Wine 11 rewrites how Linux runs Windows games at kernel with massive speed gains

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Wine 11 introduces major low-level improvements that let Linux run Windows games faster and more accurately, notably through the new in-kernel `ntsync` synchronization API and expanded WoW64 support, including 16‑bit applications. Commenters highlight how this work, much of it funded via Valve’s Proton and CodeWeavers, makes Linux a viable gaming platform and sometimes even outperforms native Windows, while also raising questions about long‑term impacts on native Linux ports and ABI stability. Many see gaming as largely “solved” on Linux aside from kernel‑level anti‑cheat, and argue that first‑class support for Microsoft Office remains the biggest missing piece for broader desktop adoption.

NTSYNC, WoW64, and low‑level work

  • NTSYNC is a new Linux kernel driver exposing NT‑style synchronization (mutexes, semaphores, events) with Windows semantics.
  • It exists because user‑space emulation using existing Linux primitives (futex, eventfd, shared memory) could not match Windows’ performance and correctness, especially for WaitForMultipleObjects.
  • Wine 11 also advances WoW64: cleaner 32‑bit on 64‑bit support, some 16‑bit Windows support, and better handling of OpenGL mappings and low‑level device operations.

Performance gains and benchmarks

  • Headline FPS numbers (e.g., 8× in Dirt 3) compare Wine+NTSYNC to vanilla Wine without esync/fsync; commenters call this somewhat misleading.
  • Against Wine+fsync, reported gains are typically small single‑digit percentages, though still positive.
  • esync (eventfd‑based) and fsync (futex‑based) already delivered big boosts; NTSYNC mainly improves correctness and smooths over edge cases.

Wine, Proton, and ecosystem

  • Proton is essentially Wine plus DXVK (DirectX→Vulkan), patches, and Steam integration; Proton‑GE layers on more experimental/legally tricky pieces (e.g., broader Media Foundation).
  • Non‑Steam tools (e.g., Proton‑style launchers) reuse this stack for GOG and other stores.
  • Many modern and older games now run as well or better on Linux+Wine/Proton than on current Windows, especially legacy DirectDraw/Direct3D titles.

Linux gaming, ABI stability, and dev targeting

  • Several argue Win32 is effectively “the only stable ABI on Linux,” making “target Windows + rely on Proton” more attractive than native Linux ports.
  • Others counter that open‑source software can be rebuilt, but acknowledge ABI instability and library churn make proprietary/native Linux support harder.
  • Some predict Wine/Proton becomes the de facto cross‑platform runtime; others worry this reduces incentives for native ports but see that as an acceptable trade‑off if games “just work.”

Productivity apps and business adoption

  • Multiple commenters say true desktop Linux adoption needs robust MS Office (and Teams/Outlook) support; games alone are not enough.
  • Office is considered harder than games because it exercises almost every obscure Windows subsystem (COM, OLE, installers, patching, D3D UI, Explorer integration).
  • Web Office 365 helps some, but power users of complex Word/Excel docs report web apps are insufficient.

Drivers, anti‑cheat, and remaining blockers

  • Opinions diverge on NVIDIA’s Linux drivers: some call them “garbage” and underperforming; others report acceptable, near‑Windows performance with recent cards.
  • Kernel‑level anti‑cheat/DRM remains a major barrier: such games typically don’t run under Wine/Proton, and several users avoid them on principle.