this post was submitted on 26 Mar 2025
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Linux Gaming

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Is Linux support still needed nowadays, or is Steam OS good enough? (imgur.com)
submitted 1 week ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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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] 1 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

is there really an advantage to have native Linux support nowadays?

Yes, performance and consistency.

As a dev, you honestly are asking the wrong question. You shouldn't pride yourself on the corners you're cutting; you should be using them as an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skillset.

You're adding to the pile of developer trash every time you rely on abstraction layers to do your job for you. You're reinforcing an atmosphere where windows developers can get locked-in as much as they want, and it's up to the Linux community to pick up their (your) slack.

In all honesty, I don't have high hopes for your game and you really should consider what I'm saying before you release more trash into the world.