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MTA support on unix is almost dead. #4221

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@toxiicdev

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@toxiicdev

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.

Hello, I'm writing this because support for Linux and macOS is rapidly declining, especially as ARM CPUs are increasingly replacing x64 architecture. This shift is making compatibility through Wine much more complex and leads to noticeable performance loss.

I'm using a MacBook with the M4 Pro ARM chip. After a lot of effort to find a compatible version of Wine that can run MTA (Multi Theft Auto) without issues, I’ve found the experience to be nearly unplayable.

Since Wine emulates Windows, and due to the ARM architecture's differences, there’s an inevitable performance hit. For example, on a typical DM/Race server, I can't maintain a stable 50 FPS, and audio is also glitchy.

However, there’s a potential solution. When running Windows via Parallels on macOS (tested on a non-AC enabled server), the game runs flawlessly — stable 100+ FPS, no audio issues, and overall excellent performance. This suggests that virtualization, in this case, is a much more viable option than Wine.

I understand that asking server owners to disable Anti-Cheat (AC) is not realistic. However, considering that kernel-mode cheats still exist and the game is not entirely cheat-free, perhaps an alternative could be considered: allowing MTA to run in virtual machines like Parallels, VMware, or VirtualBox, possibly by securely sharing hardware serials or device info over the network — something MTA seems to already support to an extent.

This could help retain and even bring back players who are leaving due to hardware or OS changes. For example, I switched to a Mac because I’m a developer and prefer Unix-based systems over Windows. Others might be students who use Macs for school and can't afford two computers. Some might buy a Windows laptop, only to realize it runs on ARM and MTA won’t work properly.

With x64 being slowly phased out in favor of ARM, this is an important issue that deserves attention.

Describe the solution you'd like

Find a solution to let players use also virtualized OS to play MTA by finding alternative solutions in FairplayKD module to be compatible on lnx/vm.

Describe alternatives you've considered

No response

Additional context

No response

Security Policy

  • I have read and understood the Security Policy and this issue is not about a cheat or security vulnerability.

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