Windows 11’s Dominance Under Scrutiny as Gaming Expands to macOS
Windows 11 has long been regarded as the default operating system for PC gamers, but a shift may be underway. An increasing number of titles are being natively ported to alternative platforms like Linux and macOS, challenging the status quo. The recent launch of Cyberpunk 2077 on Macs exemplifies this trend. Following its rocky debut on PC and consoles in 2020, the game has since gained acclaim, becoming a favorite for many gamers. Consequently, players with compatible Macs, along with the new Nintendo Switch 2 users, are now able to explore the immersive world of Night City.
Historical Context and Current Trends
Cyberpunk 2077’s availability on Macs is particularly noteworthy for those who have witnessed the evolution of gaming on this platform. Despite early memories of classic games like Lemmings running on a Macintosh in black and white, gaming on macOS has historically lagged behind Windows. A significantly limited library of PC games has often forced gamers to choose Windows machines, creating a less-than-ideal scenario for those who are skeptical of Microsoft.
The emergence of gaming-centric Linux distributions such as SteamOS, coupled with high-profile titles finally making their way to Macs, signals a potentially exciting chapter for gamers seeking alternatives to Windows. Is it possible we’ll soon see Macs featured in the best gaming laptops buying guides?
Performance Insights from Cyberpunk 2077 on Macs
Cyberpunk 2077 is not just any game; it serves as a graphical showcase, featuring advanced effects like path tracing that emulate ultra-realistic lighting and reflections. Traditionally, the expectation has been that titles demanding such graphical prowess require high-end setups, often associated with dedicated GPUs such as the Nvidia RTX 5080. However, with Apple’s M-class chips, which couple CPU and GPU functionalities while utilizing shared memory, the landscape is changing.
As Cyberpunk 2077 becomes available on Macs, the prospect that AAA games can run smoothly without dedicated GPUs presents an intriguing challenge to conventional wisdom. So, can macOS really stand up as a viable gaming alternative to Windows 11?
Benchmarking on the Mac Studio
Upon the release of Cyberpunk 2077, I tested the game on an Apple Mac Studio outfitted with an M3 Ultra chip, a 32-core CPU, and an 80-core GPU—one of Apple’s most powerful machines, priced at a staggering $8,099 / £8,299 / AU$13,149. While inherently a workstation, I was keen to observe its performance in a gaming context.
Though the Mac Studio is not designed primarily for gaming, it manages to run Cyberpunk 2077 with Apple providing a custom graphics preset called “For this Mac.” This preset aims to optimize the gaming experience according to the hardware capabilities, an idea reminiscent of Valve’s approach in its Steam Deck.
Experience and Comparisons
Running Cyberpunk 2077 on the Mac Studio using the default settings, I noticed that despite achieving a steady 60fps, the visual fidelity fell short compared to my gaming PC equipped with an Nvidia RTX 5090. In contrast, performance on the 15-inch MacBook Air (M4), another Apple product, showed surprisingly solid output given its entry-level specs. This includes a user-friendly “For this Mac” preset that allowed the game to run smoothly at 30fps. It substantiates the argument that Macs can now reasonably handle sophisticated graphically demanding games.
Cross-Platform Functionality and Game Playability
One appealing feature of Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac is the cross-platform saves functionality, allowing players to transition between devices seamlessly. If you’ve bought the game on PC through platforms like GOG, you can install it on your Mac without repurchasing. My experience confirmed this as I picked up my playthrough right where I had left off, thanks to cloud saves.
Room for Improvement
While the ability to play Cyberpunk 2077 on Macs is a notable advancement, it doesn’t imply that gamers can entirely abandon their Windows setups just yet. Many gamers still crave the high-performance experience associated with dedicated gaming PCs. However, the enhancements in Mac gaming capabilities hint at a promising future.
Innovative Features Worth Noting
Three standout features emerged while gaming on Mac that could enhance user experience further. Firstly, Apple’s implementation of spatial audio through AirPods created an incredibly immersive auditory experience. The incorporation of head tracking into spatial audio made the sounds in Cyberpunk feel more engaging, which could set a new standard for gaming audio.
Secondly, the “For this Mac” presets eliminate the need for technical know-how, providing users with decent gaming experiences right out of the box. This could encourage users hesitant about gaming to give it a try.
Lastly, cross-platform saves make Macs a great gaming backup solution, allowing gamers to play their favorite titles even when away from a Windows machine.
In conclusion, while the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac is unlikely to dethrone Windows 11 as the go-to platform for gaming enthusiasts entirely, it certainly offers a glimpse into a more diverse gaming landscape in the future. For those considering alternatives, the evolution in Mac gaming is undeniable.
For further insights regarding Cyberpunk 2077’s performance on Macs and comparison to high-end PCs, refer to the original article Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
