I found this report on ProtonDB regarding the Steam version, so it seems like the game can run but maybe only under certain circumstances? Or that the Steam version used a CD key? I’ll try installing the game and the DLC on Steam Deck but with the prefix under 6.3-7 if possible.
(Just checked the SteamDB page and the game does indeed use a CD key during install via Steam.)
@kisak-valve I can confirm there is a regression as this game will only launch on 7.0-6 and below, but this will depend on what version The Sims Medieval is at.
If you are using the following versions:
You must force the game to use Proton 7.0-6 via the Steam Play settings for the game, whether on Steam or physical copies. These versions do not work on the latest versions of Windows at the moment.
If you are on version 1.3.13 and below, you won’t have any trouble playing the game on Proton 8 and above as per my own testing with my physical copies. These versions and lower should work on Windows as well.
Here’s my zip file of the game launching on 7.0-6.
steam-16872058382691860480.zip
You can check which version you have by selecting the Options button and then “Open Launcher” when the game reaches the main menu. You should see the version number on the bottom left of the launcher.
proton 7.0-6x1 2025-10proton experimentalx1 2024-01
Compatibility Report
System Information
I confirm:
Proton Log:
steam-15581627122077138944.log
Symptoms
The game will start and continue running in the background, but nothing happens visually, this is apparently due to the Sony Content Protection DRM that was added with both the 2.0 Patch for the base game and the Pirates and Nobles adventure pack. While the DRM supposedly worked fine in Windows 7, Windows 8 and onward do not work according to the guides on the Steam Community page for the game.
Reproduction
Simply launch the game from Steam, if the Launcher pops up, select the Play button.
Additional Notes
Since I don't own the Steam version of the game, I am using a physical disc copy, however, both versions suffer from the exact same issue on Patch 2.0 and the Pirates and Nobles Adventure Pack.
https://store.steampowered.com/oldnews/5984