Gaming on Linux
Posted by Autistigasmatic@reddit | linux | View on Reddit | 9 comments
Some background. About 4 years ago I started using Linux. Mostly a basic ass I3 setup on my homework/work laptop because tiling window managers are absolutely goated for taking notes. Haven't really done anything Linux related on it besides run updates for a long time because i3 never changes.
I mostly use my desktop to game. I tried Linux, but it was less than ideal. There were always weird stutters while shaders compiled. Most games ran, but a lot of them took a shit ton of troubleshooting and performed badly. I gave up and went to windows for gaming.
Not long ago, my kid wanted me to help set up Linux on his computer. I decided to try it on my desktop again.
Holy shit, what happened? Games just work now, perfectly smooth, instantly. You can easily find scripts on GitHub that give you a fully functional Hyprland setup in minutes, instead of spending a full day screwing around and troubleshooting it, please don't judge me.
Anyway, the point is that desktop Linux feels like it came a shockingly long way in a very short amount of time. I don't know who the people are that are doing this, but I just want to let you know I appreciate the hell out of all of you. GG
oneiros5321@reddit
Gaming on Linux is actually better than on Windows nowadays in my opinion.
Sure Windows gets higher frame rate most of the time, but Linux gets more consistent and stable frame time which is a lot more important for a smooth experience than just more FPS.
As for what happened...well if I remember correctly Gabe hated Windows 8 so much that he wanted another platform for gamers to play on. So Valve contributed heavily to Linux in order to make it a reliable alternative to Windows.
That's why we now have Proton and Gamescope that makes gaming on Linux such a great experience.
Hwidditor@reddit
Gaming on Linux? ... Show me an easy to use thermal fan controller application.
It's the one thing holding me back.
DoubleOwl7777@reddit
as far as i remember, he got scared by the store and ms possibly locking down windows so only their own store could install programms thus killing steam.
Wigglingdixie@reddit
Valve happened. They came out with the Steamdeck and their proton compatibility layer. Gave Linux gaming a giant leap forward.
They did it because they were afraid Microsoft was going to take over windows gaming and only allow game installs from the Windows store, and that’s absolutely where it was headed.
It’s also massively boosted Linux market share.
Also, Valve just announced their new steam console, controller, and VR headset. Which will boost Linux market share even further.
Hwidditor@reddit
I'm still trying to get my head around Valve making SteamOS run on Arch, x86 and Arm ... And making windows applications run on emulation on all of them.
lateralspin@reddit
This is likely as good as it gets, as Microsoft and Windows technologies are like a moving goal post. Linux compatibility layer and/or emulation can only ever stay one or more steps behind a flagship. The opportunity right now, is that the inclusion of monetization or subscription in AAA gaming does not appeal to people, and for this reason, there is expression of interest in Retro Gaming.
So what has been happening lately in Linux is the intersection of particular technologies: Wayland + Cachy optimization + Nvidia GPU support + Valve contribution to Proton compatibility layer
In addition, there is also a niche hobbyist fad in setting up a Mini PC that is a Linux Gaming HTPC. Valve is lowering the bar for this niche.
lainelect@reddit
I feel this. Just set up Pop OS on my new desktop a few weeks ago. Everything just works. And when I need to know something, I use an LLM.
I used a minimal Arch install for years, countless hours reading docs and manuals. Im living in the fucking future and its amazing
AmarildoJr@reddit
We have to thank some people for this, including CodeWeavers (the people that make WINE), VALVe, the DXVK devs...am I forgetting someone? :)
Wine already worked pretty well pre-VALVe, but when VALVe announced the "Faster Zombies!" blog post I knew we were on the right track. Pretty much no big game company supported Linux back in 2011, but to have VALVe actually port their client to the platform? We could only dream of something like this happening.
Still, their first "Steam Machine" was, sadly, a failure, and the fact that we were roaming the 0.5% to 1% userbase on Steam didn't make me too hopeful for the future of gaming on Linux, but I'm glad VALVe persisted and we're now where we are.
IMO they made the right call.
Bakpao777@reddit
For sure it's a lot better now. I used OpenSUSE tumbleweed it was really nice when it worked but I borked my OS and hopped on win 11 for ease of use. I wanna get back on Linux mint soon when I used it's a like windows plug and play very nice. I only went to win 11 for val lmao.