An independent developer has created a spin-off version of DXVK for DirectX 7 games. This tool enables DX7 emulation on Linux through Vulkan. It brings more games to Steam Deck, SteamOS, and other Linux distributions, though with caveats.
The new emulation tool is a derivative of DXVK, originally designed for translating DirectX calls to Vulkan for better compatibility on non-Windows systems. This spin-off specifically targets DirectX 7, an older graphics API from the late 1990s, allowing legacy games to run on modern Linux environments.
By bridging DX7 to Vulkan, the tool expands the library of playable titles on Linux-based platforms. Devices like the Steam Deck, which runs SteamOS—a Linux distribution—stand to benefit, as do other Linux distros used for PC gaming. The developer undertook this project independently to address gaps in existing emulation layers.
While promising broader compatibility, the tool includes caveats, though specifics are not detailed in available reports. This development highlights ongoing efforts to enhance cross-platform gaming, particularly for preserving older software on contemporary hardware.
Published on November 8, 2025, the announcement underscores the active community-driven improvements in Linux gaming infrastructure.