Feral Interactive one of our new favourite porting houses has asked the big question. Why do we game on Linux?
Linux gamers! Tell us: why do you game on Linux? Please spread this question hither and thither. @GameLinux @ROOTGAMERcom @gamingonlinux
— Feral Interactive (@feralgames) September 3, 2014
Feel free to twitter them, or comment here if you answer isn't a short one. I am sure they are watching.
My reasons
It's an interesting question and one that has been asked a lot by many interesting gamers across the years to the Linux community.
For me it's not about why I game on Linux, but more about why I use Linux which directly translates into gaming on it.
I love customization and having the choice to do lots or do nothing. For me it's not always about source code access (I feel that is important though!), but more about being free to do what I want with it, and never having to pay for system upgrades. I spend enough money on games and hardware without wanting to fork out x amount for the latest operating system.
With Linux I have OpenGL and can get updates for it whenever my chosen graphics vendor pushes out a driver for it, but on Windows at times you have needed to upgrade your entire operating system to get it.
On Linux if I don't like how the entire desktop works I can install another one with a few quick commands, or finding the main package in some package manager. That's an important one to note: I dislike Gnome Shell and Unity a lot, so I use Cinnamon and it works perfectly for my needs. I tried Windows 8 and the new UI was utterly a pain to work with or to find anything on (I gave it a real good go too), and I was stuck with it until I installed Linux on my laptop.
On Linux I have choices, and lots of them. I can tinker with almost anything, and if a game doesn't work you can do simple things to find out why. Running a game in the terminal for example will generally be pretty clear on what you are missing and fix it myself, and I can't say the same for broken games on Windows.
I also find Linux to perform far better at most general day to day tasks, and I come from a Windows 95/98/2000/xp/7 and recently a little of 8 background (yes I've used nearly all Windows operating systems, and a lot to).
There's also the community aspect. The amount of times of looked to find out how to do something, and someone helpful already has the answer and shared it with everyone. Linux users can be very, very helpful.
Right now Linux has also helped me fall in love with games I would never had tried if I was on Windows.
That is all off the top of my head, but that's my honest answer to it.
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Like most other people are saying, I game on Linux because I prefer Linux over Windows or Mac.
Of all these operating systems, Linux is the only one that seems to understand there is more than one definition of "user friendliness"
The alternatives seem to think the only definition of it is from the perspective of people who have no clue what they are doing, and everything is designed around that.
Linux lets me do things in much more efficient ways, and in the exact ways that I want them to be done, it lets me have better control over the system as a whole, and its approach toward installing software is very logical and clean (i.e. use a package manager to find everything from a trusted source, rather than having to just google for random websites to give you the software you want and just crossing your fingers it isn't malware)
Linux displays the quality difference that you often see when comparing something created purely for money, and something created as a labor of love.
Of all these operating systems, Linux is the only one that seems to understand there is more than one definition of "user friendliness"
The alternatives seem to think the only definition of it is from the perspective of people who have no clue what they are doing, and everything is designed around that.
Linux lets me do things in much more efficient ways, and in the exact ways that I want them to be done, it lets me have better control over the system as a whole, and its approach toward installing software is very logical and clean (i.e. use a package manager to find everything from a trusted source, rather than having to just google for random websites to give you the software you want and just crossing your fingers it isn't malware)
Linux displays the quality difference that you often see when comparing something created purely for money, and something created as a labor of love.
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Segata Sanshiro Sep 3, 2014
Well, since I don't have twitter, I can answer on here.
My initial reasons for using Linux were mostly political since I am very politically minded. I didn’t like the idea of one company (Microsoft) having a monopoly over something as important as computer operating systems and on top of that, do a terrible, terrible job of it. Most people at this point may switch to Apple, but honestly if I had to choose between the two, I would choose Microsoft over a company which uses fashion and planned obsolescence to exploit human vanity and stupidity creating a buy and throw away culture where today's shiny new product (made in a Chinese gulag) is tomorrow's landfill. So Linux seemed like the logical choice, and it also intrigued me a lot.
Probably after the first two months of using Linux (circa 2008), I stopped dual booting Windows completely and have never used it since. I love gaming, but at this point also started to enjoy tinkering with Linux and had fun getting games to work through wine, encountering issues, resolving them. Also trying out open source games and stuff like SCUMMVM.
I guess after a while, I got bored of that and just wanted stuff to work, but luckily Humble Bundle and Steam came along so I could play lots of games natively without having to wrestle with Wine and often fail.
The reality is, I would never go back to Windows. I have tried using Windows 8 and just get angry and how rubbish it is, and don't get me started on OSX. I even installed Linux on the office computer I used a few years ago because I didn't want to use Windows even in a work environment. I guess it is kind of a fanboyish commitment to something (even though I don't like to admit it), but only to a limited degree since the reality is that it is better and we should all be using Linux (or at least open OSs) - I'm not saying Linux would solve world hunger, but the world would be a better place even if only state sectors used it. Beyond that, although I do believe in Intellectual Property (more so for games than films and music), I think that it would benefit everyone more if the tools used to create that IP were free and open.
What it comes down to is that I love Linux and I love gaming. I buy WAY more games now that there are native Linux games than I used to on Windows or consoles, simply because at the moment I still can't get over the fact that all this stuff is on Linux - it's like getting a game, but also getting to support something you believe in and give a thank you to companies who respect that. Now that Steam is on Linux, I will never buy a console again, and I guess even if the games went away, I would still use Linux and continue to find workarounds like before.
Thanks for XCOM!!
EDIT: I understated the reasons why I think it's a better OS (centralised package manager, speed, stability, choice, etc.) but plenty of others have done that, so I'll just second what they said.
My initial reasons for using Linux were mostly political since I am very politically minded. I didn’t like the idea of one company (Microsoft) having a monopoly over something as important as computer operating systems and on top of that, do a terrible, terrible job of it. Most people at this point may switch to Apple, but honestly if I had to choose between the two, I would choose Microsoft over a company which uses fashion and planned obsolescence to exploit human vanity and stupidity creating a buy and throw away culture where today's shiny new product (made in a Chinese gulag) is tomorrow's landfill. So Linux seemed like the logical choice, and it also intrigued me a lot.
Probably after the first two months of using Linux (circa 2008), I stopped dual booting Windows completely and have never used it since. I love gaming, but at this point also started to enjoy tinkering with Linux and had fun getting games to work through wine, encountering issues, resolving them. Also trying out open source games and stuff like SCUMMVM.
I guess after a while, I got bored of that and just wanted stuff to work, but luckily Humble Bundle and Steam came along so I could play lots of games natively without having to wrestle with Wine and often fail.
The reality is, I would never go back to Windows. I have tried using Windows 8 and just get angry and how rubbish it is, and don't get me started on OSX. I even installed Linux on the office computer I used a few years ago because I didn't want to use Windows even in a work environment. I guess it is kind of a fanboyish commitment to something (even though I don't like to admit it), but only to a limited degree since the reality is that it is better and we should all be using Linux (or at least open OSs) - I'm not saying Linux would solve world hunger, but the world would be a better place even if only state sectors used it. Beyond that, although I do believe in Intellectual Property (more so for games than films and music), I think that it would benefit everyone more if the tools used to create that IP were free and open.
What it comes down to is that I love Linux and I love gaming. I buy WAY more games now that there are native Linux games than I used to on Windows or consoles, simply because at the moment I still can't get over the fact that all this stuff is on Linux - it's like getting a game, but also getting to support something you believe in and give a thank you to companies who respect that. Now that Steam is on Linux, I will never buy a console again, and I guess even if the games went away, I would still use Linux and continue to find workarounds like before.
Thanks for XCOM!!
EDIT: I understated the reasons why I think it's a better OS (centralised package manager, speed, stability, choice, etc.) but plenty of others have done that, so I'll just second what they said.
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Segata Sanshiro Sep 3, 2014
Also, please port Bioshock Infinite, I will make you a cake if you do (learn how to bake first too).
4 Likes, Who?
Sort of new to the whole Linux gaming thing, I have been frustrated with Micro and wish Apple was a little more open with their hardware choices. That being said my main machine runs all 3 with the latest addition being Ubuntu w/ KDE or I guess KUBUNTU. I use a multi-monitor solution and the Unity Bar was driving me nuts in the middle although there were several things I liked about Unity that I think does better than KDE.
As far as gaming on Linux. I wanted to see if I could game for a year (minus my MMOs since I didn't really want to go down the Wine Road) without too much trouble. It's been a fun experiment going on about 4 months now or so. I find that I flip to either OSX or Win7 less and less. With my last reboot was only to patch and play a little LOTRO, before that it had been over a month ago.
There were many things that sparked this idea, but one of them was SteamOS and the idea of gaming without DX (which I know Micro will require everyone to update to 9 comes to have access to DX12.) OpenGL has made some great strides over the last few years and wanted to see how it was progressing hands on compared to DX11. Now I have had to jump through a few hoops to get some things to work, but it's been fun and relearning computing has been exciting since I have haven't really had to do any of that since my Amiga days. I know that is isn't for everyone, but since I'm an IT Professional by trade it's been exciting to get through those hoops. Now I'm even considering trying out Wine to see what else I can get to work ;-)
Sorry little lengthy...sum up
1. Frustrated with Micro and their lack of PC Game Support (The Company not Windows although frustrated with Windows too for other reasons ex. Win8).
2. Wanted to try more Open Source Stuff.
3. Have enjoyed my experimenting and continue to do so.
4. Linux is Solid and open hardware...no BSDs.
As far as gaming on Linux. I wanted to see if I could game for a year (minus my MMOs since I didn't really want to go down the Wine Road) without too much trouble. It's been a fun experiment going on about 4 months now or so. I find that I flip to either OSX or Win7 less and less. With my last reboot was only to patch and play a little LOTRO, before that it had been over a month ago.
There were many things that sparked this idea, but one of them was SteamOS and the idea of gaming without DX (which I know Micro will require everyone to update to 9 comes to have access to DX12.) OpenGL has made some great strides over the last few years and wanted to see how it was progressing hands on compared to DX11. Now I have had to jump through a few hoops to get some things to work, but it's been fun and relearning computing has been exciting since I have haven't really had to do any of that since my Amiga days. I know that is isn't for everyone, but since I'm an IT Professional by trade it's been exciting to get through those hoops. Now I'm even considering trying out Wine to see what else I can get to work ;-)
Sorry little lengthy...sum up
1. Frustrated with Micro and their lack of PC Game Support (The Company not Windows although frustrated with Windows too for other reasons ex. Win8).
2. Wanted to try more Open Source Stuff.
3. Have enjoyed my experimenting and continue to do so.
4. Linux is Solid and open hardware...no BSDs.
1 Likes, Who?
Guys, I love GamingOnLinux.
I Never had a desire to create an account, but today that changed.
I am writing not only for Feral Interactive, but for all companies that insist on not see Linux as a operating system viable for game development and programs.
I play games on Linux for several reassons:
1. My favorite OS. Use since 2008. After I discovered Linux distributions, it became difficult to use another operating system (especially Microsoft Windows).
2. I hardly find some problem, everything works perfectly.
3. safe, fast and stable.
4. Great diversity of graphical interfaces (KDE, Gnome, Unity, LXDE …)
5. Distributions for all tastes.
6. Open source development. I like it and believe it.
7. I can install it on as many machines as I want and repeatedly. Goodbye problems with licenses!
8. Free (a great thing, who doesn't like that? But I usually make donations for my distribution).
9. I'm a game developer. Linux is where I program, have fun and I am happy!
I Never had a desire to create an account, but today that changed.
I am writing not only for Feral Interactive, but for all companies that insist on not see Linux as a operating system viable for game development and programs.
I play games on Linux for several reassons:
1. My favorite OS. Use since 2008. After I discovered Linux distributions, it became difficult to use another operating system (especially Microsoft Windows).
2. I hardly find some problem, everything works perfectly.
3. safe, fast and stable.
4. Great diversity of graphical interfaces (KDE, Gnome, Unity, LXDE …)
5. Distributions for all tastes.
6. Open source development. I like it and believe it.
7. I can install it on as many machines as I want and repeatedly. Goodbye problems with licenses!
8. Free (a great thing, who doesn't like that? But I usually make donations for my distribution).
9. I'm a game developer. Linux is where I program, have fun and I am happy!
4 Likes, Who?
I am very much someone who feels I own my computer. A Microsoft or Apple OS would feel like they own my machine.
2 Likes, Who?
I had a virus on Windows XP back in 2011. A real baddie, the type where my hosting company informed me that my machine was attacking them.
Luckily my AV had informed me about it a day earlier and I was proud to tell the hoster that I had wiped my hard drive and installed Linux on it. (That's what you're supposed to do with a virus; not delete the thing and think you're good. Wipe the whole system, it's compromised.)
I kept dual-booting to a fresh XP install for gaming.
Log out, dis-connect ethernet, log in to XP, game.
That routine didn't cut it for long and I found myself gaming less and less frequently.
That until Desura, HB, and Steam showed up.
Windows was banned on my computer for good and I can't imagine any scenario where that will change.
Luckily my AV had informed me about it a day earlier and I was proud to tell the hoster that I had wiped my hard drive and installed Linux on it. (That's what you're supposed to do with a virus; not delete the thing and think you're good. Wipe the whole system, it's compromised.)
I kept dual-booting to a fresh XP install for gaming.
Log out, dis-connect ethernet, log in to XP, game.
That routine didn't cut it for long and I found myself gaming less and less frequently.
That until Desura, HB, and Steam showed up.
Windows was banned on my computer for good and I can't imagine any scenario where that will change.
3 Likes, Who?
My reason is straightforward, I avoid closed source OSes, and Linux has the best support for gaming amongst the open ones.
2 Likes, Who?
Worms, viruses, and trojans ate my last Windows computer, so I couldn't play games anymore. I had all the top firewalls, virus-scans, etc. updated and working, all for nothing because the malware was in a part of Windows that not even the Windows repair techs could access, and you could never ever see even at the highest level of administration permissions (a sort of Nevernever land). Programs claimed to be able to remove it for a high price, but it never really worked, broke everything, and sometimes even added more malware (to support their own business). There were also numerous hack attempts. Windows by itself cost a fortune, cost a fortune to maintain, cost a fortune to repair, cost a fortune to add any useful programs (Powerpoint Pro), and the security was equivalent to keeping out a T-Rex with a paper door, constantly patched up crappily, and with even mouse-holes you could never find. The Windows computer slows down over time each day, and you have to reinstall Windows pretty often because it slows down with overall use (likely memory leaks and loading up with junk somewhere). Random crashes that provide almost no info as to what's wrong get more frequent over time.
I was forced to switch to Linux. I've forgotten to put a firewall and check for malware on Linux at times, and everything went fine. No problems. Of course I try to not forget those things nowadays. Everything runs smoothly and consistently. No slow-downs, even after leaving the computer on for days. I might miss out on many games, but they're getting worse and worse anyway, and it's not like I could play them on Windows anyway. I know much more about what's going on, and there's plenty of documentation and support, as well as many program alternatives, often open-source, all free. It's so free, it makes me want to pay! I have access to all parts of my computer and I know what's going on. There are no significant memory leaks (I don't have to clear any cache or RAM, unlike on Windows), no random unexplained crashes (except in Wine and badly-programmed games).
I was forced to switch to Linux. I've forgotten to put a firewall and check for malware on Linux at times, and everything went fine. No problems. Of course I try to not forget those things nowadays. Everything runs smoothly and consistently. No slow-downs, even after leaving the computer on for days. I might miss out on many games, but they're getting worse and worse anyway, and it's not like I could play them on Windows anyway. I know much more about what's going on, and there's plenty of documentation and support, as well as many program alternatives, often open-source, all free. It's so free, it makes me want to pay! I have access to all parts of my computer and I know what's going on. There are no significant memory leaks (I don't have to clear any cache or RAM, unlike on Windows), no random unexplained crashes (except in Wine and badly-programmed games).
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Why in seven hells would anybody choose windows now that we can play on linux?
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