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Difference between revisions of "Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (null edit to force SMW properties to be repopulated)
 
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{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|arcanum-of-steamworks-and-magick-obscura|81}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|arcanum-of-steamworks-and-magick-obscura|81}}
 
|taxonomy    =  
 
|taxonomy    =  
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes|Singleplayer, Multiplayer}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes|Singleplayer, Multiplayer}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing|Real-time, Turn-based}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing|Real-time, Turn-based}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives|Bird's-eye view, Isometric}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives|Bird's-eye view, Isometric}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls|Multiple select, Point and select}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls|Point and select}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres|RPG}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres|RPG}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes|Fantasy, Industrial Age, Steampunk}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes|Fantasy, Industrial Age, Steampunk}}
Line 23: Line 24:
 
|hltb        = 557
 
|hltb        = 557
 
|igdb        = arcanum-of-steamworks-and-magick-obscura
 
|igdb        = arcanum-of-steamworks-and-magick-obscura
 +
|lutris      = arcanum
 
|strategywiki =  
 
|strategywiki =  
−
|mobygames    = arcanum-of-steamworks-magick-obscura
+
|mobygames    = 4498
 
|wikipedia    = Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
 
|wikipedia    = Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
 
|winehq      = 2446
 
|winehq      = 2446
Line 30: Line 32:
 
}}  
 
}}  
  
−
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
−
{{++}} Greatly improved experience on newer systems thanks to [[#Multiverse Edition|unofficial mods]].
+
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  =
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
Line 40: Line 47:
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{DRM|SecuROM|4}} disc check. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{DRM|SecuROM|4}} disc check. Released on 2 CDs. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | arcanum_of_steamworks_and_magick_obscura | DRM-free | Patched to official patch v1.0.7.4. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | arcanum_of_steamworks_and_magick_obscura | DRM-free | Patched to official patch v1.0.7.4. | | Windows }}
−
{{Availability/row| Steam | 500810 | Steam | | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 500810 | DRM-Free | | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} A demo is available from [https://archive.org/details/ArcanumDemo Archive.org] and [https://www.pcgames.de/Arcanum-Spiel-18112/Downloads/Arcanum-spielbare-Demoversion-9832/ PCGames.de].
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
 
====Official patch====
 
====Official patch====
−
{{mm}} [http://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/387/7/19769 1.0.7.4]. Not needed for the GOG.com release.
+
{{mm}} [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/387/7/19769 1.0.7.4]. Not needed for the GOG.com release.
  
 
====Multiverse Edition====
 
====Multiverse Edition====
Line 79: Line 87:
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
−
|discord               =  
+
|discord                   =  
−
|discord notes         =  
+
|discord notes             =  
−
|epic games store       =  
+
|epic games launcher       =  
−
|epic games store notes =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =  
−
|gog galaxy             = false
+
|gog galaxy               = false
−
|gog galaxy notes       =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
−
|origin                 =  
+
|origin                   =  
−
|origin notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
−
|steam cloud           = false
+
|steam cloud               = false
−
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
−
|uplay                  =  
+
|ubisoft connect          =  
−
|uplay notes           =  
+
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
−
|xbox cloud             =  
+
|xbox cloud               =  
−
|xbox cloud notes       =  
+
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 121: Line 129:
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
Line 147: Line 158:
 
{{Input
 
{{Input
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap                = false
−
|key remap notes          =  
+
|key remap notes          = For hotkeys, see [https://arcanum.fandom.com/wiki/Hotkeys here].
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option notes = No option. Follows Windows default behavior.
 
|acceleration option notes = No option. Follows Windows default behavior.
Line 223: Line 234:
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 239: Line 252:
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
−
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Retail only. Patch for digital release [https://www.compiware-forum.de/downloads/file/225-arcanum-german-patch/ here].
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 245: Line 258:
 
  |language  = Polish
 
  |language  = Polish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = false
+
  |audio    = limited
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
−
  |notes    = Local retail version only.
+
  |notes    = Retail only. Patch for digital release [https://www.moddb.com/mods/spolszczenie-arcanum/downloads/arcanum-uap20pl here].
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Spanish
+
  |language  = Russian
−
  |interface = true
+
  |interface = hackable
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
−
  |subtitles = true
+
  |subtitles = hackable
 
  |fan      = true
 
  |fan      = true
−
  |notes    = Fan translation, [http://academia.clandlan.net/?page=academia/view&id=79 download].
+
  |notes    = Grand Fix [http://arcanumclub.ru/autohtml0.php?filename=Arcanum/grand_fix_index.html Download] and [http://arcanumclub.ru/autohtml0.php?filename=Arcanum/grand_fix_index.html Readme]
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Russian
+
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |interface = hackable
 
  |interface = hackable
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = hackable
 
  |subtitles = hackable
 
  |fan      = true
 
  |fan      = true
−
  |notes    = Grand Fix [http://arcanumclub.ru/autohtml0.php?filename=Arcanum/grand_fix_index.html Download] and [http://arcanumclub.ru/autohtml0.php?filename=Arcanum/grand_fix_index.html Readme]
+
  |notes    = Fan translation by ''Clan Dlan'', [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11tWAzMhHlqViybnb2j3sW1xQyL-tYQ61?usp=drive_link download].
−
}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
−
==Issues fixed==
 
−
===Files not installed properly===
 
−
{{++}} Recommended to avoid default installation folder, as this can lead to issues where certain files are not properly installed.
 
−
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Run installed as administrator|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
 
−
When running the installer, be sure to right-click on the .exe, and select "Run as Administrator".
 
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Loading screen freezing===
 
−
{{--}} Freezing known to happen on systems with multi-core CPUs.{{cn|date=September 2015}}
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Set CPU affinity|ref={{cn|date=September 2015}}|fix=
 
−
Setting CPU affinity should solve this problem. Create a shortcut, and in the shortcut's "Target" field, insert <code>{{p|windir}}\System32\cmd.exe /C start "ARCANUM" /D "C:\ARCANUM" /high /affinity 1 "C:\ARCANUM\arcanum.exe"</code>
 
−
Be sure to replace <code>C:\ARCANUM</code> with your actual Arcanum installation folder. If needed, you can add additional command-line parameters to the end.
 
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Graphical issues===
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Set target field|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
 
−
Adding <code>-no3d -doublebuffer</code> to the end of your Arcanum shortcut's "Target" field.
 
−
}}
 
−
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Delete or rename ddraw.dll|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
 
−
Delete or rename <code>ddraw.dll</code>.
 
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Performance issues===
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Modify the SierraLauncher.ini file|ref={{cn|date=March 2018}}|fix=
 
−
# Go to the installation folder
 
−
# Open <code>SierraLauncher.ini</code>
 
−
# Find <code>Game1Cmd=</code> and replace line with <code>Game1Cmd= -no3d -doublebuffer -scrolldist:0 -scrollfps:70</code>
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use Aqrit's DDrawFix for Infinity Engine games|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=755396888 Fix for slowdown on Windows 10]</ref>|fix=
+
==Network==
−
# Download [http://bitpatch.com/ie_ddrawfix.html ie-ddrawfix.zip]
+
{{Network/Multiplayer
−
# Open the archive and navigate to <code>wined3d</code>
+
|local play          = false
−
# Extract the contents of the folder to <code>{{p|game}}/Arcanum</code>
+
|local play players  =
−
# If prompted, click yes to replace <code>ddraw.dll</code>
+
|local play modes    =
 +
|local play notes    =
 +
|lan play            = true
 +
|lan play players    = 8
 +
|lan play modes      = Co-op, Versus
 +
|lan play notes      =
 +
|online play          = false
 +
|online play players  = 8
 +
|online play modes    = Co-op, Versus
 +
|online play notes    = The official WON servers were shut down on November 1, 2008.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081009093704/http://forums.vgames.com/ann.jspa?annID=332 Announcement: Sierra Game Servers Closing Down]</ref>
 +
|asynchronous        =
 +
|asynchronous notes  =
 +
}}{{Network/Connections
 +
|matchmaking        = unknown
 +
|matchmaking notes  =
 +
|p2p                = unknown
 +
|p2p notes          =
 +
|dedicated          = unknown
 +
|dedicated notes    =
 +
|self-hosting      = true
 +
|self-hosting notes =
 +
|direct ip          =
 +
|direct ip notes    =
 +
}}{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  =
 +
|udp  =
 +
|upnp =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 349: Line 357:
 
|play area room-scale notes  =  
 
|play area room-scale notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Issues fixed==
 +
===Files not installed properly===
 +
{{++}} Recommended to avoid default installation folder, as this can lead to issues where certain files are not properly installed.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Run installed as administrator|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
 +
When running the installer, be sure to right-click on the .exe, and select "Run as Administrator".
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Loading screen freezing===
 +
{{--}} Freezing known to happen on systems with multi-core CPUs.{{cn|date=September 2015}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Set CPU affinity|ref={{cn|date=September 2015}}|fix=
 +
Setting CPU affinity should solve this problem. Create a shortcut, and in the shortcut's "Target" field, insert <code>{{p|windir}}\System32\cmd.exe /C start "ARCANUM" /D "C:\ARCANUM" /high /affinity 1 "C:\ARCANUM\arcanum.exe"</code>
 +
Be sure to replace <code>C:\ARCANUM</code> with your actual Arcanum installation folder. If needed, you can add additional command-line parameters to the end.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Graphical issues===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Set target field|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
 +
Adding <code>-no3d -doublebuffer</code> to the end of your Arcanum shortcut's "Target" field.
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Delete or rename ddraw.dll|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
 +
Delete or rename <code>ddraw.dll</code>.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Performance issues===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Modify the SierraLauncher.ini file|ref={{cn|date=March 2018}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the installation folder
 +
# Open <code>SierraLauncher.ini</code>
 +
# Find <code>Game1Cmd=</code> and replace line with <code>Game1Cmd= -no3d -doublebuffer -scrolldist:0 -scrollfps:70</code>
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use Aqrit's DDrawFix for Infinity Engine games|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=755396888|title=Fix for slowdown on Windows 10|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Download [http://bitpatch.com/ie_ddrawfix.html ie-ddrawfix.zip]
 +
# Open the archive and navigate to <code>wined3d</code>
 +
# Extract the contents of the folder to <code>{{p|game}}/Arcanum</code>
 +
# If prompted, click yes to replace <code>ddraw.dll</code>
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Launches with black screen===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=If you use third-party tools like Rivatuner Statistics Server (RTSS), deactivate it.}}
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
Line 355: Line 404:
 
|direct3d versions      =  
 
|direct3d versions      =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
−
|directdraw versions    =  
+
|directdraw versions    = 7.0
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|opengl versions        =  
 
|opengl versions        =  
Line 375: Line 424:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
−
|macos 32-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 32-bit app =  
−
|macos 64-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 64-bit app =  
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
|linux executable notes =  
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|multiplayer      = World Opponent Network
 +
|multiplayer notes=
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 388: Line 446:
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
  
−
|minOS    = 95
+
|minOS    = 95, 98, ME, 2000
−
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium II
+
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium II 300 MHz
 
|minRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minHD    = 1.2 GB
 
|minHD    = 1.2 GB
Line 397: Line 455:
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
 +
{{GOG.com Enhancement Project}}

Latest revision as of 10:43, 16 January 2024

Arcanum:
Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura
Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura cover
Developers
Troika Games
Publishers
Sierra Entertainment
Activision
Release dates
Windows August 21, 2001
Reception
Metacritic 81
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time, Turn-based
Perspectives Bird's-eye view, Isometric
Controls Point and select
Genres RPG
Themes Fantasy, Industrial Age, Steampunk
Icon overlay.png
Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura on HowLongToBeat
Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura on MobyGames
Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png

Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric RPG game.

General information

Terra Arcanum Forum - a large fansite
GOG.com Community Discussions
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 SecuROM 4 DRM disc check. Released on 2 CDs.
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Patched to official patch v1.0.7.4.
Windows
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
Windows
A demo is available from Archive.org and PCGames.de.

Essential improvements

Patches

Official patch

1.0.7.4. Not needed for the GOG.com release.

Multiverse Edition

Complete overhaul with all the patches listed in this article, as well as others, bundled together in one installer that offers a lot of options.
For a widescreen monitor, it is recommended to use a 1366x768 resolution. Higher values can make the UI and dialogue difficult to see.
Arcanum Multiverse Edition [ENG] by the Multiverse Team.

Unofficial patch

Highly improved townmaps and soundtracks (from the vanilla 128kbit/sec to 320 kbit/sec) can be found alongside this patch.
Not compatible with older savegames.
200611 (2.0.2) by Drog Black Tooth. Highly recommended bug fixes.

High Resolution Patch

If you are unable to pan the camera past the edge of the screen with the high resolution patch enabled, add -scrolldist:0 -scrollfps:70 to the target line in the shortcut of the game.
The High Resolution Patch is already included in the Unofficial Arcanum Patch. For a separate installer check out 1.5 by Drog Black Tooth. Allows any user-set resolution, UI tweaks, larger fonts.

Game data

Game options
Game options

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\arcanum.cfg[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/500810/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\modules\Arcanum\Save\[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/500810/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

Video options
Video options

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 Use the High Resolution Patch.
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
See Windowed.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
60 FPS and 120+ FPS

Windowed

Set windowed mode[citation needed]
  1. Download and install the unofficial patch
  2. Add -Window in the target line of your Arcanum shortcut
If the game stops responding with windowed mode[citation needed]
  1. Go to the installation folder and find ddraw.dll and rename it to draw.dll.old or something like that.
  2. Launch the game and this should solve the problem with the game not responding.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
For hotkeys, see here.
Mouse acceleration
No option. Follows Windows default behavior.
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

Sound options
Sound options

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Effects, voice and music
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
German
Retail only. Patch for digital release here.
Polish
Retail only. Patch for digital release here.
Russian
Grand Fix Download and Readme
Spanish
Fan translation by Clan Dlan, download.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
LAN play
8 Co-op, Versus
Online play
8 Co-op, Versus
The official WON servers were shut down on November 1, 2008.[1]

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting

VR support

3D modes State Notes
vorpX
2D
Game is 2D only. Play 2D with DGVoodoo2 and vorpx default DGVoodoo2 profile.

Issues fixed

Files not installed properly

Recommended to avoid default installation folder, as this can lead to issues where certain files are not properly installed.
Run installed as administrator[citation needed]

When running the installer, be sure to right-click on the .exe, and select "Run as Administrator".

Loading screen freezing

Freezing known to happen on systems with multi-core CPUs.[citation needed]
Set CPU affinity[citation needed]

Setting CPU affinity should solve this problem. Create a shortcut, and in the shortcut's "Target" field, insert %WINDIR%\System32\cmd.exe /C start "ARCANUM" /D "C:\ARCANUM" /high /affinity 1 "C:\ARCANUM\arcanum.exe" Be sure to replace C:\ARCANUM with your actual Arcanum installation folder. If needed, you can add additional command-line parameters to the end.

Graphical issues

Set target field[citation needed]

Adding -no3d -doublebuffer to the end of your Arcanum shortcut's "Target" field.

Delete or rename ddraw.dll[citation needed]

Delete or rename ddraw.dll.

Performance issues

Modify the SierraLauncher.ini file[citation needed]
  1. Go to the installation folder
  2. Open SierraLauncher.ini
  3. Find Game1Cmd= and replace line with Game1Cmd= -no3d -doublebuffer -scrolldist:0 -scrollfps:70
Use Aqrit's DDrawFix for Infinity Engine games[2]
  1. Download ie-ddrawfix.zip
  2. Open the archive and navigate to wined3d
  3. Extract the contents of the folder to <path-to-game>/Arcanum
  4. If prompted, click yes to replace ddraw.dll

Launches with black screen

If you use third-party tools like Rivatuner Statistics Server (RTSS), deactivate it.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
DirectDraw 7.0
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Multiplayer World Opponent Network

System requirements

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 95, 98, ME, 2000
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium II 300 MHz
System memory (RAM) 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.2 GB
Video card (GPU) VGA capable Card
8 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References