The Linux community has some fresh news again: has been published A new maintenance version of the GE-Proton compatibility layer, designed to run Windows games on Linux, SteamOS, and Steam Deck, this time GE-Proton 10-24It's one of those lightning updates that arrive to fix specific bugs and polish the overall behavior, a hotfix that lands quickly so as not to leave those who have encountered recent bugs hanging.
This installment comes practically after a carousel of releases: just one day after 10-23, the day before after 10-22, and, if we look back a little further, after 10-21 which came out just over a week earlier, and others earlier versions of GE-ProtonThat almost frenetic pace is no accident: GE-Proton doesn't go through the same quality control as Valve's official Proton, so when a problem arises, the solution It usually arrives in the form of a quick patch.Therefore, unless you need very specific fixes, it's advisable to stay on the official Valve branch.
The new GE-Proton 10-24
Version 10-24 arrives with a short but significant list of fixes and internal updates. The focus is on resolving specific blocks and aligning key ecosystem components with their latest development branches. While not a release packed with massive changes, it does aim to eliminate specific issues that were affecting the gameplay experience for some users—essential when a portion of the community encounters crashes when starting up or opening menus.
- Fix for the crash when starting Space Engineers.
- Solution to the unexpected closing of the options menu within the game Blade & Soul NEO.
- Wine updated to the latest bleeding-edge branch.
- DXVK synchronized with the latest available state on Git.
- vkd3d-proton incorporated with the latest changes from the repository.
- vkd3d updated with the latest commit.
Keeping the internal components up to date is key: Wine, DXVK, vkd3d-proton, and vkd3d are the pillars that allow DirectX games to run on Linux using Vulkan. Maintaining them with the latest commit helps introduce performance improvements, compatibility fixes, and stability improvements that, while invisible at first glance, ultimately make a difference while playing. In other words, this 10-24 update doesn't just "put out fires" with two titles; it also strengthens the technical framework with more modern bases.
Direct impact on games: Space Engineers and Blade & Soul NEO
The two obvious beneficiaries of this hotfix are Space Engineers and Blade & Soul NEO. In the first case, the fix addresses a crash that prevented the game from launching, a particularly annoying problem because there's nothing worse than pressing "Play" and nothing happening. With 10-24, the launch no longer crashes, and from then on, you can focus on what matters: managing resources, building, exploring… and not struggling with startup errors. It's a small improvement in appearance, but in practice, it's the difference between being able to play or not, and that's always a big deal. critical change.
Blade & Soul NEO, meanwhile, suffered from a crash in its in-game options menu. It's the kind of bug that breaks the flow: you go to adjust graphics, controls, or sound, and bam, you're back to the desktop. The fix included in GE-Proton 10-24 resolves this issue, allowing you to adjust your settings calmly without fear of unexpected crashes. These kinds of targeted fixes are the raison d'être of GE-Proton: when a title needs an early patch, it appears here before the official release. For those who play this MMO, being able to tweak options without the client crashing is a huge relief. obvious relief.
Launch rate: 10-21, 10-22, 10-23… and now GE-Proton 10-24
If it seems like the versions are coming out at breakneck speed, you're not imagining things. In a matter of days, 10-22 have been released. 10-23 And now 10-24, with 10-21 coming just over a week earlier. This "tradition" of hotfixes in GE-Proton is due to its nature: rapid changes, immediate fixes, and less rigorous testing than in Valve's branch. The result is a high build frequency that They're patching holes. as they appear, with opportunistic improvements for specific titles.
This agility has its downside: not all users need to upgrade to every version as soon as it's released. If you're not experiencing the problem the fix introduces, it's reasonable to stick with a version that already works well for you, or even with the official Proton version, which maintains a more conservative approach. This way, you avoid chasing after every build out of habit and only react when it truly offers you a benefit. clear benefit.
Wine, DXVK and VKD3D: the engine under the hood
This hotfix doesn't just fix two games: it also updates Wine (specifically its bleeding-edge version), DXVK, vkd3d-proton, and vkd3d. Wine is the compatibility layer that translates Windows calls to Linux, while DXVK converts DirectX 9/10/11 to Vulkan, and vkd3d/vkd3d-proton does the same for DirectX 12. Updating them to their latest version means incorporating fixes that sometimes resolve minor graphical glitches, eliminate stuttering, improve memory management, or enable features that some games required. It's not always immediately noticeable, but the overall result is a more organized system, ready for further improvements. compatibility and stability.
When you see "bleeding-edge" or "latest commit in Git," it means that very recent changes are being integrated. This has two consequences: on the one hand, the possibility of enjoying improvements and fixes sooner; on the other, the risk of encountering regressions that haven't yet been detected by a large group of users. It's the classic balance between being at the forefront and maintaining a steady hand. Those who need a solution now appreciate this speed; those who don't will probably prefer... prioritize stability.
Steam Deck, SteamOS and Linux desktop: same goal, different nuances
GE-Proton works for both Linux desktops and SteamOS on Steam Deck. The difference lies in the context of use: on a desktop PC, you might want to fine-tune more things (drivers, advanced configurations, specific DXVK versions), while on Deck the goal is usually to have everything work predictably and with minimal effort. Again, the official Proton is usually the sensible starting point, and GE-Proton comes into play when there's a clear roadblock you want to overcome. In both cases, the fact that version 10-24 includes specific fixes and updated components is a plus. Good news.
On handheld platforms, a startup crash or a freeze in the options menu can ruin a short session. Addressing precisely that is what gives a build like 10-24 immediate practical value. If Space Engineers wouldn't start before, now it will; if Blade & Soul NEO crashed when you touched the options menu, it won't anymore. These are fixes with a very tangible impact, the kind of change that makes the difference between a pleasant gaming session and a complete disaster. chain of errors.
Best practices: how to update without losing your mind
Faced with a cascade of builds, a reasonable strategy is to "update with purpose." Is your game affected by one of the bugs being fixed? Go ahead, try 10-24. Did everything run smoothly in 10-23 or the official Proton build? Then you probably have nothing to gain by upgrading today. Maintaining a pragmatic mindset saves you time and prevents you from confusing problems with a specific build with game bugs. The idea is that each update should have a clear purpose and that you can measure whether it has made a difference. Pain solved that you wanted to resolve.
Another good habit is to note which version you were using before the change. That way, if you notice any strange behavior after updating, you can immediately revert to your previous state. This reversibility is one of the ecosystem's strengths: it's easy to switch between official Proton and GE-Proton, and even between different revisions of both. Taking advantage of this flexibility makes the trial-and-error process much easier. controllable and reversible.
Additional technical notes for GE-Proton 10-24: stability and scope of changes
Although the list of new features in 10-24 is short, its impact is significant: a startup crash and a crash in the options menu are, by definition, deal-breakers. The remaining updates (Wine, DXVK, vkd3d-proton, and vkd3d) bring improvements that may affect more titles, even if they aren't explicitly listed. Often, small, low-level changes unlock behaviors that weren't even listed as "known bugs." Therefore, beyond the two games mentioned, it's reasonable to expect further improvements. small side benefits in other catalogs.
However, it's important to remember that incorporating fresh changes involves some uncertainty. If you're worried about stability, don't feel obligated to jump into every hotfix. Official Proton exists precisely to give you that peace of mind, with a battery of tests that minimizes surprises. GE-Proton's value lies elsewhere: agility, speed, and proactive fixes when you need them. Choosing between one or the other is, ultimately, a matter of personal priorities.
Looking ahead: what to expect after installing GE-Proton 10-24
If you install GE-Proton 10-24 because you were affected by one of the two known vulnerabilities, you can expect stable performance where there was previously a crash. Regarding the updates to Wine, DXVK, and the VKD3D family, the effect may vary: you might not notice anything in your usual game, or, with luck, you might see a cleaner startup, fewer crashes, or some graphics settings that are now being respected. If you weren't affected by either of the fixed problems, the benefit will be more in the updated technical foundation than in an immediately visible change. view in your game.
If you browse a wide catalog and enjoy experimenting, you can take this opportunity to revisit titles you previously set aside due to minor bugs. Sometimes, the collection of small changes included in a hotfix reveals compatibility issues not even mentioned in the list. However, always keep your previous version handy in case you detect any regressions: switching versions on Steam is quick and allows for informed comparisons. The goal isn't to collect builds, but to find the one that offers the best combination of features. stability and functionality.