On raw performance might, the M4 really does live up to Apple’s promises, should deliver. Single core is up about 20% compared to all M3 chips and more than 40% compared to M2. The generational computational leap from the previous M2 iPad Pro is at least a 42% jump on single-core and multi-core.
I’ve got a high end Intel MacBook Pro and a low end M1 Mac Mini. The Mac Mini runs x86 apps live Civ 6 faster and smoother than the Intel MacBook can.
I don’t doubt it, Apple has never had good gaming performance. But a non apple laptop in the same price range with X86 aimed at gaming can run it a lot better.