Confused on Steam Play and Proton? Be sure to check out our guide.
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

The Sad State About Japanese Devs And Linux

By Linux Gamer -
A few days ago pakopekopiko decided to ask one of the most popular localization company how they feel about the possibility to bring fantastic titles like Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale to Linux.
image
The Localization company is very positive about porting to Linux, but the actual developers seem to be very conservative about setting this step.
Take your time to read the "interview"
Quote@pakopekopiko: So... when will Recettear become available for Linux/Steam (preferably without WINE)?

@SpaceDrakeCF: Very possibly never. EGS' domestic market for Linux games is, IIRC, literally non-existent.
Never say never, I suppose,but it's definitely not a priority.

@pakopekopiko: Well then... how about current and future CF[Carpe Fulgur] games?

@SpaceDrakeCF: Porting decisions will be up to our partners, primarily. And with the Linux market in Japan being what it is...
I'm not unsympathetic to our Linux users, mind, it's just a case of convincing our partners to create a port that will get -
*literally zero sales* in their home market. Not the easiest road to hoe.
And by and large they want to keep source code in-house, so...

@pakopekopiko: Word. Thanks for the thorough respond. :) Yeah, while Steambox might introduce new gamers to Linux, people with an extended library of games on Steam, most of which are Win-only, this box might be a tougher sell than Newell anticipates.Also, I'm not sure how many PC gamers are adept enough to change OS; are PC gamers tinkerers or have a dev-like mindset?

So where does that bring us? Do you guys think we could convince these Japanese developers to bring their games to our platform? How should we approach them so that they will consider bringing these awesome games to us?

All I can think of for now is just visiting their website, so they will at least know that we exist. Well actually, only visit their website if are actually interested (I don't want to be responsible for untrue statistics). Another possibility would be polling for a petition (It worked for other games in the past) Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Misc
0 Likes
The comments on this article are closed.
5 comments

Cheeseness Jan 12, 2013
Is this a dominant culture amongst Japanese developers, or just one dev who doesn't quite understand things (there are plenty of Western developers who think that there's no market for Linux games)?

Since they're talking about domestic (local) market, there's nothing any of us who aren't in Japan can do, I suspect.
x414e54 Jan 12, 2013
I would really like these games to be on Linux. I have been looking for more Japanese language games!

I think PC gaming overall, Linux or not has never been really that big in Japan compared to other countries. Japan's focus has mainly been on consoles and hand held gaming (as they made most of them). A lot of people who do PC game do so in Manga/Internet Cafe's and all the computers there usually use XP.

Unless a Linux Value Steam box or Ubuntu Phone can break it's way into Japan then best you can hope for is maybe an Android port.
Linux gamer Jan 12, 2013
Quoting: "Cheeseness, post: 7611, member: 122"Is this a dominant culture amongst Japanese developers, or just one dev who doesn't quite understand things (there are plenty of Western developers who think that there's no market for Linux games)?

Well, Carpe Fulgur speaks about all their partners, so it seems to be the dominant culture.
At least most western indie developers consider Linux.
narc Mar 22, 2013
"And by and large they want to keep source code in-house"  That's becoming more and more of a moot reason.  There are plenty of closed-source software in Linux and the still timid but large enough number of games are generally closed.  Carmack is the exception, not the rule.
narc Mar 22, 2013
After writing this, I realized "Keeping source -in-house" might also mean that they don't want any third party to deal with it. regardless of the fact that it's open or closed.  My mistake.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.