Linux Gaming Support at a Glance

A recent snapshot from the community‑run site AreWeAntiCheatyet.com offers a raw look at how well popular games run on Linux. The site aggregates user‑reported status for a handful of titles, categorizing them as Supported, Running, Broken, Denied, or Planned.

Status % of Games
Supported 17 %
Running 23 %
Broken 56 %
Denied 4 %
Planned 0 %

The numbers paint an uneven picture: more than half of the games listed are broken on Linux, while only a few enjoy official or community‑supported builds.

What “Supported” Means

In the context of Linux, Supported typically indicates that the game ships a native Linux binary or that the community has produced a reliable Proton build (often Proton GE or Proton Experimental). For instance, Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Paladins are marked as supported, meaning players can launch them from Steam or the Epic Games Store without additional tweaking.

The Role of Proton

Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer, is the linchpin of the Linux gaming ecosystem. The snapshot notes that Black Desert Online and Epic Games Store are broken on Linux, but that Proton GE or Proton Experimental can sometimes rescue them. This underscores a key reality: while Proton has dramatically increased the number of playable titles, it remains a patchwork solution that varies in stability.

“Proton is a living project; its stability hinges on continuous community contributions and upstream support from game developers.” – Anonymous contributor on the site.

Why the High Broken Rate?

Several factors contribute to the 56 % broken figure:

  1. Lack of Native Support – Many developers still ship Windows‑only binaries.
  2. Anti‑Cheat Systems – Third‑party anti‑cheat solutions often rely on Windows APIs, breaking under Wine.
  3. Dependency Hell – Modern games bundle large sets of DLLs and rely on specific Windows registry entries.
  4. Limited Testing – Linux is a minority platform; QA cycles rarely include Linux builds.

Implications for Developers

  • Early Linux Builds: Releasing a Linux build early can surface compatibility issues before the game hits the market.
  • Proton‑Friendly Packaging: Distributing games via Proton GE or Experimental builds can broaden the audience.
  • Community Engagement: Actively participating in Proton’s GitHub repository and addressing bug reports can reduce the Broken count.

What Players Should Expect

  • Check ProtonDB: Before purchasing, verify the game’s Proton rating.
  • Use Proton GE: For titles listed as broken, try the latest Proton GE or Experimental version.
  • Stay Informed: Community sites like AreWeAntiCheatyet.com and ProtonDB are valuable resources for real‑world status updates.

A Call to Action

The Linux gaming landscape is still evolving. While the numbers reveal a long road ahead, the community’s collaborative tools—Proton, Wine, and the open‑source bug‑tracking ecosystem—provide a pathway to more stable and widespread support. Developers who embrace these tools early can not only expand their player base but also contribute to a healthier, more inclusive gaming ecosystem.

Source: https://areweanticheatyet.com/