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PayPalWith the upcoming new Steam Frame hardware from Valve, they want to get as many games as possible running - and there's multiple ways for developers to do it.
This documentation actually went up last month, but it's a good reminder of all the work that goes on behind the scenes with Valve's hardware to make the experience as smooth as possible for both players and game developers. With the Steam Frame, Valve are clearly suggesting that developers stick to one version of their game - which currently for a lot of VR titles means just optimizing the Windows version.
Taken from the Steamworks page:
We think customers are better off if a developer can focus on the one best version of their game, rather than making and maintaining many separate builds-- especially if one build ends up as a second-class experience missing some testing or updates. We've spent a lot of effort making it as easy as possible to run that best version on Steam Frame. For most developers that probably means running Windows x86 via Proton and FEX.
For VR developers that have already spent the effort to make a mobile optimized version of their game for other hardware (typically Android Arm64), we think it makes sense to run that version on Steam Frame.
Steam Frame natively runs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Arm64) chip on SteamOS (Linux Arch-based) and includes a range of compatibility layers for other Operating Systems and architectures.Windows via Proton
Windows games can be run via Proton. Proton is a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux by using a modified version of Wine and a collection of high-performance graphics API implementations such as dxvk which translates DirectX to Vulkan (Steam Frame's native graphics API).
Android via Lepton
Android games can be run via Lepton. Lepton is a compatibility layer that allows Android games to run on Linux. It is implemented as a container to minimize overhead.
x86 via FEX
x86 (32-bit and 64-bit) via FEX. FEX translates x86 compiled games to Arm64 instructions, but forwards API calls to native host system libraries like OpenGL or Vulkan to reduce emulation overhead, and leverages code caching to minimize in-game stuttering as much as possible.
All makes sense to me. If you already have an existing version of your game that runs elsewhere, just ensuring it works well in one of their compatibility layers would save developers a lot of time. Valve are being smart with this, after years of building up the likes of Proton and directly funding FEX to get as many games running on SteamOS Linux as possible. We've come a very long way since the original Steam Machine failure with its lack of games.
Valve's little note about other builds often being a "second-class experience" also split a few old wounds. Remembering some of the earlier days of Linux gaming where we had a bunch of ports that were repeatedly missing features (like cross-platform multiplayer, or patches being weeks and even months later - or not getting them at all).
As long as the price is right, I think the Steam Frame really will shift the industry due to how accessible and open it will be. Something I touched on in another recent article.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
About the author - Liam Dawe
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly checked on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly.
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benstor214 20 hours ago
This documentation actually went up last month[…]And this part shows that Liam is a pro.
In the meantime, a whole cohort of YouTubers, Redditors and Discorders want to make you believe that Valve put this up just a few days ago, only because one of them happened to stumble upon it a few days ago.
I was reading this on Christmas Eve, and I am certain it was up way before then…
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*A few old still not entirely closed wounds.
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They must trust FEX a whole lot if they are not encouraging devs to make an ARM build...
7 Likes
The most important game I want to run on it is a 3D desktop that can run a bunch of *readable* wezterms and maybe a few browsertabs.
I am still between xreal glasses on my steam deck and a steam frame...
The steam frame will be a desktop replacement, so if either the frame or the deck breaks, I can still use the other.
In the end I might stream desktop from my cluster. But for travel: deck+xreal or frame...
I reckon the deck+xreal is more expensive than the frame.
I am still between xreal glasses on my steam deck and a steam frame...
The steam frame will be a desktop replacement, so if either the frame or the deck breaks, I can still use the other.
In the end I might stream desktop from my cluster. But for travel: deck+xreal or frame...
I reckon the deck+xreal is more expensive than the frame.
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Liam, do you happen to know if they make a distinction for stand-alone optimized games and games to stream for best possible graphics?
The former would be great to have on Frame when traveling, while the latter would be great when at home.
As an example, VR devs often released ARM64 optimized titles for the pico/meta platforms at the cost of graphical fidelity. On Steam these titles would be released targeting higher specs and thus a better experience.
Although I understand their concern about bad ports, there are cases, especially for VR where I think it would make sense to have both.
The former would be great to have on Frame when traveling, while the latter would be great when at home.
As an example, VR devs often released ARM64 optimized titles for the pico/meta platforms at the cost of graphical fidelity. On Steam these titles would be released targeting higher specs and thus a better experience.
Although I understand their concern about bad ports, there are cases, especially for VR where I think it would make sense to have both.
3 Likes
Quoting: doragasuThey must trust FEX a whole lot if they are not encouraging devs to make an ARM build...They only need to trust it more than they trust game devs to do a good job porting to an unknown architecture on an unknown platform.
2 Likes
Johnologue 6 hours ago
I think this really shows off how much long-term work Valve had to fund and wait for to make something like this possible. Without FEX, I imagine the Frame would have been x86-based to work as a "PC" and to play Steam games, but AFAIK most XR hardware is ARM-based. Without Proton, there wouldn't have even been a place to start. You can't make something like this while every game you distribute is stuck on Windows.
The tech industry likes talking about "magical experiences" whenever they do something particularly dystopian. I think Valve has actually created a "magical experience".
You can stuff x86 Windows games into an ARM Linux VR headset and expect them to run better than native.
How many years ago would each part of that sentence be utter madness?
The tech industry likes talking about "magical experiences" whenever they do something particularly dystopian. I think Valve has actually created a "magical experience".
You can stuff x86 Windows games into an ARM Linux VR headset and expect them to run better than native.
How many years ago would each part of that sentence be utter madness?
5 Likes
Quoting: JohnologueI think this really shows off how much long-term work Valve had to fund and wait for to make something like this possible. Without FEX, I imagine the Frame would have been x86-based to work as a "PC" and to play Steam games, but AFAIK most XR hardware is ARM-based. Without Proton, there wouldn't have even been a place to start. You can't make something like this while every game you distribute is stuck on Windows.Necromancers and blood mages are wizards too.
The tech industry likes talking about "magical experiences" whenever they do something particularly dystopian. I think Valve has actually created a "magical experience".
You can stuff x86 Windows games into an ARM Linux VR headset and expect them to run better than native.
How many years ago would each part of that sentence be utter madness?
Just, because Disney tries to associate magic with happiness doesn't mean that's its meaning.
Edit:
I mean Judaism and Christianity see it as one of the most horrifying blasphemies.
The Islam treats it at most as something neutral.
Most magic in the work of the Grimm brothers is evil.
Disney is a bunch of artists trained to subvert expectations and succeeds, but it's still mostly a trope subversion to treat magic as something good.
Last edited by LoudTechie on 16 Jan 2026 at 9:49 am UTC
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Is known how they are putting these games on the store? I'm wondering how it will be labeled, as just "VR" won't be enough anymore. Right now we have (mostly) Windows games that just run on Linux and Steam Deck (if not too demanding, but techically they run). On Linux PC (i.e. x86, amd64 etc.). When VR games are compiled for arm though, will they run on PC too?
Will they create a seperate store/category for arm steam frame VR games?
Will PC VR gamers running HTC Vive, Valve Index etc. be able to play these games too or will they miss out? Is this was Lepton is aiming for, but only for Linux users? Don't get me wrong, the more Linux the better, yet VR is a niche, and if Windows VR gamers would not be able to play those games too, it's a loss.
Will they create a seperate store/category for arm steam frame VR games?
Will PC VR gamers running HTC Vive, Valve Index etc. be able to play these games too or will they miss out? Is this was Lepton is aiming for, but only for Linux users? Don't get me wrong, the more Linux the better, yet VR is a niche, and if Windows VR gamers would not be able to play those games too, it's a loss.
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Quoting: CorbenIs known how they are putting these games on the store? I'm wondering how it will be labeled, as just "VR" won't be enough anymore. Right now we have (mostly) Windows games that just run on Linux and Steam Deck (if not too demanding, but techically they run). On Linux PC (i.e. x86, amd64 etc.). When VR games are compiled for arm though, will they run on PC too?They might have the restriction that ARM games must be able to run on X86, too, just like there is (AFAIK) a restriction that any Linux native game must be available for Windows, too.
Will they create a seperate store/category for arm steam frame VR games?
Will PC VR gamers running HTC Vive, Valve Index etc. be able to play these games too or will they miss out? Is this was Lepton is aiming for, but only for Linux users? Don't get me wrong, the more Linux the better, yet VR is a niche, and if Windows VR gamers would not be able to play those games too, it's a loss.
0 Likes
Quoting: CorbenIs known how they are putting these games on the store? I'm wondering how it will be labeled, as just "VR" won't be enough anymore. Right now we have (mostly) Windows games that just run on Linux and Steam Deck (if not too demanding, but techically they run). On Linux PC (i.e. x86, amd64 etc.). When VR games are compiled for arm though, will they run on PC too?[QUEMU can emulate in any direction.](https://www.qemu.org/docs/master/system/target-arm.html)
Will they create a seperate store/category for arm steam frame VR games?
Will PC VR gamers running HTC Vive, Valve Index etc. be able to play these games too or will they miss out? Is this was Lepton is aiming for, but only for Linux users? Don't get me wrong, the more Linux the better, yet VR is a niche, and if Windows VR gamers would not be able to play those games too, it's a loss.
Windows on ARM exists, so ARM wouldn't be the problem.
The VR part could be.
You see Windows doesn't dominate the VR space.
All the major players run some level of POSIX/UNIX compatible OS.
This might drive devs to develop POSIX/UNIX centric games.
In theory it could probably be run with WSL and WSA.
Yet, as someone who has helped classmates use that garbage: that would be a major downgrade from the first class experience Windows users are used to.
Last edited by LoudTechie on 16 Jan 2026 at 11:13 am UTC
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Quoting: EikeThat restriction as far as I am aware does not exist. We've seen Linux-only releases on Steam, and we've also seen Linux+Mac only releases.Quoting: CorbenIs known how they are putting these games on the store? I'm wondering how it will be labeled, as just "VR" won't be enough anymore. Right now we have (mostly) Windows games that just run on Linux and Steam Deck (if not too demanding, but techically they run). On Linux PC (i.e. x86, amd64 etc.). When VR games are compiled for arm though, will they run on PC too?They might have the restriction that ARM games must be able to run on X86, too, just like there is (AFAIK) a restriction that any Linux native game must be available for Windows, too.
Will they create a seperate store/category for arm steam frame VR games?
Will PC VR gamers running HTC Vive, Valve Index etc. be able to play these games too or will they miss out? Is this was Lepton is aiming for, but only for Linux users? Don't get me wrong, the more Linux the better, yet VR is a niche, and if Windows VR gamers would not be able to play those games too, it's a loss.
1 Likes
Quoting: Liam DaweI have seen a developer complaining that they're not allowed to do it, and I've never seen someone doing it. Do you have an example?Quoting: EikeThat restriction as far as I am aware does not exist. We've seen Linux-only releases on Steam, and we've also seen Linux+Mac only releases.Quoting: CorbenIs known how they are putting these games on the store? I'm wondering how it will be labeled, as just "VR" won't be enough anymore. Right now we have (mostly) Windows games that just run on Linux and Steam Deck (if not too demanding, but techically they run). On Linux PC (i.e. x86, amd64 etc.). When VR games are compiled for arm though, will they run on PC too?They might have the restriction that ARM games must be able to run on X86, too, just like there is (AFAIK) a restriction that any Linux native game must be available for Windows, too.
Will they create a seperate store/category for arm steam frame VR games?
Will PC VR gamers running HTC Vive, Valve Index etc. be able to play these games too or will they miss out? Is this was Lepton is aiming for, but only for Linux users? Don't get me wrong, the more Linux the better, yet VR is a niche, and if Windows VR gamers would not be able to play those games too, it's a loss.
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Quoting: Eikehttps://store.steampowered.com/app/594550/Arma_Cold_War_Assault_MacLinux/ - Mac and Linux only.Quoting: Liam DaweI have seen a developer complaining that they're not allowed to do it, and I've never seen someone doing it. Do you have an example?Quoting: EikeThat restriction as far as I am aware does not exist. We've seen Linux-only releases on Steam, and we've also seen Linux+Mac only releases.Quoting: CorbenIs known how they are putting these games on the store? I'm wondering how it will be labeled, as just "VR" won't be enough anymore. Right now we have (mostly) Windows games that just run on Linux and Steam Deck (if not too demanding, but techically they run). On Linux PC (i.e. x86, amd64 etc.). When VR games are compiled for arm though, will they run on PC too?They might have the restriction that ARM games must be able to run on X86, too, just like there is (AFAIK) a restriction that any Linux native game must be available for Windows, too.
Will they create a seperate store/category for arm steam frame VR games?
Will PC VR gamers running HTC Vive, Valve Index etc. be able to play these games too or will they miss out? Is this was Lepton is aiming for, but only for Linux users? Don't get me wrong, the more Linux the better, yet VR is a niche, and if Windows VR gamers would not be able to play those games too, it's a loss.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3715960/MacInVR/ - advertises Mac only (not out yet).
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2507880/Sunbeam/ - Mac only.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1065900/Celtreos/ - Mac only.
There was an indie game patchman that originally only launched for Linux too.
Last edited by Liam Dawe on 16 Jan 2026 at 11:27 am UTC
2 Likes
Quoting: EikeCould it be their boss forbade them.Quoting: Liam DaweI have seen a developer complaining that they're not allowed to do it, and I've never seen someone doing it. Do you have an example?Quoting: EikeThat restriction as far as I am aware does not exist. We've seen Linux-only releases on Steam, and we've also seen Linux+Mac only releases.Quoting: CorbenIs known how they are putting these games on the store? I'm wondering how it will be labeled, as just "VR" won't be enough anymore. Right now we have (mostly) Windows games that just run on Linux and Steam Deck (if not too demanding, but techically they run). On Linux PC (i.e. x86, amd64 etc.). When VR games are compiled for arm though, will they run on PC too?They might have the restriction that ARM games must be able to run on X86, too, just like there is (AFAIK) a restriction that any Linux native game must be available for Windows, too.
Will they create a seperate store/category for arm steam frame VR games?
Will PC VR gamers running HTC Vive, Valve Index etc. be able to play these games too or will they miss out? Is this was Lepton is aiming for, but only for Linux users? Don't get me wrong, the more Linux the better, yet VR is a niche, and if Windows VR gamers would not be able to play those games too, it's a loss.
Linux isn't a very profitable market yet.
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Quoting: LoudTechieIt was a little indie game by a Linux fan, so no bosses involved. :)Quoting: EikeCould it be their boss forbade them.Quoting: Liam DaweI have seen a developer complaining that they're not allowed to do it, and I've never seen someone doing it. Do you have an example?Quoting: EikeThat restriction as far as I am aware does not exist. We've seen Linux-only releases on Steam, and we've also seen Linux+Mac only releases.Quoting: CorbenIs known how they are putting these games on the store? I'm wondering how it will be labeled, as just "VR" won't be enough anymore. Right now we have (mostly) Windows games that just run on Linux and Steam Deck (if not too demanding, but techically they run). On Linux PC (i.e. x86, amd64 etc.). When VR games are compiled for arm though, will they run on PC too?They might have the restriction that ARM games must be able to run on X86, too, just like there is (AFAIK) a restriction that any Linux native game must be available for Windows, too.
Will they create a seperate store/category for arm steam frame VR games?
Will PC VR gamers running HTC Vive, Valve Index etc. be able to play these games too or will they miss out? Is this was Lepton is aiming for, but only for Linux users? Don't get me wrong, the more Linux the better, yet VR is a niche, and if Windows VR gamers would not be able to play those games too, it's a loss.
Linux isn't a very profitable market yet.
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