Does the steam deck bypass the 2K Launcher?

[DevilFish303]

I'm a bit confused, I need a launch option workaround on my arch machine to bypass 2K launcher, but on the steam deck I don't... ?

How is the game working just fine on the steam deck but not on desktop?

[classicjarhead]

because linux

[DevilFish303]

well SteamOS is linux-based, hell its arch based while at that

Also another curious thing I noticed is that on the Steam Deck Bioshock Infinite runs via proton 7.0-6 by default, on my desktop it prefers native Linux version. What gives? kinda wished this stuff was more upfront

[4tado]

Bioshock works fine for me on Arch. First time I launched it the 2k launcher produced an error saying I needed to launch from Steam, but after relaunching it immediately works from then on. Bioshock 1 Remastered at least, haven't tried the others yet.
Steam Deck may run on Linux but it still knows it's a Steam Deck. Certain games do indeed have certain Deck-specific optimizations, and Bioshock had an update to specifically address Deck compatibility so it's no surprise.

Originally posted by DevilFish303:

Steam Deck Bioshock Infinite runs via proton 7.0-6 by default, on my desktop it prefers native Linux version. What gives? kinda wished this stuff was more upfront

This is indeed a thing, if a certain Proton version works best it'd be made the default. And if a new one has a bug, it'll be reverted back. All this is only if you haven't set the compatibility yourself.
For example:
https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/04/valve-moves-elden-ring-back-to-proton-7-as-it-has-issues-with-newer-proton/
https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/surprisingly-bioshock-infinite-got-an-update-to-fix-it-launching-on-linux/
That's what the Deck does with Proton, it curates the experience for you. It would not be a good idea to continuously change the defaults on desktop Linux because the usecases can be so different, while there's only one Deck. If anything, you could consider the Deck's decision to choose a certain Proton as their own "upstream default". Proton also has a github with the games listed under the "issues" section, most of the time when a game-breaking bug is discovered someone will go report it there.

[DevilFish303]

Thanks Ringo, this answers my question