Cedega, previously known as WineX, is a Windows emulator and Linux portability software based on Wine by TransGaming Technologies, which is designed to allows games written for Microsoft Windows to run and play under GNU/Linux right out of the box, by implementing the DirectX API. Cedega, now at version 5.2, allows user to have gaming experience that matches the Windows experience from online play, copy protection, Direct3D, Vertex Shaders, Pixel Shaders, joystick support, and also features Games Disc Database (GDDB) that documents user settings or user tweaking that is required to get the game installed and playable, plus auto-game detection when a CD is inserted so settings are done automatically. Among video games that are supported are Battlefield 2/1942, Half-Life 2, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, World of WarCraft /III, Civilization IV, Madden 2006, Diablo II, Max Payne /2, Sacrifice, Medal of Honour: Allied Assault, Grand Theft Auto 3, Vice City, Guild Wars, Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy and many others.

Software in Review (dead link) reviews Cedega and concludes that “Cedega will work with enough Windows games that it’s worth paying $5 a month for, particularly if you like playing games like World of Warcraft, FlatOut, and a host of others (check out the compatibility list to see if your favorite games are supported), but can’t stand Windows. At this point in my computing life, I consider GNU/Linux a necessity for desktop computing, so products like Cedega and CrossOver Office are also a necessity if I absolutely need some program that doesn’t have a GNU/Linux port. I like Cedega so much that I bought my own user account beyond the month I was given for the review. I don’t at all mind supporting TransGaming’s work to bring Windows games to GNU/Linux.”

Update: Cedega was retired on February 28, 2011, and the development continues under the GameTree Linux Developer Program.

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