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Valve are now offering a chance to test a beta of the next version of Proton in their Steam Play system.

As a reminder: Steam Play is the system built into the Linux version of the Steam client to allow you to play Windows games on Linux. Compatibility varies from game to game, you can see the current titles that Valve have whitelisted in their original announcement.

You can track the changelog here. As for what Proton 3.7-4 has: support for Python 3, DXVK updated to v0.70, better keyboard focus for those on GNOME Shell, controllers hopefully no longer causing long delays on startup and more. Seems like a pretty good update and it's going to be fun to watch it progress.

Actually getting it show up is a little finicky. It didn't seem to appear until after I started a Steam Play title and then restarting Steam, so hopefully they will improve that over time too.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Proton, Beta, Steam, Valve
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99 comments
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GustyGhost Aug 25, 2018
"Valve bows down in submission, accepts Microsoft proprietary standards as de facto."
somebody1121 Aug 25, 2018
I tried the proton beta and DXVK_HUD tells that the version it's 0.64 not 0.70, it's odd.
1xok Aug 25, 2018
Yes! The Beta of the Beta. :D
Nevertheless Aug 25, 2018
"Valve bows down in submission, accepts Microsoft proprietary standards as de facto."

Oh yes. Microsoft will be so happy about this move!
Liam Dawe Aug 25, 2018
I tried the proton beta and DXVK_HUD tells that the version it's 0.64 not 0.70, it's odd.
From what I've read, it is 0.70 just the versioning isn't right.
Dunc Aug 25, 2018
"Valve bows down in submission, accepts Microsoft proprietary standards as de facto."

Oh yes. Microsoft will be so happy about this move!
I said it before: embrace, extend...

Valve are giving Microsoft a taste of their own medicine. How strong a dose remains to be seen, but I'm sure - whether GabeN and co. actually think of it in those terms or not - that's what's going on.
dubigrasu Aug 25, 2018
I tried the proton beta and DXVK_HUD tells that the version it's 0.64 not 0.70, it's odd.
https://github.com/ValveSoftware/Proton/issues/479#issuecomment-415929650
Kimyrielle Aug 25, 2018
So...

What do people think is the better choice to run Windows games now? regular WINE? Staging? Proton?
Sil_el_mot Aug 25, 2018
With the Beta all tested VR-Games (Budget Cuts, King Graffiti, Holopoint, Gorn, Onward, TheLab, Rick&MOrty) dont even start anymore. :(
1xok Aug 25, 2018
So...

What do people think is the better choice to run Windows games now? regular WINE? Staging? Proton?

Lutris. :)

No, Proton is great because it integrates with Steam. But Lutris is still more current on many games.
Arehandoro Aug 25, 2018
So...

What do people think is the better choice to run Windows games now? regular WINE? Staging? Proton?

Regular Wine for games purchased in GOG. Proton for Steam :)
Dunc Aug 25, 2018
I guess that's why Quantum Break, Microsoft's breakout, DX12, UWP, Windows Store, Windows 10, Xbox 'Play Anywhere' flagship title is on Steam.

... and I just bought it on Linux, so that counts as a Steam for Linux sale—and it runs flawlessly on Steam Play!!!

"Thanks Microsoft Studios! This looks like a pretty good game." ;)
See what I mean? :D

As I say, it remains to be seen how well this strategy will work out for Valve and, especially, the Linux wider community, but it clearly works.
leillo1975 Aug 25, 2018
Sleeping Dogs works for me with the beta.

The game don't work to me....

What are your specs?


Last edited by leillo1975 on 25 August 2018 at 8:31 pm UTC
kalin Aug 25, 2018
I want to play magicka on linux. It is my favorite game and I never have any success to start in on linux with any available framework (playonlinux, lutris). I also don't have success with proton on steam. Is anyone have success ?
I now that magicka is not supported title. I just really want to play it on linux
Cmdr_Iras Aug 25, 2018
So...

What do people think is the better choice to run Windows games now? regular WINE? Staging? Proton?

Given steam counts a game purchased and played via proton as a Linux purchase, I would lean therefore to Steam/Proton.
jens Aug 25, 2018
  • Supporter
So...

What do people think is the better choice to run Windows games now? regular WINE? Staging? Proton?

Given steam counts a game purchased and played via proton as a Linux purchase, I would lean therefore to Steam/Proton.

Yes, exactly. If anybody wants to use wine or lutris, then please please please touch the game once with Proton and wait two weeks, that way it should still count as Linux purchase. Linux needs a higher market share in the long term.


Last edited by jens on 25 August 2018 at 6:08 pm UTC
jens Aug 25, 2018
  • Supporter
Does somebody knows what "Use this tool instead of game-specific selection from Steam" exactly means and what the consequences of this choice are? The compatibility tool drop-down to choose a Proton version is always enabled, regarding the state of the checkbox?


Last edited by jens on 25 August 2018 at 6:02 pm UTC
Arnvidr Aug 25, 2018
Yes! The Beta of the Beta. :D
Haha, what I came to say, I don't have the Steam Play section in my settings yet!
questioner9 Aug 25, 2018
View PC info
  • Supporter
Does somebody knows what "Use this tool instead of game-specific selection from Steam" exactly means? The compatibility tool drop-down to choose a Proton version is always enabled, regarding the state of the checkbox?
I am wondering this. I am guessing that for whitelisted games Steam have set a Proton version that works best (will be more applicable as more proton versions are released) and non-whitelisted games will use the version specified as default on the dropdown. If the box is checked then I guess that would over-ride the whitelist proton versions and all games will use the default proton version chosen in the dropdown.

It would be good if they allow us to set a proton version on a per game basis as I just tried v3.7-4 beta with Stronghold Crusaders 2 and it seemed to run a bit choppier than v3.7-3 which runs absolutely perfectly.
bolokanar Aug 25, 2018
So...

What do people think is the better choice to run Windows games now? regular WINE? Staging? Proton?
As always… WINDOWS.
I'm quite serious. If you really want to game then that would be a good call.
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