MacGaming FAQ

This is a repost of the Mac gaming subreddit's faq

Frequently asked questions

1. What does the update to macOS Catalina mean for games?

   Games that are 32-bit only will no longer run on macOS Catalina.

   Starting with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later, macOS notifies users when they are starting a game that has not been updated to 64-bit.

   For further information, please visit r/macgaming/wiki/catalina, and check the compatibility test chart provided by our community.

2. Can my Mac run a certain game?

   The MacGameStore App, or Mac Gamer HQ's extensive list of performance results and benchmarks are good ways to check if your Mac will run a certain game.

3. Can my Mac run games that are Windows-only?

   Yes, games that available for Windows only can be played by using a) Boot Camp, b) virtual machine applications such as Parallels, VMware Fusion, or VirtualBox, and c) any application or service that makes use of the open-source compatibility layer Wine.

   Old, classic games can be run by using DOSBox.

4. What is Boot Camp?

   Boot Camp is a utility that comes with your Mac and lets you switch between macOS and Windows. It essentially turns your Mac into a gaming machine that is capable of running all games available for Windows only.

   For further information please visit https://support.apple.com/boot-camp.

5. Which applications or services make use of Wine?

   CrossOver, PlayOnMac, Porting Kit, or Wineskin.

6. Why does my MacBook heat up when gaming? Can it overheat?

   If your MacBook was overheating, it would throttle itself and eventually shut off.

   Unfortunately, thin MacBooks neither feature big heat sinks nor strong fans to easily cool down their CPUs and GPUs.

   Make sure to properly place your MacBook on a flat surface to allow for plenty of air flow.

7. How do you control the fans on a Mac?

   Try using an application such as Macs Fan Control.

8. Do emulators run on Mac?

   Yes, many emulators run on Mac.

   Popular multi-system emulators or frontends are, for example, OpenEmu, or RetroArch.

   For further information visit r/emulation or the Emulation General Wiki.

9. Do gaming controllers work on Mac?

   The latest version of the Xbox One Wireless Controller is natively supported via Bluetooth. The third-party driver 360Controller provides support for all other Xbox controllers.

   Playstation DualShock 4 Controllers are natively supported via both Bluetooth and USB.

   Steam Controllers are natively supported by Steam.

   For further information, please visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210414.

10. Where do I find games that are available for Mac?

    You will find games on the App Store, Apple Arcade, Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Origin, or Humble Bundle.

    GOG and Humble Bundle offer games that are DRM-free.

11. What is Metal? Does my Mac support Metal?

    Metal is a low-level graphics API that provides more fluid graphics performance in games.

    For further information please visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205073.

12. Do eGPUs work with Mac?

    Yes, for further information please visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208544.

    Additional information, reviews, or testimonials are available at, for example, r/eGPU, eGPU.io, or 9to5Mac.

13. Are cloud gaming services available for Mac?

    Yes, cloud gaming services such as GeForce NOW, or Google Stadia are available for Mac.

14. What does the deprecation of OpenGL mean for games?

    Games using OpenGL should continue to work on macOS Mojave and Catalina.

    Deprecation simply means the implementation of OpenGL will continue to work, but will no longer be supported.

15. Can games be locally streamed to Mac?

    Yes, applications or services such as Moonlight, or Rainway allow for local gaming streaming on Mac.

16. Can games be recorded on Mac?

    Yes, games can be recorded with the help of applications, such as QuickTime, OBS Studio, ScreenFlow, Screenium, Screenflick, or RetroClip.