Proton Experimental Updated: Xalia Now Enabled By Default
Valve Releases New Proton Experimental Update May 23, which brings important improvements for Steam Deck and Linux users. The main new feature is Xalia integration is now enabled by default. This is a tool that allows you to use the gamepad not only in games, but also in regular desktop applications, such as launchers and installers. Previously, Xalia was active only for individual games, but now it works automatically with most Win32 based applications, including EA App installers, Ubisoft Connect and Battle.net.
Valve says Xalia is now stable enough for widespread use, especially in Big Picture mode. This should make it much easier to launch and install games on the Steam Deck, eliminating the need to connect a mouse or keyboard to interact with launchers. The gamepad completely replaces input - including window navigation, clicking, and scrolling.
Additionally, The update improves Proton's compatibility with a number of modern games. In particular, added NVAPI support in The Last Of Us Part II, fixed stuttering in Once Human and fixed a bug where games wouldn't launch after rolling back from a newer version of Proton. Also fixed issues with black screen in Black Desert launcher on Nvidia and Wayland, the inability to log into Epic Games in Monster Jam Showdown and Epic Online Services Detection Error in Dead Island 2, which interfered with cross-platform play.
Among other changes: Correct display of transparency in Cornerpond, fixed a false driver warning in The First Berserker: Khazan on Intel and Nvidia graphics cards, and fixed issues with DLSS frame generation in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, where the option was previously unavailable.
In this way, The update significantly improves the usability of working with games and launchers in the Linux environment, and also expands support for the latest projects, including major titles from Epic Games and Battle.net.
