From LQWiki
Many Windows games (and applications) can be run in GNU/Linux. This is normally (since there are other Windows emulators as well) done with Wine/Cedega. Wine and Cedega are projects that, in a nutshell, try to replace the Windows base so that your Windows apps and games work properly on GNU/Linux.
While Wine is free to use, Transgaming (the company that develops Cedega--formerly known as WineX) does charge a monthly fee ($5 per month, 3 month minimum) for easy-to-install packages and updates. It is possible, though, to use Cedega for free, but the process involves downloading and compiling older versions. The advantage is that Cedega is more thoroughly tested for games, so you have a much greater chance to play. It is also focused on getting the Direct 3D layer of Windows working on Linux.
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Wine
Since there isn't any information here yet, I suggest you go to WINE's homepage. There are normally tips and hints on how to make a certain app/game work under GNU/Linux with Wine. Another site to watch is Frank's Corner. Frank's Corner provides easy tutorials for the installation and use of common Windows games and apps on Linux.
Since Wine is still in Alpha state (unstable) you should take care to follow the exact instructions you find on how to install each game. Note also that installing new versions (builds) of Wine can make functioning games to stop working. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
You can find Wine prepackaged and ready to install in most major distributions; if you want newer (or perhaps older) builds, you'll have to download them from the website.
Cedega
Transgaming maintains a database of the games currently supported, and their actual usability on Linux, varying between 0 (Doesn't install nor work) and 5 (as in Windows). Remember, when you search, to use full names instead of game acronyms (Diablo 2 instead of D2 for instance). Results will link you to pages that have a compatibility rating, screen shots, and a message board for the game you searched for. However, the database is often out of date.
The message board is important, as the compatibility rating is not always accurate. Reading through it can provide a better idea as to the actual compatability.
It's also important to frequently check the TransGaming website (listed above) for Cedega as new versions come out regularly that solve older problems. (for example, Steam now works in 3.3).
Currently supported games
Games that have been reported to work on Wine/WineX include Starcraft, Warcraft III - Reign of Chaos and Warcraft III - The Frozen Throne, GTA 3 - Vice City, Jedi Knight 2 - Jedi Outcast, Half Life and its many modifications, including Counter-Strike, and many more. Note that games coming from ID Software, such as Quake 3 Arena, Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Enemy Territory, run natively on Linux (i.e. without the need for Wine). Unreal Tournament 2004 also runs natively on Linux out-of-the-box. If you turn the box around and look at the bottom, you'll see Tux!
System Requirements
For 3D games to work on Linux, you must have a supported graphic card with 3D capabilities. At the moment, these include nVIDIA cards (very good drivers) and ATI cards (also good).
A simple way to determine if your graphic drivers are setup correctly is to open up a console window and type "glxgears." A window with spinning gears should appear, and the console window will regularly print out the framerates. If the framerates are obscenely high, your 3D acceleration is working. If they are low, you need to install the drivers from NVIDIA or ATI.
External Links
- WINE's homepage (www.winehq.com)
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