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The scourge of x86 emulation

295 points · 100 comments · dagmx

  1. dagmx · · focus · HN ↗
    For reference , Fex is a translation framework for x86 to ARM much like Apple’s Rosetta2 and Microsoft’s Prism.

    Valve sponsor development as it’s also the way the new Steam Frame supports x86 games. It’s also being used (as a fork) in Crossover Beta to replace the use of Rosetta2.

    1. MiroslavPokorny · · focus · HN ↗
      Why doesnt Stream require their binaries to be compiled to some bytecode and transpiled during the install ?

      THen they wouldnt require any emulator for any new compiles.

      1. pkasting · · focus · HN ↗
        Disclaimer: I work for Valve, but I had nothing to do with Fex or anything related.

        There are a lot of other replies here, but one additional consideration is which solution is generally beneficial outside the original problem domain. A Steam-specific bytecode is applicable to games on Steam, whereas x86 emulation on ARM is of general interest to many problem domains today. Working on the latter could be viewed altruistically (it benefits the larger community) or self-interestedly (other developers are more likely to do work for us), but either way, it's an argument for the generalist path.

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