Linux gaming has come a long way, with 80% of the best games of 2023 playable on the platform. This is all thanks to the Steam Deck, which has transformed the gaming landscape. However, there are still some challenges, like kernel-level anti-cheat engines and desktop user-friendliness. But with Linux gaining ground in the gaming world, the future looks bright. Let’s liberate PC gaming from Windows! ๐ฎ #LinuxGamingRevolution
๐ The Gaming Awards Insights
I was watching The Game Awards ceremony last week when I realized that more than a half of all nominees have made their games available on Linux.
๐ Spectacular Trophies
They all were handed out to honorees that also have made their game playable on Linux since day one. In fact, from 58 titles that have been nominated this year, VR and mobile excluded, 8 were console exclusives and another 8 were not available on Steam due to Riot and Epic Games exclusivity policies.
Key Takeaways:
| Honorees | Availability on Linux |
|---|---|
| 42 amazing video games | Almost 80% are Steam Deck Verified or rated as Gold or Platinum on Proton database |
๐ป The Technical Challenge
Video games are the most sophisticated form of art that combines storytelling, music and cinematic visuals to create memorable emotional experiences.
๐ ๏ธ Windows Compatibility Issues
Since most PC games were engineered with Windows and specifically DirectX in mind, it was a bit of a technical challenge to make them work on Linux flawlessly. That’s why Linux gaming community struggled so much in the first place.
FAQ:
What challenges did Linux gaming community face initially?
- Incompatibility with Windows-specific technology, such as DirectX
๐ Evolution of Linux Gaming
Everything changed in 2022 with the release of Steam Deck. Valve managed to completely transform the landscape of gaming on Linux. It took less than 2 years to make a leap from just a hundred Steam Deck verified and playable titles to 12,000.
๐ Growing Compatibility
Almost every former PlayStation exclusive that has been released on PC can be launched on Linux as well. Including God of War, Uncharted, Death’s Stranding and Marvel’s Spider-Man.
Key Takeaways:
| Transformative Factor | Library Size |
|---|---|
| Steam Deck release | 12,000 titles |
โ The Existing Challenges
If you take a look at the top 100 most played games on Steam in December 2023, you’ll notice that 90% of them work surprisingly well on Linux. But the remaining 10% have one common problem.
๐ Anti-Cheat Software Dilemma
Every single unsupported title is being shipped with a kernel-level anti-cheat engine that isn’t configured to work on Linux.
Conclusion:
Millions of people who play those games every month will not perceive Linux as a viable alternative to Windows due to anti-cheat challenges.
๐ป Desktop Experience
Another reason why some people may prefer to stick to Windows is a general desktop experience.
๐ฅ๏ธ User-Experience Considerations
Gaming on Linux still can provide some challenge, especially for the newcomers. To be honest, to me it is not a big deal.
Key Takeaways:
| Baseline Experience | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Steam Deck usage | User-friendly considerations |
๐ The Future of Gaming on Linux
I am incredibly excited for what the future holds for Steam Deck and gaming on Linux in general. According to the Steam Hardware and Software Survey conducted in November, 2023 Linux userbase reached 1.9%.
๐ญ The Hopeful Future
Soon, every 50th PC gamer on Steam is going to be gaming on Linux. Video games are not just the most relevant and advanced form of art. They are also a huge gigantic industry that makes a lot of money.
Bold Insights:
- We have a historical chance to liberate PC gaming from Windows with the thriving potential of Linux.
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