Eagle-eyed users have spotted a test application on SteamDB suggesting that Valve is experimenting with Arm64 support for Proton, the software that enables Windows games to run on Linux systems.The changelog for ValveTestApp3043620 lists several popular games—including Left 4 Dead 2,

The Steam Deck might be the most popular Linux PC ever, though you’d be forgiven if you haven’t realized that its SteamOS software is technically Linux. The Proton compatibility layer is the Steam Deck’s special sauce,

Proton is Valve's solution for running many Windows games seamlessly on the Linux-based SteamOS. The leaked code shows Valve testing this ARM64 version with a wide

Valve are likely up to something hardware-related again, report NotebookCheck. Their next chunk of plastic and wires – following the Valve Index, Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED – could swap PC gaming’s favoured x86 architecture for ARM, the type of processor favoured by the Nintendo Switch, Macs, and mobile phones.

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Valve appear to have some pretty ambitious future plans for Steam, as we've seen recently a leak (and not for the first time) that Valve has plans for ARM64 and Android support on Linux.

Valve is working on an ARM64 implementation to bring x86-based Steam titles to mobile devices — including its rumored standalone VR headset

Valve may be developing an ARM64 version of Proton for Linux gaming. Hundreds of games, like Left 4 Dead, have been tested for compatibility using a new 64-bit layer. The potential for ARM64-based portable consoles opens exciting new possibilities.