this post was submitted on 26 Mar 2025
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Linux Gaming

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Hey there!

I'm a solo dev working on a sci-fi grand strategy game (I didn't manage to find if self-promo is allowed so I'll keep the name for myself).

I was updating my planning and started to think: since my game will be published on Steam, it will be playable on Linux using Compatibility Mode even if I don't specifically target Linux itself. I myself play on an Ubuntu and this allows me to play almost every Windows game (old ones are more capricious, but recent ones are ok).

So I'm wondering, is there really an advantage to have native Linux support nowadays? As a solo dev, the thing I lack the most is time. The days/weeks/months it would take me to add it and fix all the probable bugs it entails could be used to improve the game itself or add features instead for example.

On a more general note, what do you other Linux players expect from a Linux game?

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (3 children)

I've heard that Steam provides some guidelines to get your games to work well with Proton. I'm not able to find them but maybe they're behind a developer portal or something. If it works with Proton there's no reason to aim for a native Linux binary since your time will be better spent elsewhere.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 days ago (2 children)

Yes that seems to be the consensus in the end. Thanks for your answer :)

For the docs I've found this for Proton common issues: https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/steamdeck/proton?l=english And this for Steam Deck compatibility: https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/steamdeck/recommendations I'm sure there are other resources, but if someone finds the thread later and needs a starting point, here they are

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Thank you for sharing your findings, those are interesting reads. Good luck with the development. I signed up for theailing list out of curiosity.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 days ago

You're welcome, thank you, and welcome aboard :)