Credit: Steam
A mod adding virtual reality support to Half-Life 2 has been tested by Valve for standalone operation on the Steam Frame headset. The update also includes acceleration for low-end processors, a new crossbow sight, an updated DXVK, and a fix for episode launching on Linux.
When we started testing on Frame, the mod’s authors write, “it wouldn’t launch at all. We then managed to get it running, but performance was poor and the gameplay was riddled with bugs. We fixed the bugs and optimized frame rendering times—we now had a playable build with decent performance, but it still didn’t consistently achieve the required frame rendering times. This required careful selection of suitable performance settings, further optimization, and the addition of foveated rendering with eye tracking to overcome the threshold.”
The update also includes bug fixes and “several improvements” that will impact players regardless of whether they use Frame:
- Updated built-in dxvk – fixed some startup issues
- Significantly improved performance on low-end CPUs
- Fixed an issue where the image would shake on uneven surfaces
- New sniper scope for the crossbow and stabilization when holding it with both hands
- Smoothed out controller positions when moving hands
- The Gravity Gun will now display laser emissions
- Loading screens are now visible while wearing glasses
- Fixed an issue launching episodes on Linux
- Hands will no longer disappear when holding something
- Added Steam Frame controller bindings
The mod’s Steam page currently shows four passed checks: the default controller layout is fully functional, the button icons match the device, the interface text is legible, and the default settings provide the required performance. For the Steam Deck, the mod has the opposite check mark: SteamOS does not support VR on this device.
