CrossOver to Add DirectX 12 Support, Enhancing Gaming Performance on macOS

CodeWeavers, the company behind the popular CrossOver platform available for macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, has announced that the software will soon support Microsoft's DirectX 12. This development is particularly exciting for gamers seeking enhanced performance when running Windows apps on non-Windows operating systems.

DirectX is an API found on Windows and Xbox consoles, responsible for graphics rendering, similar to Apple's Metal API. The latest version, DirectX 12, offers several improvements, including improved utilization of GPU cores and enhanced graphical quality. CrossOver currently supports DirectX 11 and earlier versions, but the addition of DirectX 12 support will further enhance the gaming experience for Mac users.

However, CodeWeavers has stated that support for DirectX 12 games will be added on a per-title basis. The company acknowledges the complexity and potential bugs associated with the technology, aiming to ensure a smooth user experience. The first game to receive DirectX 12 support on CrossOver will be Diablo II Resurrected, with plans to expand support to other popular titles in the future.

While this development is a significant breakthrough, CodeWeavers acknowledges that their journey has just begun. The team encountered various challenges, including resolving bugs related to MoltenVK and SPIRV-Cross to enable the successful running of Diablo II Resurrected. It is expected that each DirectX 12 game will require individual support and bug fixing.

The first beta version of CrossOver 23 with DirectX 12 support is scheduled for release this summer, followed by the official release later this year. Notably, CrossOver users have been able to play Windows games natively on Apple Silicon Macs since 2020, further expanding the platform's capabilities.