Rosetta 2 translates x86 instructions to ARM and cache result. That translation seems quite good given that they demonstrated a complex 3D game running translated code on ARM hardware much weaker than what Apple will deliver in laptops.
Honestly I think x86 games will run better on these ARM laptops. Keep in mind x86 on laptops don’t work great. Apple could outperform most of their x86 laptops with a passively cooled ARM tablet.
An ARM laptop with active cooling will destroy their x86 lineup.
Besides you also get the whole iOS games catalog now which is much larger than the macOS game selection.
The iOS catalog is moot until devs starting making real games for the platform. Apple Arcade and a few indie studios have done great, but for the most part, iOS games are micro transaction laden trash. It will take years before we see any real desktop level games developed to run exclusively on ARM macs.
I think the success of gaming on the platform will come down to game engine devs like Unreal and Unity. If they can optimize exports to target Apple silicon with minimal overhead, that’s the best bet to see gaming live on. Otherwise, I don’t see how any AAA studios can find it worth their time to build for 2 completely different architectures.
One interesting exception might be EA, as The Sims is hugely popular among casual crowds that might have a MacBook for college or something. But in the case of EA, they also will create a new Sims game and then milk it for a decade, thus paying back their R&D costs. Other studios who frequently make new games and want to push the hardware may not be as inclined to spend that with such a small install base.
Honestly I think x86 games will run better on these ARM laptops. Keep in mind x86 on laptops don’t work great. Apple could outperform most of their x86 laptops with a passively cooled ARM tablet.
An ARM laptop with active cooling will destroy their x86 lineup.
Besides you also get the whole iOS games catalog now which is much larger than the macOS game selection.