Valve seems to be making moves towards supporting Arm-based processors and Android in its gaming ecosystem. Recent findings in Valve’s Proton code on SteamDB indicate testing of an “ARM64” version of its Linux compatibility layer, named “proton-arm64ec-4.”
Proton is Valve’s solution for running Windows games on the Linux-based SteamOS seamlessly. The leaked code reveals testing of this ARM64 version with various titles, including popular games like Left 4 Dead 2, Garry’s Mod, and Shadow of Mordor, as well as VR games and indie titles.
Broader Horizons for Arm-Based Gaming
While this development doesn’t confirm an immediate release of an Arm version of Steam, it raises intriguing possibilities. One theory is that Valve might be gearing up for Arm support for a rumored Valve VR headset, codenamed “Deckard,” which could run Linux on an Arm processor. However, the inclusion of non-VR games in the testing list suggests broader plans for Arm-based desktop devices.
Another exciting prospect is the potential for Steam to be accessible on Android phones and tablets. The leaked code mentions “Waydroid,” a container system enabling Android apps and games to run on Linux, hinting at possible Android compatibility.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
Valve’s interest in this area likely stems from the increasing popularity of Arm processors, particularly with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips making their way into many Windows laptops. The company sees the potential for gaming on these devices, despite initial challenges with emulation.
While these developments are based on leaked code and not officially confirmed by Valve, the gaming giant’s track record of innovation makes these theories worth considering. If Valve does indeed pave the way for an Arm gaming revolution, it could have a significant impact on the gaming industry.
