Failed to initialize graphics on any steam game

I've installed some games on Zorin 17.3 that I saw via ProtonDB that were gold+ compatible but when I try to open them they all return this same error

Some of the games are GRIS, Fallout Shelter, Celeste and Overwatch 2 (which I already played on another distro (Bazzite) and worked just fine). Somebody knows why am I getting these errors?

my specs are on the print below

First: I recommend you switch from Wayland to X11 (Xorg). Zorin is an LTS that uses older, reliable components that don't play very well with Wayland. That's probably not the source of this specific problem, but it may be, and it'll likely save you hassles in the future.

Edit: Sorry, I didn't tell you HOW. At the login screen, after you click your name/hit enter to select your user, in the bottom right corner you'll see some icons. As I recall, the one you want is a gear. Clicking it will give you the options of Wayland or X11. Choose X11, then log in as normal.

Second, have you set a compatibility tool for the games you're trying to run? You can do that by right clicking a game and choosing properties, compatibility, then selecting a compatibility tool (these are usually called "runners" in launchers other than Steam). I'd start with Proton Hotfix, avoid Proton Experimental (it really is experimental these days; unless you must, I wouldn't use it), and then try each other option successively--but odds are that hotfix will work if compatibility tool is your problem.

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Do You use Steam as Flatpak or APT Package?

Thanks for the first recommendation, I changed and it looks a bit smoother now.

I had set the compatibility through Steam's settings in the Compatibility tab to use Proton (as I did when briefly used Bazzite), but nothing seemed to work. Then after your second tip I tried changing in each game to use Proton, then Celeste opened without errors, but the others no. I'll try and test the other runners to see if it changes something for the other games, much thanks.

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I use the APT Package, the one that was saying Steam installer in the Super menu when I finished installing Zorin.

Glad it helped for one at least. The only times I've experienced errors like yours are when I have a problem with an Nvidia driver, but I see you're using a Radeon. I'm not sure what to make of that; AMD is by and large the less troublesome manufacturer on Linux. I'll step back here and hope someone with AMD experience is familiar with your problem and can help.

To anyone who steps up, the RX 570 is a desktop card, circa 2017, so older, but not ancient, integrated, or otherwise out of the ordinary.

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From recollection, those should still be supported in the kernel by default. I used to have a 580, and given Zorin is based on 22.04, I would think that that support would still be there. Are you trying to launch these through another launcher that then goes through steam, or are these all just native steam games (like they're not Epic games being launched through Steam or something like that)?

Another question, are you running any custom launch commands? The reason I have these questions is because that popup window looks a little dated and odd to me. You could run Proton-GE edition to try and get a little better support (I find MOSTLY it supports games better). And sometimes steam, even if you set your global version to something, it overrides that per game, which is something to look out for too.

Thank you for your help and for trying!

On Windows I didn't have issues playing but as I'm trying to migrate to use Linux as a main OS I tried Bazzite before, which I got to play certain games with some FPS limitations to no get bugs or something else but it was not a good distro to daily drive (for me). So I came to Zorin OS through a lot of recommendations and I'm using the other apps I use to work, but when it comes to gaming I'm having quite a hard time :downcast_face_with_sweat:

And thanks for giving some details about my GPU too.

In my experience, WINE errors like that one usually look more or less like that.

And here I shall link them to your guide on that. :slight_smile:

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I agree, but the style of the window just looks a bit off to me. Couldn't put my finger on it.

First, I use Flatpak Steam...

Second, scroll down on the install page in software store, you will see this too...

Make sure you put checkmarks in at least:

Proton-GE

Once Steam has been updated with the community GE Proton packs, launch Steam, and right click a game, and go to the compatibility tab. Put a checkmark in force Proton, and choose a Proton version...

Please note, depending on age of game or machine, the game might require an older Proton version. But it is advised to start with the latest first, and see if it launches the game.

There are rare times when standard Proton versions won't launch the game. Thats when you add a glorious eggrole to the mix, using some of that sweet delicious Proton GE pack.


I am using APT steam, proton experimental. Our only common game is this one; but I have had no issues.
Plus not seeing this issue on any other game.

With AMD, I would check if you are running the amdgpu driver or the radeon driver.