Apple is making strides to transform the Mac into a competitive gaming platform with its latest operating system, macOS Sonoma.
Apple has developed a new Game Porting Tool that simplifies the process of porting Windows games to the Mac. These features demonstrate Apple’s commitment to expanding the gaming capabilities of its devices.
Running Windows games on macOS has been possible through third-party solutions like Wine and Crossover, which translate Microsoft’s APIs to enable Windows software to run on Mac computers. However, with macOS Sonoma, Apple is integrating similar functionalities directly into the system, making it even more convenient for developers to bring their PC games to the Mac.
To facilitate this process, Apple has released the Game Porting Tool, which assists developers in effortlessly running their games on the Mac. Interestingly, this tool is based on Wine, an open-source platform known for translating Windows software to Unix environments, including macOS and Linux.
Apple’s Game Porting Tool goes beyond mere compatibility by translating DirectX 12, a graphics rendering and sound API used on Windows and Xbox consoles, into Metal 3, Apple’s own graphics API.
By converting DirectX graphics to Metal, developers can create native macOS versions of their games that offer superior performance. Apple encourages developers to take advantage of these tools to optimise their games for macOS, leveraging features like game controller support, Spatial Audio, and HDR video provided by the macOS Sonoma SDK.
The Mac has not traditionally been regarded as a prominent gaming platform, but Apple’s efforts aim to change that perception. With the power of Apple Silicon chips, Macs are now equipped to handle demanding gaming experiences.
By providing developers with the necessary tools and features to optimise their games for macOS, Apple seeks to entice developers to bring their games to the platform, thereby enhancing its value as a gaming ecosystem.
Currently available as a beta for developers, macOS Sonoma will soon have a public beta release, with the official version expected to launch this fall.
For more information about the macOS Sonoma beta, developers can visit the Apple Developer website.
(Image Credit: Apple)
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