Initially upstreamed into the Linux 6.18 kernel is Tyr as a Rust-based GPU kernel driver for Arm Mali hardware. This is in effect a Rust alternative to the Panthor DRM kernel driver for newer Arm Mali GPUs with the Command Stream Firmware (CSF). With the latest development code for Tyr, it’s moved onto running the GNOME desktop and basic games like SuperTuxKart.
Tyr was upstreamed in Linux 6.18 as a starting point for this modern Rust-based Arm Mali driver. Like the Nova driver and other Rust DRM solutions, it started off as a basic foundation for upstreaming and to then be built up over time into a useful driver for handling actual end-user needs.
Daniel Almeida of Collabora shared on their blog today that Tyr is beginning to handle actual real-world tasks:
“Today, we are excited to share that the Tyr prototype has progressed from basic GPU job execution to running GNOME, Weston, and full-screen 3D games like SuperTuxKart, demonstrating a functional, high-performance Rust driver that matches C-driver performance and paves the way for eventual upstream integration!”
For SuperTuxKart, it will run on Tyr as long as full-screen mode as windowed mode has bugs:
“Again, the game is rendered correctly and is completely playable, without any noticeable hiccups or other performance issues, so long as it is run on full screen. Unfortunately, windowed mode still has some glitches: it is a prototype, after all.”
Right now this kernel driver code is considered experimental and not yet mainlined. Those with a newer Arm Mali GPU and wanting to try it out can find the code here.
More details on this Tyr driver milestone via the Collabora blog.
