Azimuth

Azimuth is a wrapper that runs the Xbox One version of Forza Horizon 2 as a Windows program, and on Linux through Proton. Xbox One games are built for an x86-64 processor like a PC’s, so the game’s own code runs directly; Azimuth translates the console’s WinRT calls to the desktop Windows API and its Xbox version of DirectX 11 to desktop DirectX 12. It is closed source and contains no game files.

Resolution goes from 720p up to the display’s own, in 16:9 or the display’s shape (16:10, 21:9 or 32:9), and the frame rate from 30 or 60 FPS up to the display’s refresh rate, with HDR10 output and a calibration page. Four presets cover the graphics: Low, near the game’s split-screen settings; Default, matching the Xbox One; High, with sharper shadows that reach three times as far, more detailed reflections, photo mode car models and 16x anisotropic filtering; and Ultra, which goes further again for strong hardware. Each setting can also be changed on its own, alongside MSAA, every text and speech language in the game, stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 sound and any Xbox controller. On a Steam Deck it reaches 720p at 60 FPS or 1080p at 30 FPS.

Azimuth is in development and at version 0.9. With no Xbox Live, the game plays offline only, without multiplayer or achievements. Busy areas such as towns can stutter, very wide screens can show small layout problems, and settings marked experimental in the launcher have known issues.