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Another day another Natural Selection 2 Linux progress update! Yes it's real, it's coming and here's more info for you!

We have told you a few times about Natural Selection 2 (Latest is here) and the developers plans to bring it over to Linux, they have now done a new development update blog which shows it off on Linux!

NS2 on Mint:
image

NS2 on Ubuntu:
image

QuoteThey show that not only is Natural Selection 2 now running on Linux, we are even starting to successfully trial actual networked play. In theory, we could have connected Windows players to the same server.

This does not mean we are about to release NS2 on Linux. But we are getting damn close. This is real, we are aiming for true SteamPlay Windows / Linux / Mac support. Max and Dushan are working full time on bringing this dream to fruition, and we can’t wait to share more progress with you over the coming weeks.

Seriously cool stuff, I know a lot of people are excited about this one, me included!

I know graphics are never bigger than gameplay but the graphics in NS2 are really, really good so, that coupled with some interesting game-play will lead to a lot of happy Linux gamers I’veno doubt!

The fact that they have people working on this full time means they have a lot of faith in Linux and considering how popular the game itself is, it's really great for us!

So hopefully anyone who says we are hyping up over nothing, I hope this lays your fears to rest. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: FPS, Steam, Upcoming
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly checked on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. You can also follow my personal adventures on Bluesky.
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16 comments

Xodetaetl Jul 5, 2013
Hm, finally a new multiplayer FPS for my yearly LANs with old friends ?
Wait... it's another fussing Steam exclusive ! :(
Liam Dawe Jul 5, 2013
What's the problem with Steam for you Xod?
Xodetaetl Jul 5, 2013
The main problem I find with Steam is that games are linked to the platform. That's the worst kind of DRM, it's almost as bad as games exclusive to Windows. It's strange to me that it's not obvious for you. Try to think of the future : what if you change for a system were your games could run fine, but Steam isn't available ? What if a better platform than Steam becomes available (like the open platform I'm working on...) and you'd like to switch ? What if you just don't want to run your games through a platform layer that is useless to you ?

You know... freedom. Steam is proprietary and it shows.

Oh I agree that it's a good thing to have Steam on Linux. At least it's better than not. But we who care about freedom and the future should work to prevent that games on Linux become Steam exclusives.
Liam Dawe Jul 5, 2013
I don't see it as a problem myself since when buying games from Steam I know full well I am taking the risk that if I move to a platform that doesn't have Steam then I can't play. It's only a problem if you don't understand that risk for me.

Until other platforms like Desura and IndieCity can have a bigger reach more people will do Steam Exclusives. Not many developers want to spread their games over many websites.
Xodetaetl Jul 5, 2013
It's only a problem if you don't understand that risk for me.

That's where you're wrong. It's also - and mainly - a problem if you don't *like* that 'risk' (which, for me is a not a risk, it's a known issue, because I know I don't want to use Steam). You don't see it as a problem yourself because you are ok to tie yourself to Steam. But objectively it *is* a problem.

Games you would like to play exclusive to Windows, do you see it as a problem ? This is exactly the same thing.
Liam Dawe Jul 5, 2013
This is why we ask developers if it's possible to get DRM Free downloads as well as Steam.

As for Windows only titles, again we are getting there but we need to reach out to developers.

Personally though for me it isn't much of an issue, especially since I don't see Linux going anywhere especially when it's free and open source anyone can pick it up, the issue for me isn't the OS at all.
Xodetaetl Jul 5, 2013
This is why we ask developers if it's possible to get DRM Free downloads as well as Steam.
Well that's great, and all I'm asking for !

Personally though for me it isn't much of an issue, especially since I don't see Linux going anywhere especially when it's free and open source anyone can pick it up, the issue for me isn't the OS at all.
I don't understand.
What is 'the issue' for you then ?
What does Linux represent to you, why do you use it ?
Liam Dawe Jul 5, 2013
Well this is going far off the point of the article ;)

There is no issue for me, but for others the issue would be Steam's DRM and I have been quite open on my views on it, I don't mind it but I see why others might - Hence the need for DRM Free downloads too.

For me I use Linux because it's free and I can customize it however I see fit, I also tend to get better performance than Windows.
Xodetaetl Jul 5, 2013
I have been quite open on my views on it
It's hard to be objectively against freedom ^^. That's its strength, and why Linux may thrive someday.

Anyway, hopefully I've answered your question. ;)
Jebril Jul 5, 2013
Valve is a cool company, without them Linux would still be leeching as much as it can off the Humble Bundle games this is a start, even if it's not one that you may like it pushes your platform forward. As for your reasoning for why Steam is bad, I don't agree with most of it, Steam is already available on the three major platforms, Steam has an offline mode but yes you still have to launch games through it. Unless you're desperate for resources or really paranoid from Valve screwing you over I don't see what the big deal is. 

Also I'm REALLY excited for NS2, can't wait.
oldrocker99 Jul 5, 2013
I understand the closed-source, DRM objections some people (including geek saint Richard M. Stallman) have with Steam for Linux, but as a lifelong gamer, grousing that I had to dual boot with (gak) Windows just to play games, I am pretty much delighted with Steam for Linux, so that I can play native Half-Life and Portal, Crusader Kings 2 (Europs Universalis IV will be released for Linux the same day it's released for Windows), Unity of Command, Team Fortress 2, Serious Sam 3, Kerbal Space Program, and many more. I've become a happy Linux gamer, and the future (including 2014's Kickstarted Wasteland 2 and Infinity Quest) looks blindingly bright.
FutureSuture Jul 5, 2013
Can any of you tell me how Unvanquished compares to Natural Selection 2?
Cheeseness 13 years Jul 6, 2013
Getting exciting! (would prefer to see a DRM free version than have it only on Steam, but I'll probably grab it regardless)
Liam Dawe Jul 6, 2013
Can any of you tell me how Unvanquished compares to Natural Selection 2?
Apart from the graphical quality difference it does play very differently, partly due to being far more complete than Unvanquished. The gameplay is a little bit slower as well in NS2 and just feels better.
Xodetaetl Jul 6, 2013
Valve is a cool company, without them Linux would still be leeching as much as it can off the Humble Bundle games this is a start, even if it's not one that you may like it pushes your platform forward.
Quoting myself :
"Oh I agree that it's a good thing to have Steam on Linux. At least it's better than not."

As for your reasoning for why Steam is bad, I don't agree with most of it, Steam is already available on the three major platforms, Steam has an offline mode but yes you still have to launch games through it. Unless you're desperate for resources or really paranoid from Valve screwing you over I don't see what the big deal is.
a- I want to play to game.
b- I don't want to use Steam.
c- I must use Steam to play to game.
d- Happiness fades away.
You understand ?
FutureSuture Jul 6, 2013
Can any of you tell me how Unvanquished compares to Natural Selection 2?
Apart from the graphical quality difference it does play very differently, partly due to being far more complete than Unvanquished. The gameplay is a little bit slower as well in NS2 and just feels better.
And what about Tremulous?
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