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Update: They have since changed the name of it on Steam to "Arma: Cold War Assault Mac/Linux" which should help avoid some confusion.

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Arma: Cold War Assault [Steam] is now available for Linux & Mac, but it does not support Steamplay with the Windows version. So Steam now has a Windows version and then an entirely separate store entry for the Linux/Mac version.

It's the same price for the different versions, but Virtual Programming (the porters) have confirmed to me this is not a mistake. They also confirmed to me that multiplayer is cross platform between Linux, Mac and Windows so that's good to have at least.

This isn't the first game on Steam to force you to buy it on a different platform. Aspyr Media's 'Call of Duty: Black Ops - Mac Edition' was also one such game that did this.

I really hope this isn't the shape of things to come, as I really don't agree with having to buy for a different operating system on the same hardware on PC. As much as I truly want to support more Linux ports from VP (as Bioshock was a fantastic port, as was DiRT Showdown), I am heavily torn by this. Torn, as I likely will still buy it to support VP to continue porting as I want more Linux ports and to try a game on Linux I never tried on Windows.

Another issue, is the platform icons and how this will again cause confusion for gamers. The SteamOS icon in particular has been repeatedly confusing for people. Hopefully by now most people on Windows already have it, as it could create some support and refund headaches for people who don't properly look at the platform icons.

One thing it will stop, is grey-market keys for the Windows version being used for it. So practically all Linux gamers wanting this will be forced to pay for it properly. That redeems it a little, since I really don't like grey-market stores.

About the game
Bohemia Interactive's debut game published by Codemasters as Operation Flashpoint in 2001, became genre-defining combat military simulation and the No. 1 bestselling PC game around the world and has won many international awards, including “Game of The Year” and “Best Action Game”. Over 2 million copies have been sold since its release.

Storyline
The horrors of WWIII are imminent. There are clashes over the Malden Islands from dusk to dawn and you are caught in-between. You must use all of the available resources in your arsenal to hold back the incoming darkness. Victor Troska came back to Nogovo, he thought the pain of war was left buried in his past.
But his dream lies broken now.

His worst nightmare returns when military forces lands near Nogovo. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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About the author -
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check 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.
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31 comments
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Turbid Mar 14, 2017
Yeap! Whats about Arma2?
Urgick Mar 14, 2017
Maybe official release of Arma 3 will depend on how well this game will selles on mac/linux
Skudra Mar 14, 2017
so i need to spend 4 euros again just to get Linux version? wtf? couldn't they give this version for free for existing owners?
Leopard Mar 14, 2017
Quoting: UrgickMaybe official release of Arma 3 will depend on how well this game will selles on mac/linux

If that is the case (which i don't think so) ,i wouldn't buy a single game that VP involved. You're saying that if you want me to port games to Linux,you must buy every crap i ported. I doubt Vp think that way
DelGro95 Mar 14, 2017
noo, i had it in my steam library, it was a gift or something, i don't remember. i guess i will use wine if i want to play this game :(
Urgick Mar 14, 2017
Quoting: Leopard
Quoting: UrgickMaybe official release of Arma 3 will depend on how well this game will selles on mac/linux

If that is the case (which i don't think so) ,i wouldn't buy a single game that VP involved. You're saying that if you want me to port games to Linux,you must buy every crap i ported. I doubt Vp think that way
chill out it's just a thought
ysblokje Mar 14, 2017
I'm having a hard time justifying buying it again. I bought it at release in 2001 with all the expansions that followed. Then I bought the steam version. Now they want my money for a THIRD TIME?!?!?!
elbuglione Mar 14, 2017
And Arma 3??? When?!!!
dubigrasu Mar 14, 2017
I'll buy it anyway, since is from VP, but what about the game itself?
(I see that despite being so old it is still played today and has very positive reviews.)
ysblokje Mar 14, 2017
Quoting: dubigrasuI'll buy it anyway, since is from VP, but what about the game itself?
(I see that despite being so old it is still played today and has very positive reviews.)

I was blown away by it when it came out! I can recommend playing it, but do understand this is cutting edge openworld 2001 style :)


Last edited by ysblokje on 14 March 2017 at 2:03 pm UTC
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