EU Finds WiNE and Proton Can’t Fix PC Gaming Outside Windows

gameranx.com:

The EU’s investigation into the Microsoft – Activision deal has been so meticulous that they have put some study into compatibility layers like WiNE. The EU has interesting things to say about what effects WiNE and Proton has to the business of PC gaming.

In paragraph 665 on page 167 of the EU decision on the deal, the EU notes that “compatibility layers do not seem to be an effective tool for delivering high-quality gaming on non- Windows OS.” They elaborate further in paragraphs 704 to 705, on page 167 of the decision.

“However, the Commission considers that, while compatibility layers can indeed be a tool for bringing more PC games on non-Windows OS, as also pointed out by respondents to the market investigation, they are subject to certain limitations and, in any case, do not constitute an effective instrument to effectively bridge the gap in games availability between Windows and non-Windows PCs.

Furthermore, and in connection to this, compatibility layers do not seem to have an impact on the uptake of gaming on non-Windows OS.

Indeed, notwithstanding compatibility layers, as already mentioned above, more than 95% of games on Steam are played on Windows PCs, indicating that Windows is still by far the most used PC OS for native gaming. Moreover, several market participants pointed out that, while compatibility layers are becoming increasingly capable of providing a native gaming experience, they are still subject to technical limitations, including in terms of performance and audio-visual quality.

Furthermore, some market participants pointed out that a significant number of games are unplayable via compatibility layers, mainly due to the implementation of anti-cheat solutions. A market participant also pointed out