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It looks like you’ll finally be able to play Windows games on Mac in the near future. Not Windows games that have been ported to Mac, but actual unmodified Windows versions of the games without a proper port from the developers. This is all thanks to a new piece of software that Apple announced this week during its WWDC23 conference. It’s called the Game Porting Toolkit.
It’s similar in nature to the compatibility layer that Valve used for the Steam Deck. Allowing you to run an unmodified Windows game on your Mac laptop or desktop in an emulation environment. For gamers who prefer the macOS platform, this is sure to be a huge boon. But there is one potential caveat to make note of. As The Verge points out, Apple isn’t designing this with the same intention that Valve had with its compatibility layer. That is, as a means for gamers to play their favorite Windows games.
It’s intended purpose, is to give Apple developers a way to evaluate games before porting them to macOS. A process which Apple says now takes days instead of months. However, users can still access the toolkit and play games with it. Whether or not they will run optimally is another thing entirely.
Some users have already gotten Windows games to play on Mac
While Apple said this is more for evaluating games, that hasn’t stopped users from booting up games with it. Top titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Diablo IV, and Hogwarts Legacy have all been booted up by users on a variety of different Mac hardware. Including an M1 MacBook Pro, an M1 Max MacBook Pro, and an M2 Max.
Albeit with seemingly low frame rates. But that’s besides the point. Windows games can now work on macOS to a degree. And that could spell good things for users down the line, which is ultimately a good thing for all.