton, achieving frame rates up to 75% higher. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which has a native Linux version, shows similar performance to those relying on Proton. Microsoft is reportedly using SteamOS as a benchmark to improve Windows gaming performance, indicating a shift towards aligning with Linux capabilities. Overall, gaming on Linux has become more accessible and enjoyable, often outperforming Windows.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

After nine years, Linux gamers can finally join Minecraft Bedrock servers without the headaches

Linux gamers can now enjoy Minecraft Bedrock more easily with the release of BedrockOnLinux 2.0, which allows public server play and enhances the gaming experience. Previously, players relied on MCPelauncher, which had issues with Xbox Live authentication and limited access to cross-play Realms and public servers. The new version integrates Microsoft Account logins, enabling seamless online play, access to the Friends list, invitations, and joining public servers and Realms. Feedback from the community has been positive, highlighting improved performance and stability.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

StatCounter can’t identify 1 in 5 visits (and it’s skewing everything)

Windows' market share has dropped to 56.61% as of June 2026, falling below the 60% threshold. The "Unknown" category accounts for 21.45% of the market share, while Windows' adjusted market share, excluding unidentified visitors, is 72%. In June 2025, Windows held a 70.13% share, with "Unknown" at 9.17%. Over the past year, Windows' market share decreased from 77.22% to 72%, Linux rose from 4.50% to 5.59%, and Apple increased from 16.90% to 20.87%. As of early July 2026, the "Unknown" segment has surged to 23.67%. StatCounter's data collection has faced inaccuracies, with revisions possible for 45 days. The rise of Linux is noted as a significant trend, influenced by compatibility with Windows games and changes in Windows support.