This was a short few paragraphs I wrote for GMNews on Scorptek about making your games run smoothly in WINE.

In the past few weeks I have been experimenting with the program known as WINE on Linux. WINE is an interpreter for Linux and Mac that allows the user to run .exe (Windows executable) files on a non-Windows operating system.

In the last few versions of WINE, game executables and Game Maker itself have become supported under WINE to some degree. Here is a short list of how to make your games work well with WINE:

1. Limit use of advanced draw functions

Basic GML draw functions (e.g. draw_text()) should be fine to use

2. Avoid using background images

Instead, try using sprites to display images behind other objects

3. Use the .WAV file format for sounds and select the “Use Multimedia playerâ€? option

*Note: This may slow down the game while the sound is playing on many computers, so sounds should be avoided in general if possible/practical. Consider an option for turning sounds on/off

4. Make your game full-screen (otherwise it may not be drawn correctly)

Following this guide should make your games run smoothly with WINE. You should experiment on your own with the game you are trying to make compatible with WINE to achieve the best results.