While Apple is better than ever when it comes to games, many of the blockbuster titles and new releases still aren’t supported on macOS. However, with new software, this could change for the better.
During WWDC 2023, Apple announced plans for Windows PC game emulation with the new Game Porting Toolkit, which will allow anyone in the know to use a DX11/DX12 Wine-like translation layer to bring Windows games to Mac systems. A company called CodeWeavers is responsible for this software, and the company’s CrossOver app is an app that allows Windows apps to be emulated on macOS via the Game Porting Toolkit.
We can say that the software is not perfect at the moment. It is unreasonable to see the Game Porting Toolkit as a perfect port option as it is. Still, it looks like mod makers have already made games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Diablo IV run on both M1 and M2 Mac systems using the new software toolkit.
Gamers report that Cyberpunk 2077 runs at under 15fps on the M1 system with Ultra settings, and around 40fps on the M2 Max with Ultra settings. Other games like Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy or GTA Vice City also seem to run pretty well on M2 Max chips.
Hideo Kojima surprise
Apple also announced other Mac gaming news during WWDC 2023, and surprise guest Hideo Kojima announced that he’ll be bringing not only the Death Stranding Director’s Cut but also future games from his studio to Mac systems. Considering Kojima’s level of prestige and recognition in the gaming industry, this is a really big statement.
Kojima’s partnership with Apple could be the boost the tech giant needs to jumpstart Mac gaming, and more games may emerge to play natively on macOS.