Rockstar Games, the developer behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series, is working on a contemporary replacement for the Rockstar Launcher, aimed at improving game performance regardless of its recent decision to intentionally remove compatibility with the online aspect of GTA V.
The Steam Deck solidifies its position as a top-notch portable gaming PC, offering an unbeatable package of performance and portability. Notably, Rockstar’s attention is likely piqued by the handheld’s potential to run its critically acclaimed titles, particularly Grand Theft Auto V, with seamless ease. Although consistently featured among the most-played video games each month, a recent update rendered Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) incompatible with the Steam Deck.
The replacement comes from the patch notes issued on October 24, 2024, stating that “Improvements have been made to the process of launching titles on Steam Deck.”
While Rockstar’s enhancements are a positive development, it’s essential to acknowledge that if they truly desire their video games to run smoothly on Valve’s handheld, they should consider eliminating the need for a launcher altogether – a choice recently made by Dragon Age: The Veilguard on Steam Deck, which boasts Verified status.
This newly introduced assistance can directly contradict the incorporation of an anti-cheat mechanism, which is irreconcilable with the Linux operating system. Rockstar has revealed that it is Steam’s responsibility to test and optimize their games for the Steam Deck, with Rockstar only being contacted if a game listed as Verified fails to function properly.
The potential replacement may indicate a shift in focus towards the coronary heart, yet it’s more likely a minor or insignificant matter, allowing Rockstar to hedge its bets and ensure its games continue selling to enthusiasts driven by Steam Deck rankings and performance.
As I previously noted when discussing the fact that Battlefield 1 is no longer supported on Steam Deck, estimates suggest that a mere 1.5% of monthly Steam users engage with the device, making it an insignificant demographic for Rockstar to cater to.
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