Games that can be run via compatibility layers

Arguably, the majority of gamers on Linux run games via compatibility layers (which means launching games that are not exactly built for Linux, using a compatibility application). The most well-known application for this is Wine. Many games tend to run perfectly well under Wine, and the Wine creators themselves are well aware of the fact that the package is used by gamers. The list of games that run well on Wine is constantly updated on the website, with ratings from the community. This list is huge, but for the record, let me name a few:

A well-known MMORPG (massively multiplayer online RPG)

A sci-fi action and adventure game. A squad-based tactical FPS. A multi-player horror survival FPS. An episodic multi-player RPG. Obviously, all these are big names. Quite frankly, if you intend to play games on Linux, you should install Wine.

All the above- mentioned games are clubbed under the Platinum list— that is, the games that install and run flawlessly under Wine. There are other lists too, each showing the level of performance of the given application, under Wine.

Interestingly, many proprietary firms have been porting their games to Linux, of late—a trend that has gained great momentum since the second half of 2011. As of now, Codeweavers has set up a separate section for porting its games to Linux and other UNIX platforms, namely, Crossover Games.

Others, such as Playonlinux and Steamgames on Linux, have come up simply due to the success of Wine. Steamgames, for instance, tests games specifically meant to run under Wine, not native Linux. Playonlinux is also based on Wine. It lets you install and run many Windows games and apps—all for free.

And lastly, as with any open source project, you can also contribute towards tweaking and optimising your favourite games' performance under Wine or Playonlinux.