CodeWeavers yesterday released CrossOver Games 9.0 (US $40), a major new version of the software that enables Mac OS X and Linux to run Windows games natively, without Windows itself. The new version supports more Windows games, including StarCraft 2 (beta) and StarTrek Online, and runs previously supported games run better. It also adds support for the new Steam user interface, and works with community-support profiles for Star Trek Online, Lord of the Rings Online, and others. The application installation process is also new. Users can also now install games with a single screen, or with single click from CodeWeavers' Compatibility Center web site.

This later new feature is enabled by the addition of Compatibility Profiles, called C4P files, which are XML files that act as installation recipes. Users can create their own C4P files and upload to the Compatibility Center, thus grouping the number of game titles that have one-click installations.

CodeWeavers referred to version 9 as a "major overhaul" that includes a revamped, more intuitive user interface for the Mac version, and a completely new user interface for Linux. The company said that CrossOver Games 9 includes over 8300 patches to WINE, the underlying engine.

In March, CodeWeavers released version 9.0 of the standard CrossOver, which is optimized for running business Windows applications in Mac OS X and Linux. CrossOver Games is a flavor that is optimized for running Windows games. CodeWeaver also offers a bundle called CrossOver Mac Professional (US $70), which includes both CrossOver and CrossOver Games, as well as more support other perks.

Existing customers with an active support entitlement can download the update for free from the CodeWeaver's My Account tab after they log in.

See also our CrossOver Tips and Reports page.