http://bugs.winehq.org/show_bug.cgi?id=23595
--- Comment #5 from Plamen Vassilev plamen.vassilev@gmail.com 2010-07-12 03:06:58 --- Update: For those that do not follow the FEAR message wall, here's the summary: I asked rwolf to upload a specific mp3 file that causes the game to deadlock, and here's what he answered: "This file actually hasn't been necessary for a while. You only need to install WMFADist.exe, which is found on the DVD. If you are still having problems with sound after doing this, than that is an issue that should be pursued separate from this old band-aid fix I created."
So the problem goes away with the installation of this application. (I didn't have the time to test it myself though, but will do) I do not know if it is a Wine bug then. Feel free to close it if you think it's not, and sorry for the noise. OTOH if you feel there is something, that needs to be fixed in Wine, feel comfortable to ask for specific traces etc.