GAME CONNECTION

Learn about the different game connection methods the Beam Eye Tracker can use to reach your game. For a specific game, its own guide covers the full setup.
Requires Beam 2.6.4 or newer.
Select how Beam communicates with your game

Head Tracking Device Emulation

Use this method for many TrackIR*/OpenTrack compatible games.

Beam combines head and eye tracking into one game camera signal and presents it through the configured device emulation interface.

Windows

Linux

The Beam Eye Tracker runs natively on Linux, but Head Tracking Device Emulation needs your game running as a Windows program, and a compatibility environment is what runs one.

Compatibility Environment

  1. Use the game's Windows build in Proton or WineIf the game also ships a native Linux build (e.g. Euro Truck Simulator 2), use the Windows one: device emulation does not reach a native build.
  2. Let Beam find itBeam configures the environments it finds as it starts. If yours is not listed, start the game or its launcher once while Beam is running, then relaunch it.
  3. Check the listEach environment gets its own row and Driver setting, starting on Compatibility. One environment can cover several games, so expect fewer rows than games. If the rows warn that the Steam Linux Runtime is unavailable, install Steam Linux Runtime 3.0 (sniper) from your Steam library (under Tools), fully restart Steam, then click Refresh.

On Steam, Beam runs natively by default, so there is nothing to change for Beam itself. If a game's native build is your only option, some players bridge through the OpenTrack application instead.

macOS

The Beam Eye Tracker runs natively on macOS, but Head Tracking Device Emulation needs your game running as a Windows program, and a compatibility environment is what runs one.

Compatibility Environment

CrossOver is the only one Beam supports currently.

  1. Use the game's Windows build in CrossOverIf the game also ships a native macOS build, use the Windows one: device emulation does not reach a native build.
  2. Let Beam find itBeam configures the environments it finds as it starts. Allow it when macOS asks, and turn on Beam Eye Tracker under System Settings > Privacy & Security > App Management. If yours is not listed, start the game or its launcher once while Beam is running, then relaunch it.
  3. Check the listEach environment gets its own row and Driver setting, starting on Compatibility. A CrossOver environment with Steam inside it covers every Steam game in it.

Installing Steam inside CrossOver and Beam inside that gives you the Windows build of Beam on a Mac, which is not supported. If a game's native build is your only option, some players bridge through the OpenTrack application instead.

Beam installs a driver so games can pick up the eye and head tracking signal. Below are the different versions explained.

Compatibility

Uses the established OpenTrack/FreeTrack 2.0 interface. Some games like Elite Dangerous only support this method, but it can cause issues like locking the mouse controls in games like Euro Truck Simulator 2 when tracking is not active.

Optimized

Uses the interface optimized for the Beam Eye Tracker that achieves even smoother rendering in compatibility environments like Wine, Proton, or CrossOver. However, some games do not support it. Anti-cheat can also block it, as BattlEye does in War Thunder.

Not Installed

Removes the driver installation.

*Eyeware Tech SA and the Beam Eye Tracker solution are not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or associated with NaturalPoint. The Beam Eye Tracker solution is an independent product which uses OpenTrack components or its own implementations to interoperate with games. TrackIR® is a registered trademark of NaturalPoint, Inc.

UDP over Network

Use this route for games that read the OpenTrack UDP pose protocol directly.

Beam sends its filtered Immersive Camera pose to the configured UDP port. Supported games include X4: Foundations.

UDP Port. Enter the same port here and in the game's OpenTrack UDP input settings. The default is 4242.

Through OpenTrack Application

Use this route when the external OpenTrack application handles the game connection.

Beam sends tracking data to OpenTrack, then OpenTrack applies its own configuration and forwards the result to the game. You have to run OpenTrack while you play.

A Setup Guide button appears on the row to configure it.

VIEW GAME GUIDES