You didn't mention this but playing games is also in the"good enough" zone now. Steams Proton is absolutely amazing and you can play almost any single player games with zero problems and most multiplayer games with no anti cheat!
Games that don't require kernel-level anti-cheat software.
Not sure which problem needs fixing there. Shudders
And it's basically impossible to fix perfectly. Having kernel co-operate with the anti-cheating tool seems to make the problem tractable.
What is your alternative solution to this problem?
It will be interesting to see how Valve will address this issue, given they've stated interest in solving this in co-operation with the anti-cheat vendors—and it will be surprising if the solution won't involve kernel-level code.
Linux kernel license doesn't have the anti-tivoization clause and if they "just" provide a secure way from boot to anti-cheat code with hardware-assisted ability to hold keys, they could have a solution even if the system is completely open.
https://valorantstrike.com/valorant-cheaters-how-good-is-val...
I’m really keen to see if the Steam Deck can help gain any ground with online multiplayer games or stupid drm stuff that prevents people from running their favourite AAA games on Linux. I’m not hugely optimistic that much progress can be made but I can dream, right?
For example, most game engines and hundreds of pieces of middleware are generally supporting Linux now (site note: middleware was IME the worst part about porting games to Linux, only second to the graphics stack), even if just for Android games. Vulcan rendering is widely supported for a similar reason.
You are right about userland though, and what excites me is this might be the first mainstream device with a traditional Linux desktop setup. Even if people aren't going to be running Photoshop, they will run Discord, and they will likely be hungry for other software after that.
Looked at two games I play, AC Valhalla and Hitman 3, they don't work.
Proton "works" but does not replace Windows and never will.
The Steam console was too early, but the Steam Deck might give Linux gaming a good push (even though I expect many users will install Windows, ha) and shows how committed Valve is to gaming on Linux.
I'm extremely excited about this, but there is a very sad reality check: anti-cheat vendors have pointed out that a hackable kernel breaks their model. They will most likely aim to detect and block WINE execution.
If you change it to single player you can see 81% of the top 1000 games are compatible and 90% of the top 100 are as well.
If you don't do single player its still around 76% for top 1000. Top 10 is 50%
Also just noticed that hitman 2 (Three isn't listed for some reason) does work!