# Playing Windows Games on Mac: The Shift from Whisky to CrossOver
For gamers on Mac, the prospect of playing Windows games has always sparked interest. Traditionally, there have been a couple of choices: the free Whisky application and the paid CrossOver program. However, recent changes have led to the end of Whisky, placing the onus on gamers to carefully consider their options.
## The Rise and Demise of Whisky
Whisky was a favored selection for Mac users wanting to play Windows games because it was available at no cost. Based on the Wine framework, it enabled Windows applications to function on different operating systems. Regrettably, the creator, Isaac Marovitz, declared that he would stop updating Whisky, pointing to the difficulties of managing the software as a student without any financial reward.
Marovitz indicated that the project had grown too time-intensive and that his enthusiasm for it had waned. The intricacies associated with developing Wine, especially for macOS, demand an extensive knowledge of C programming, Windows architecture, and macOS itself. This specialized skill set is uncommon, thus making it challenging to attract contributors to the initiative.
## The Difficulties of Wine on macOS
Wine is a formidable tool that has received considerable funding, notably from companies like Valve, which uses it as the foundation of its Proton software for gaming on Linux. Nevertheless, macOS introduces specific challenges that are distinct from those on Linux, complicating the process of creating Wine-compatible applications for Apple users.
Marovitz remarked that while CrossOver, produced by CodeWeavers, handles the primary workload concerning support and updates, Whisky failed to provide any unique fixes to the Wine project. This absence of contribution worried Marovitz, as it could have adverse effects on CrossOver’s profitability and the overall viability of Wine on macOS.
## Shifting to CrossOver
With Whisky no longer a viable option, Mac users eager to play Windows games must shift their focus to CrossOver. At a price of $74, CrossOver offers a one-time payment that includes updates for a year. Although it is not a subscription service, users might need to buy updates regularly to stay current with new games and advancements.
CrossOver utilizes the Wine codebase but offers additional support and improvements that make it more effective for running Windows applications on macOS. For gamers, this translates to a more dependable experience, though it comes at a price.
## Options for General Windows Applications
For users needing to run general Windows applications instead of games, alternatives such as VMware Fusion Pro and Parallels Desktop exist. These virtualization tools enable users to run a full Windows version on their Mac, providing a more complete solution for those requiring Windows capabilities.
## Conclusion
The cessation of Whisky marks a crucial change in the realm of playing Windows games on Mac. Despite the loss of the free choice, CrossOver emerges as a strong alternative, delivering the essential support for gamers. As the gaming community adjusts to these changes, it remains vital for developers to tackle the distinct challenges presented by macOS to guarantee a smooth gaming experience for all users.
For those wishing to keep enjoying Windows games on their Macs, investing in CrossOver might be the most prudent way forward, ensuring access to the latest updates and support in a constantly evolving gaming landscape.
