Hi everyone!

After buying only games from Steam, I’ve decided to also try to support GOG.

I’ve bought only one game so far (Earthworm Jim) and got 4 for free.

When trying to install Earthworm Jim, Heroic only allows me to install the native Linux version, when GOG says they also have the Windows version.

People on the web are saying that it’s better to use proton and not Linux versions.

Despite some research, I can’t find a way to switch versions.

Can anyone help me?

Also since I have some proton versions downloaded for Steam Os, do I need to download them again in Heroic?

Edit: Problem solved by doing the same operation in desktop mode

  • @irish_link@lemmy.world
    1•3 days ago

    I will never understand why it’s better to emulate windows to play a game on Linux instead of just using the Linux version.

    If the Linux version is 1.01 and the windows one is 2.5 I get it but normally that’s not the case with GOG.

    • Caveman
      11•3 days ago

      Sometimes the Linux version is less supported for newer features of Linux like Wayland or some graphics APIs etc while DirectX to Vulkan with Wine is always up to date. If you don’t know the specifics and there is both a Linux and Windows version just guesswork to know which one will run faster and have less bugs.

      Trying both is prudent.

        • @Telorand@reddthat.com
          7•3 days ago

          For a couple of real world examples:

          • CrossCode from GOG needs a specific version of both Proton and the underlying engine. Otherwise, the controls don’t work using the Linux Native version.
          • Stardew Valley (Steam version) will not work with mods and multiplayer unless you use the Windows version and follow the manual instructions for installing the windows mod loader. The Linux version of Stardew will not connect to multiplayer.

          Those are just two I could recall off the top of my head, but I’m confident there’s others like that.

        • circuitfarmer
          2•3 days ago

          I’ve definitely had issues with Linux versions + Wayland; however, most of the time they are easily cleared up by launching the Linux native version in gamescope, which plays nicer with window managers, too.

          That said, there really isn’t anything wrong with running things in Proton. Sometimes you can get better performance in Proton with the Windows build versus running the game in Windows (due to various factors, including shader precaching). Compatability layer ≠ emulation, and it’s important to distinguish the two, because “emulation” does and should sound slow. Proton is not emulation, strictly speaking.

    • @Jestzer@lemmy.world
      3•3 days ago

      Well, you listed one reason in your own post, so I suppose you could understand why. 😛

      Another reason is poor support for Linux ports. Garry’s Mod crashes after ~30 minutes for me on the native Linux port, but works (mostly) out of the box under Proton.

      It should also be noted that neither WINE nor Proton are emulating Windows.