The world of gaming is seeing an exciting shift as more Windows titles with kernel-level anti-cheat protection make their way onto the Steam Deck. Among these, the popular game Umamusume: Pretty Derby is primed to become fully compatible with this versatile handheld device. Thanks to the Proton compatibility layer, Linux gaming is experiencing a notable surge.
Steam Deck users have often been left in the lurch with titles like Apex Legends and Fortnite, which weren’t compatible due to their anti-cheat mechanisms. But recent advancements offer a glimmer of hope. Umamusume: Pretty Derby, a unique game where players train anime-themed horse-racing jockeys, now runs smoothly on the Steam Deck. This game, which uses CrackProof protection, was successfully tested by GamingOnLinux on both the Steam Deck and a desktop Linux system.
Since the release of Proton 9.0-4 in December 2024, support for Windows games on Linux and SteamOS has improved significantly. However, many multiplayer and competitive games still shy away due to their kernel-level anti-cheat protocols. Developers are often concerned about potential vulnerabilities in Linux, though some critics argue it’s just a lack of effort on their part.
Historically, Linux gaming wasn’t a huge market, but that’s changing, especially with the influence of the Steam Deck and Valve’s extensive marketplace. The demand for high system requirements often limits which Windows titles are available on the Steam Deck. Yet, SteamOS is gaining traction as a viable option for handheld gaming alternatives like the Lenovo Legion Go S.
Even if Valve doesn’t roll out a new device soon, it’s likely we’ll see manufacturers introducing robust alternatives. With anti-cheat hurdles reducing, the landscape for Linux gaming looks promising.
