Proton is a tool for use with the Steam client that allows you to run Windows-only games on Linux
Valve unveiled recently the launch of the new version of Proton 8.0-5 and HDR support has been implemented in different titles, providing various improvements and new features from Proton Experimental to the stable version of Proton, as well as common bug fixes.
For those who are unfamiliar with Proton, you should know that this implementation allows directly running applications of games that only they are available for Windows on the Steam Linux client.
The package includes DirectX 9/10/11 implementation (based on the DXVK package) and DirectX 12 (based on vkd3d), working through the translation of DirectX calls to the Vulkan API, provides improved support for game controllers and the ability to use full screen mode regardless of support in games Screen Resolutions.
Main new features of Proton 8.0-5
The most significant change in Proton 8.0-5 is the support for high dynamic range (HDR) in equipment that supports this technology, including Steam Deck OLED, for several video games. Games that now support HDR include: Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil 7 Biohazard, Resident Evil Village, Hogwarts Legacy, Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Injustice 2, Alan Wake 2, Devil May Cry 5.
Additionally, Proton 8.0-5 adds official support for other Windows games to play on Linux, included: Grotesque Tactics: Evil Heroes, Welcome to Princeland, Red Tie Runner, Simon the Sorcerer: 25th Anniversary Edition and Assassin's Creed Mirage.
Another change that stands out in this new version of Proton 8.0-5 is that DXVK layer has been updated to version 2.3-21-g1b31aa5d, VKD3D-Proton to version 2.11-19-g0e681135, dxvk-nvapi updated to version 0.6.4-20-g0a7c48b and the Wine Mono engine with the implementation of the .NET platform has been updated to version 8.1.0.
It is also highlighted that fixed memory leaks when playing videos in VRchat when using AVPro and resolved an issue when switching games to another monitor in full screen mode in the Cinnamon environment.
Additionally, improvements have been implemented to support for VKB Gladiator NXT Evo and Virpil Constellation ALPHA-R joysticks when the hidraw kernel module is installed on the system and Fixed compatibility issues in a wide range of games:
- Aura: Fate of the Ages: Some audio cues were missing
Aveyond 4: Shadow of the Mist: Fixed fonts not rendering in the main menu and a crash when clicking the Strategy Guide button.
Baldur's Gate 3: Fixed a bug that would not allow you to start after a recent game update
Crysis 2: will show only a black screen for some users.
Crysis 3: Fixed the game failing to launch properly due to a failed authorization and fixed the Crysis 3 Administrative Approval EA app window being corrupted on Nvidia.
Cyberpunk 2077: Fixed crash with DualSense connected after a recent game update.
Finally if you want to know more about it about the changes implemented in this new version of the project, you can check the detailss in the following link.
How to activate Proton on Steam?
For those interested in trying Proton, they must have the beta version of Steam installed on their system In the event that it is not, they can join the beta version of Linux from the Steam client.
For this they must open the Steam client and click on Steam in the upper left corner and then Settings.
In the "Account" section you will find the option to sign up for the beta version. Doing this and accepting will close the Steam client and download the beta version (a new installation).
At the end and after accessing their account, they return to the same route to verify that they are already using Proton.
Now you can install your games regularly, you will be reminded for the only time that Proton is used for it.
Moreover, if you are interested in compiling the code on your own, you can get the new version by downloading it from the following link.
The instructions, as well as the details to carry out this process and other information about the project, can be found this link.