Linux-SWAT
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Reddit users bypass valve linux beta invitations.
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WizardStan
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Posted a while ago. I actually just got my invite to the beta this afternoon by coincidence.
The point of it is that it is a native Linux build, and games that similarly have native Linux builds (such as TF2 or Amnesia) can be installed and run this way. Currently about 1/6 of the games in my library can be installed. If this beta is successful, it will demonstrate the practicality of gaming on Linux which will hopefully convince other publishers to consider cross platform design.
The point of it is that it is a native Linux build, and games that similarly have native Linux builds (such as TF2 or Amnesia) can be installed and run this way. Currently about 1/6 of the games in my library can be installed. If this beta is successful, it will demonstrate the practicality of gaming on Linux which will hopefully convince other publishers to consider cross platform design.
You mean 1/6 of all your Windows Steam games already ahve linux ports available on the beta?
While I wish them success, It seems questionable whether many will port for Linux.
elwing
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that would be a good idea, that would mean lots of old game would be supported and all the new one using a source engine without too much hassle...
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Well the Source engine has been ported to Native Linux for the release of the Steam Linux client.. So far they claim L4D2 run better in Linux then in windows. The wine Layer would most likely be for their older titles and also third party games on steam. It's actually pretty amazing how well Wine has been working now a days, even new releases have a good chance of working. I think a big company like valve contributing to help wine compatibility would just make this better.
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elwing
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WizardStan
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Out of about 150, 25 of them have Linux ports, yes. To be entirely fair, most of them already had Linux ports, purchased as DRM free bundles that also came with Steam keys, but not all.
I managed to get it all working last night finally. Some weird issues with my login credentials.
Anywho, the interesting thing is that the ones I tried all had Steam integration already: unlocking achievements, for example, went straight to Steam. Most Linux ports of these games had their own achievement system, so this is really cool.
I should also note that the DRM free games I tried remained DRM free: I used Steam to install them from the server but then I was able to close Steam and then run the binary manually anyway. This is the best of both worlds: a dedicated client to keep my library in order and keep my games up to date, but still have the ability to run them should Valve ever lose control of their servers (assuming I've previously downloaded them, of course).
thatgui
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I don't get the fuzz about it. Things like the Humble Bundle have already done more for Linux gaming than Steam will ever do. Is a little bit of convenience really worth of having a closed distribution system that activly forces you to accept every change in their general terms and conditions ?
WizardStan
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We aren't talking a little convenience, this is a lot of convenience. Also yes.
If the software were all DRM encrypted and required an always on connection or at least periodic callbacks to the Steam server, then I might be convinced otherwise, but right now with it acting as a central library, installer, updater, and launcher while not necessarily getting in the way I don't see any reason to be against it.
If the software were all DRM encrypted and required an always on connection or at least periodic callbacks to the Steam server, then I might be convinced otherwise, but right now with it acting as a central library, installer, updater, and launcher while not necessarily getting in the way I don't see any reason to be against it.
monstercameron
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i got ubuntu steam beta invitee and they gave me serious sam 3 and it plays flawlessy.
It would be awesome if Linux went mainstream . And while it was at it , knocked Microsoft off its pc gaming throne .
WizardStan
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I was playing TF2 this morning. Whatever they did they did absolutely right. I have never found another game that handled dual screen in Linux this well. It behaves flawlessly.
thatgui
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Well, maybe I'm a somewhat awkward / rare use case, but I don't update/install that often nor is my game collection that big that I couldn't manage it with the tools the OS I use provides me with, but what "lot of" convience are we talking her ? And don't forget even if you don't "align" with Valves terms of usage you do help them by giving them free advertisement.
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^ Well If I want to play Valve games natively ported to Linux it just makes sense.. Despite all the DRM complaining by many people, this just boils down to some much appreciated attention to Linux from a major game developer.
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WizardStan
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Automatic patches, central library, and categorization mostly. I had high hopes for Desura when it came out, but it quickly faltered, with only Humble Bundle 2 and 3 came with Desura keys: every single one has had Steam keys. Picking a new game to play usually had me checking my list of "To Play" games in Steam, deciding which one looked interesting at the moment, checking my Humble Bundle account to see if it had a DRM free Linux install and if so I get that or if not I install the Steam version and try it with Wine. This was made marginally easier thanks to the new account feature of the Humble Bundle so I can see and download all the games I've purchase: before it was added I had to bring up each email and step through the bundles one at a time.
Now that Steam works in Linux and has most of my Bundle games available, it's pretty straight forward, and will only get easier.
The biggest benefit is much trickier though, and requires a lot of faith. See, the ultimate intention of this is to get more games available for Linux. Valve is a big name, and when they say "we're researching the Linux market" other companies notice. There is a hope that the Steam Beta will go well enough that other major companies will start considering the Linux market. This is something that only a large product like Steam could pull off.
thatgui
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So basically it boils down to saving you somewhat between 2 to 10 clicks ?
I have all my games on an external harddrive (except for the old games that have a disc copy protection) which resides in my desk drawer, and gets pulled out if I want to install a game.
Hard to believe, as the Linux gaming market isn't that big to bind the extra resources to support another plattform. I see this as a first step of valve to get out of the "windows/pc" cage leading to a dedicated system with certain hardware in it with a customized linux running on it.
If you would allow the immense exaggeration: So for a few scraps from the table your willing to sell your soul ?
ekianjo
Hardcore Member
Well there are many engines which are cross-platform these days, it's not like it would take very long to compile your game for Linux in certain situations. And these tools are going to be more and more common since there is a marketplace like Steam from now on. I do not think there will be a boom of the Linux game market but it will probably be on the rise because of such movements.
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