Create symlink to compatdata directory

protonclosed

ValveSoftware/Proton#4103 · opened 2020-07-28 by dpanter · updated 2020-07-28 · 2 comments · github

Ddpanter 2020-07-28 github

Feature Request

I confirm:

[X] that I haven't found another request for this feature.
[X] that I have checked whether there are updates for my system available that
contain this feature already.

Description

During game installation or game start, create a symlink to the proper compatdata directory, inside the game installation directory. Probably a good idea to first check if symlink exists and that it links to the correct compatdata directory.

Example, Doom 2016
Installation: .../SteamLibrary/steamapps/common/DOOM/
Compatdata: ...SteamLibrary/steamapps/compatdata/379720/

Example installation directory contents
/mnt/1900GiBn/SteamLibrary/steamapps/common/DOOM/
Created symlink compatdata379720

base/
compatdata379720 -> /mnt/1900GiBn/SteamLibrary/steamapps/compatdata/379720//
EmptySteamDepot/
fontconfig/
virtualtextures/
bink2w64.dll
CChromaEditorLibrary.dll
DOOMx64.exe
DOOMx64vk.exe
steam_api64.dll
superscriptx64.dll

Additionally, if switching back to Linux native version, this symlink should be deleted.

Justification [optional]

Why integration in Proton instead of Wine? This would be a Steam + Proton specific feature.
Such a symlink could save quite a bit of time for those who tinker with Proton.
It would be much easier and faster for everyone to find the compatdata directory.
While browsing the files, the presence of said symlink would instantly identify the title is set to run with Proton.

Risks [optional]

None... or maybe deleting the symlink. Just make it smart enough to not delete anything else.

References [optional]

N/A

Kkisak-valve maintainer 2020-07-28 github

Hello @dpanter, this is a feature request for the Steam client, instead of Proton itself, and functionally the same as the request at https://github.com/ValveSoftware/steam-for-linux/issues/5667. Closing in favor of the existing feature request.