Jade Empire: Special Edition

Step 0 — Bypass the broken launcher/config (do this first)
By default Steam runs the game through JadeEmpireConfig.exe, which often
fails to start (the "launcher error" / game-won't-launch problem reported on
both Windows and Proton). The reliable fix is to launch the game executable
directly instead of the config tool:
- In the game's install folder
(steamapps/common/Jade Empire/) the relevant files are:
- JadeEmpire.exe — the actual game (launch this)
- JadeEmpireConfig.exe — config/launcher Steam calls by default (often crashes)
- Jade Empire Launcher.exe
- This recipe sets [launch].binary = "JadeEmpire.exe" so the game is run
directly. A common community workaround on a normal Steam install is to
back up JadeEmpireConfig.exe and copy JadeEmpire.exe over it so Steam's
default launch starts the game — but pointing the recipe straight at
JadeEmpire.exe avoids needing to rename anything.

Step 1 — Unlock frame rate
The game ships with an artificial 30 fps cap. To remove it:
1. Edit JadeEmpire.ini, which lives in the GAME INSTALL FOLDER
(next to JadeEmpire.exe), e.g.:
~/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Jade Empire/JadeEmpire.ini
(If you don't see it, launch the game once first so it is generated.)
2. Find the line:
ClampFPS=1
Change it to:
ClampFPS=0
3. Save and relaunch — the game now runs above 30 fps.
Note: uncapping fps speeds up the in-game camera turn rate; lower the turn
sensitivity slider in the options menu to compensate.

Step 2 — Optional stutter reduction (d3d9 override)
Some players report micro-stutters. A DXVK-compatible d3d9.dll override can
help:
1. Copy a DXVK d3d9.dll (from a DXVK release on GitHub) next to
JadeEmpire.exe in the game directory.
2. Add the launch option:
WINEDLLOVERRIDES="d3d9=n,b" %command%
This is optional — many players run fine without it. (Modern GE-Proton ships
DXVK by default, so this is rarely needed on Deck.)

Step 3 — Proton version
GE-Proton is recommended for best compatibility (ProtonDB tier is Gold).
Proton 8.x / 9.x and Proton Experimental are also reported working. Older
Proton 7.0 can produce audio crackling; prefer 8+ if you hit that.

Step 4 — Controls
The game has native controller support ("support for game-pads" per the Steam
store), so the Deck's gamepad works out of the box. If on-screen prompts show
keyboard icons instead of controller glyphs, open Steam Input for the game and
apply the "Gamepad" controller layout to force pad mode.

Step 5 — Resolution
Set resolution to 1280x800 in the in-game display settings to match the Deck's
native screen. The game supports widescreen, so no widescreen patch is needed.

Step 6 — Install method
Standard Steam install (no extra files required). Set the game's compatibility
tool to GE-Proton (or Proton Experimental) under Properties > Compatibility.