Larian Rep Responds To Criticism Over The Linux Delay Of Divinity: Original Sin

A fellow on the official Steam forum for Divinity: Original Sin has been commenting to Linux users criticising the delay, and it's an interesting read.

It's not clear if the fellow is a developer, or just a moderator, but either way he is a representative of Larian.

QuoteGiven that the primary development platform at Larian is Windows, the Mac and Linux versions must be done after Windows (ie there is additional time needed for porting).
Given that the console versions have an extra certification process and a manufacturing time that must be taken into account for a retail release, while the PC version is digital only, the console version must be done before the PC version.

Obviously, the actual game content (changes, additions, balancing, etc) must be first. Without being able to have separate teams devoted to each platform simultaneously, the only option is to initially focus on the console versions, since they have to be done first. Of course there is some overlap, and these are not all discrete steps, but once the console versions start the certification process, any remaining console issues are cleaned up for final submission, and then the remaining PC specific issue can be looked at (updated keyboard/mouse UI, etc) and the the Windows version finished and sent through QA, and then Mac and Linux.

This is the problem when you don't work on different versions together, and keep testing them. There will usually be some sort of delay. We see it all the time when Linux is an afterthought for developers, they come up against roadblocks and issues due to them not focusing on Linux at all during the actual development process.

So, basically, the console versions held up everything and Linux is the last thing to be worked on. That's not me putting a spin on it, as that's very clear here. It's not unusual to focus on the smallest platform last, but to see additional platforms come out before one already promised is annoying.

I really hope we don't see another delay in December, as it's been a silly amount of time already.

The developer does try to further clarify the situation:

QuoteThe alternatives:

- no console versions
When the Linux engine was finished being ported earlier this year, it could have been updated to the released version of the game, and been out however long it took after that.
However, that would mean it would have no features added for the EE. D:OS would remain essentially how it is on Windows and Mac, GOTY material, yet with issue which could have been fixed with more development.

- console version, Linux version updated to the released code branch, and then again for the EE
Not feasible.

- console version, Linux version updated just to the released code branch
Ya, that would go over worse that getting a Linux version of the EE but not the original release.

Having the console versions is best for the game, and updating the Linux engine to the EE will make it possible to port future games more easily.
Assuming the EE does well, that means more can be invested into the next games, which will benefit everyone who likes RPGs in the long run.

Honestly, I'm having a hard time reading that part of the post specifically, as it all reads like nonsense developer speak to get out of legitimate criticism. If they had simply worked on the Linux version in tandem with the Windows version, then it wouldn't have been an issue. You don't need to focus just on Windows. We all know how easy it is to setup a Linux box, or even dual boot so I just fail to see why they couldn't keep checking different builds on Linux as development went on, and fixed up issues as they arise.

Take the middleware issue for example, if they had checked into the middleware they wanted to use first they wouldn't have had such a big delay. It's another case of a developer not actually planning for a promised release platform. We already knew this was an issue way back in March though, but the rep mentioned it again.

If they had just outright said Linux was bottom of the list, but it will release much later on, then I doubt it would have been such a big issue for people. Sadly though, it is an issue, and a lot of people aren't happy.

If the Linux version does release in December, it will have been one year and five months+ since the original Windows version. Let that sink in for a moment.

Still, when it does finally arrive on Linux it will be a fantastic game to add to my list. I will give it an unbiased look for sure, since I didn't give them a penny of my money yet. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.