How NOT to try to install Steam on RPi400 64-bit OS

[Adam Beckett]

... just spent 3-4 hours watching my monitor running and configuring automated scripts, written by way smarter people than me, compiling code and starting again.

What I did was installing PiKISS (KISS = Keep it SIMPLE S-t-u-p-i-d) which is a script that hosts a bunch of other scripts that let's you install funny things on you Raspberry Pi.

And if you are not careful - like I was - you can brick your Raspi install.

You see, I was running the new and improved Raspian 64-bit OS (which has some improved rendering support and can do DRM, which let's me watch Netflix, Amazon & Co. with the Chrome(ium) web browser - not that I have to, but I just refuse to buy an Amazon Firestick or GoogleTV thingy out of principle.

... and why power on my (several) perfectly capable gaming PCs and PLAY GAMES(!), when I can TRY to play games, by forcing them, x86-architecture builds, to run on an ARM-architecture platform? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! (said nobody 'clever', ever?)

It is not like I am contributing to the code and do anything useful for others.

Instead, I just click on things and copy-paste code and ... as a result and up with Raspberry Pi rebooting, but no longer able to render even a text-based framebuffer on screen. Since, I had to compile Vulkan AND SDL AND OpenGL at the same time AND install 32-bit things on a 64-bit OS (which the developer of a X86/Box64 e x p l i c i t l y stated (in his README) "will not work".

Long story short: RTFM ... and believe what it says.

I just spent several hours, installing EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME, like it is 1995, when we installed every shareware and demo on our Windows PCs ... except for the AOL CD.

You can certainly do better than me.

1. Use a 32-bit Raspberry Pi OS if you intend to install Steam/Proton

2. Box86 will install on a 64-bit Raspian (or equal), but it will 'do nothing' - as the dev said.

3. You CAN use a 64 RPi OS for Box64 obviously, but the trouble is, you will not be able to install (run) the Steam installer and Launcher, since they are still 32-bit binaries (What's up with that, Valve?)

4. Why do this (force x86 games to run on RPi) at all? If you are a developer of Box86, then I can understand. Also, running RasPi as a Emulator box for other platforms (GBA, PSP, etc) - also valid. Just not sure about the hassle to run Steam or Steam games on Raspi ... just yet.

Latest news (Apple embracing ARM, ARM IPO exploding) are showing that ARM will be a very popular and future-proof platform for years to come, which means, Valve/Steam/Proton will be available for ARM devices eventually, won't they?