Igalia is enhancing the Linux kernel to better support futex operations on ARM64 architecture. This work aims to facilitate Steam Play gaming on ARM64 devices. The contributions focus on optimizing performance for open-source graphics and Linux hardware.
Igalia, a prominent contributor to open-source projects, has been working on improvements to the Linux kernel specifically targeting ARM64 systems. The efforts center on enhancing futex functionality, which is crucial for efficient thread synchronization in user-space applications. This development is particularly beneficial for gaming scenarios, enabling smoother performance with Steam Play on ARM64 hardware.
Steam Play, Valve's compatibility layer, allows Proton to run Windows games on Linux. By improving kernel support for ARM64, Igalia's work helps bridge the gap for emerging ARM-based desktops and laptops running Linux. This aligns with broader trends in Linux hardware benchmarks and open-source graphics advancements, as seen in Phoronix's coverage of Ubuntu and desktop Linux performance.
The initiative underscores the growing interest in ARM64 for gaming, potentially expanding accessibility beyond traditional x86 platforms. While details on specific commits or timelines remain limited in available reports, the focus on futex optimizations promises tangible benefits for developers and gamers alike.