Just imagine thousands of thrilling games being released — then realizing they’re totally incompatible with your operating system. Imagine sitting there as Windows devotees get all the fun, your nose pressed up against the glass of a world you cannot enter. You frantically search for a workaround, only to discover it’s a complicated process that you’d need a degree in computer science to understand.
It’s been a tough time to be an Apple gamer. But right here, right now, all of that is about to change.
Through HyperPlay, the Windows version of Steam, with its massive expansive game library, can now be downloaded on MacOS in a single click: opening the door to a whole new world of gaming in the process.
HyperPlay uses new cross-platform compatibility libraries to make Windows games and applications run smoothly in the MacOS environment — and with the high-powered graphics cards on new MacOS hardware — it’s literally a game changer.
A simplified user experience means you won’t need to wade through long tutorials, in what amounts to a seismic milestone for cross-compatibility between Windows and Macs.
There’s even better news for game developers, who will be able to reach a brand-new audience with zero engineering effort. This is a vital next step in HyperPlay’s mission to make gaming as accessible as possible — irrespective of the device you use.
Please note: This is still an experimental product feature and mileage may vary. We would love our community’s help testing what games you’re playing and what OS you’re using as we’re curating a database of compatibility tweaks and working to ship the best version possible. Shoot us a note on Discord or X with any suggestions or feedback.
Why Now?
There’s been insatiable demand for the silos between PCs and Macs to be torn down, not least because it dramatically reduces the financial burden on consumers. But it’s also a necessity for studios who might not have the budget or resources to create separate games for both operating systems.
Players are fed up with games launching exclusively on platforms they don’t have access to. And even among titles that do have specific versions for different operating systems, a lack of unification remains — as friend lists and achievements are often kept separate.
Recent, newly unveiled features by Apple — including powerful M1 Pro chips — now make it more viable for games on other platforms to port across. Steam on Mac takes just one tap to access, and an elegant interface means you’ll be smashing your controller in no time. From top Steam hits such as Black Myth: Wukong, to the likes of Hogwarts Legacy and Elden Ring, this is the equivalent to buying a brand-new console with an extensive back catalog.
How to Install
Check out the specs of your Mac device first — the recommended specs are a Mac with Apple Silicon CPU (M1 or above) and at least 16GB of RAM. This will install the Windows version of Steam and it will run using a HyperPlay Compatibility Layer. Some games (especially older titles, newer 3D games, or those with anti-cheat software) may not work properly.
Install HyperPlay
Go to your HyperPlay Library
Install Steam
Complete the setup & uncheck “Run Steam”
Open Steam for Windows and sign in
Start gaming on Mac!
Our Mission
As well as reducing friction for everyday users, the motivation behind HyperPlay is to support developers — and make it easier to create experiences that gamers will love.
We deliver freedom to game by removing the shackles of operating system siloes — our native desktop application is available across Windows, SteamDeck, Linux and MacOS. That means a game rolled out on one OS can effortlessly be played on another. Better still, browser-based games and dApps run through HyperPlay receive graphics card acceleration.
We’ve also tackled long-standing interaction problems between crypto wallets and games to make Web3 titles less cumberstone. Our intuitive overlay supports MetaMask and WalletConnect — meaning they can now be used within every game. This reduces friction, saves time, and eliminates the need to create a whole new wallet for every title you try.
Our game store from the future doesn’t just feature HyperPlay exclusives, but aggregates the most popular titles listed on Epic Games and GOG. This aids discoverability, with HyperPlay Quests rewarding players who give new games a go. Collectively, this offers a powerful alternative to Web2 walled gardens that charge high fees while suffering from technical limitations — and sometimes deplatform titles that feature crypto, NFTs and in-game assets you can truly own.
For years now, Apple has been a dominant force in the world of mobile gaming — with research showing that iOS users spend far more than their Android counterparts. Steam on HyperPlay means developers can now tap into a passionate market that loves gaming, but until now has been out of reach. And if you’re a weary Mac user fed up with hearing your friends bang on about the latest Windows game, you’ll finally be able to say this: I can play that too 💜
