Game Compatibility (Computer)

How can I tell if a game will work on my computer?

• Check the game's system requirements.
• Play the trial version.

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System requirements

We provide suggested system requirements for all games. These requirements are based on the way the game was made and on our testing. The odds of a game working well on your computer are best if your computer meets these requirements. Regardless, we always recommend playing a game's trial version just to be safe.

Checking a game's system requirements

1. Find the PC or Mac game of interest.
2. Look for information like the following under the game's sample images: 

   

Requirement guide:

• OS (Operating System): The version of Windows or Mac software currently installed on your computer. For more information, see: Supported Operating Systems.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The part of the computer that gives directions and runs programs.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): The hardware responsible for saving and retrieving information.
• DirectX (Windows only): A set of Microsoft programs used to run games on Windows.
• Hard Drive:The hardware that stores information. 
• Browser: The program you use to access the internet. Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge. 

Checking your computer's system information

Windows

Use the Windows DxDiag program.

• Windows XP Users
  1. Click the Start button and select Run.
  2. Type dxdiag into the text box and click OK.
  3. Once the DirectX diagnostic tool (dxdiag) is open, click Save All Information and save this report to your desktop. 
• Windows 7 / Vista Users
  1. Click on the Start menu (Windows button) in the bottom left corner of your screen.
  2. In the Search box at the bottom of the menu, type dxdiag and press the Enter key.
  3. Once the DirectX diagnostic tool (dxdiag) is open, click the Save All Information button and save this report to your desktop.
  4. From your desktop, open the DxDiag text file and review your System Information.
• Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10 Users
  1. Right-click directly on the Windows icon located on the lower left-hand corner of the screen.
  2. Click Run.
  3. Type dxdiag and select OK.
  4. When the Direct X Diagnostic window finishes loading, click Save all information.
     • If the option is available, select to save a 64-bit report.
  5. Save the "DxDiag.txt" file to your desktop.

Open the DxDiag from your Desktop and compare your system's information to the game's requirements. 

Mac

Use the About This Mac feature:

1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Click About This Mac.

Most of the necessary information will appear on the "Overview" tab. Click System Report... for more details.

Compare the About this Mac information to the game's requirements. 

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Playing trials

Most games offer a trial version. 

Even if your computer meets the suggested system requirements, trials are a great way to make sure that the game plays as expected. Playing a game's trial is also a good way to make sure you like the game. 

To play a trail, simply locate the game you wish to try. Click the Play Now button and follow the prompts to download and activate the game. 

 

The game will download in the Big Fish Games app (Game Manager), and you'll be playing in no time. 

What if the trial doesn't work?

If a game's trial does not work, it may mean that the game is incompatible with the computer's configuration or that the computer does not meet the game's requirements.

However, you can also try troubleshooting. For troubleshooting suggestions, please see the following help article: Game Crashing, Freezing, or Blank Screen