SAINT PAUL, Minn (November 12, 2013) — CodeWeavers, Inc., developer of CrossOver software which enables Mac and Linux users to run Windows software on their computers without the need of a Microsoft license, announced today the release of its new software, CrossOver 13.
The centerpiece of release 13 is a dramatic improvement in graphics performance, particularly for games. According to CodeWeavers’ CEO Jeremy White, “Even though it’s been shown in many studies that frame rate isn’t the only measure of game play satisfaction, the truth is that many gamers do measure their success by their frame rate. With Performance Enhanced Graphics, now they can play their games any time the moment’s right.”
The reaction from CodeWeavers beta testers has been euphoric. Though user’s mileage may vary depending on their individual… hardware, frame rate increases of between 40-60% (or more) have been noted on titles such as Torchlight 2. One tester noticed a 2x-3x improvement in StarCraft 2. According to another, "With CrossOver 13, I can re-live all of the greatest moments of my misspent gaming youth, with excellent, near-native performance. I can once again be a nano-augmented resurrected Viking warrior working for the NSA, while mowing down innocent civilians in a four-wheeled death machine! Thanks, CodeWeavers!”
The key to CrossOver 13 is a new series of technical enhancements referred to internally as “The Command Stream.” The Command Stream allows CrossOver’s underlying open-source technology, Wine, to process graphical commands separately from CPU-related commands. “This means there’s no waiting around for the GPU to finish what it’s doing,” said White. “Command Stream passes redraws to the GPU just the way it likes it—hard and fast. And everybody gets instant gratification as a result.”
White cautions that Performance Enhanced Graphics is not yet a magic (blue) pill for every game out there. “I can’t promise you that the Command Stream will work miracles on every title. Every GPU’s needs and physiology are slightly different, and not all of them will react as passionately to the Command Stream as others. But for many titles, even middle-aged titles, we’ve been very pleased by what we’ve seen. Many folks will notice that Performance Enhanced Graphics gives them the confidence they need to be ready to play their favorite games. So, if you haven’t tried CrossOver for a while, now is a great time to give it a whirl again.”
CrossOver 13 is immediately available at www.CodeWeavers.com. Ask your computer doctor if CrossOver 13 is right for you, or download a free trial from www.CodeWeavers.com and try it in the privacy of your own home.
Wondering if your favorite Windows software title will run under CrossOver? Visit c4.codeweavers.com to find out.
About CodeWeavers
Founded in 1996 as a general software consultancy, CodeWeavers focuses on the development of Wine –the core technology found in all of its CrossOver products. The company’s goal is to bring expanded market opportunities for Windows software developers by making it easier, faster and more painless to port Windows software to Linux. CodeWeavers is recognized as a leader in open-source Windows porting technology, and maintains development offices in Minnesota, the United Kingdom and elsewhere around the world. The company is privately held. For more information about CodeWeavers, log on to www.codeweavers.com.
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Contact:
Jon Parshall, CodeWeavers Inc.
