This could turn into something interesting.
Albeit Valve has historically loved its own way of doing things, a deep dive into Reddit’s /r/linux_gaming subreddit revealed the presence of Steam Play, which is based around a WINE-like compatibility wrapper.
WINE functions as an open-source project that can cajole Windows executables into running on Unix-based systems, i.e. Mac or Linux. Straight from the WINE website, “Instead of simulating internal Windows logic like a virtual machine or emulator, Wine translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls on-the-fly, eliminating the performance and memory penalties of other methods.”
The WINE wrapper, repackaged as Steam Play, could be integrated into SteamOS, Valve’s own Linux build. Settings found this week include options to “Enable Steam Play for supported titles,” “Enable Steam Play for all titles,” “Steam Play will automatically install compatibility tools that allow you to play games from your library that were built for other operating systems,” and “Steam Play FAQ.”
In short, while this isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix, it could allow those already running Linux or MacOS to benefit from a Valve-backed and gaming-oriented compatibility wrapper. This, in turn, might make it easier to code Steam titles to run under macOS somewhere down the line.
Cool stuff if it works out and stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via PCWorld, Ars Technica and Reddit