2023-08-11 06:23:32
Play PC games on Android? It’s possible.
Source: Bernin Uben on Unsplash
The boundary between the different gaming platforms is shrinking. It has long been possible to play PC games on operating systems such as GNU/Linux and macOS. From now on, thanks to developer Brunodev85this experience is extended to Android users.
The technical operation of Winlator
Winlator is not just an application. It is a technical package that combines several tools and libraries to allow programs originally designed for Windows to work on Android devices. Starting with Wine.
Wine is a well-known compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on other operating systems like GNU/Linux and macOS. Winlator relies on this layer to make Windows programs and games compatible.
Most Android smartphones work with ARM architecture. So you have to use other tools. Box86 and Box64 make it possible to run programs designed for the x86 architecture on ARM devices. This is a crucial element to ensure compatibility.
Finally, to run games on Android, a simple emulation is not enough. It is essential to have good graphics support. In this regard, Winlator integrates DXVK for Vulkan and D8VK to provide graphics acceleration. Additionally, the Mesa3D graphics library is integrated to support OpenGL, Vulkan, and OpenCL.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, Mass Effect 2, Gothic ou encore Fallout 3
BrunoSX didn’t just develop Winlator; he also took the time to show his effectiveness. On his YouTube channel, he demonstrated Winlator’s ability to run games like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion on an Android smartphone. In addition to Oblivion, other popular titles such as Mass Effect 2, Gothic, and Fallout 3 were tested.
Winlator’s interface is designed for mobility, incorporating on-screen buttons suitable for each game. For example, for Oblivion, arrow keys, shift, tab and other commands are displayed.
One of the biggest benefits of Winlator is that it simplifies the user experience. There is no need to install Wine and Box separately, as they are already integrated. However, it should be noted that the app still requires some level of hacking to run the games. It is therefore more complex than cloud gaming solutions like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming. Nevertheless, Winlator has the advantage of working offline and is available for free.
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#emulator #runs #games #Android
