I see people annoyed with GOG a lot in our comments for how long it's taking their Galaxy client to land on Linux, the good news is that it's being worked on.
From their forum:
A very clear statement.
It will be really nice to have Galaxy on Linux, as I really personally hate keeping track of each individual download. I do have a number of games from GOG installed and going through them one by one to see if they need an update is not something I have time to do.
The fact that Galaxy is optional is also a really nice feature.
From their forum:
QuoteThe Linux version is very much still planned, but we don't have an ETA or any kinda timeline for it at this moment in time. We are, however, working on it. I suppose this won't really satisfy many of the Linux users here but I figured I'd at least let you guys know that it's not been ditched by any means.
A very clear statement.
It will be really nice to have Galaxy on Linux, as I really personally hate keeping track of each individual download. I do have a number of games from GOG installed and going through them one by one to see if they need an update is not something I have time to do.
The fact that Galaxy is optional is also a really nice feature.
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I have no particular interest in incremental client, but people who have hundreds of games and use them often, can find it useful to install updates. However if client is closed, it's something I'm not going to use even if it's available for Linux. Trusting some closed software to install stuff on my computer? No, thanks. I'll leave to the Windows world.
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The GOG Galaxy client for Linux - For me, it would be nice to have but it is in no way necessary for me to enjoy my GOG DRM-free games collection. In fact I tend to prefer *not* running a client and at least having a choice in the matter (i.e. not being forced to use a client).
In Steam's case, the client is being used for game ownership authentication most of the time, and other features like gathering play statistics. It is good that the Steam client offers Offline Mode, which generally allows you to play anything in your library without an internet connection being necessary. Also I understand that quite a number of games which are also available as DRM-free purchases can be downloaded off Steam and then played without Steam client being active.
My own preferred solution to DRM-free goodness is when a DRM-free game turns up on Humble Bundle store. In this case, you generally get the DRM-free download of the game (across all platforms) as well as the Steam key for the game. In fact I'd probably buy more stuff from GOG if I got the game on GOG as well as a Steam key. (Of course it is perfectly understandable why that is not the case: GOG don't want to give part of their earnings to Steam.)
One thing outside of the GOG Galaxy client that bothers me: When the GOG version of the game isn't maintained well by the developers. In some cases, the developers aren't bothering to release the Linux version of the game on GOG, but it is available on Steam. In other cases, the developers are not keeping the game up to date on GOG (while keeping it up to date on Steam).
Regarding the hatred being shown by some people to each game-selling platform (GOG, Steam, others):
GOG DO support Linux gaming. Often they handle repackaging older games so that they run under Linux (via WINE wrappers) themselves. Having a game in DRM-free version is also very much in the Linux spirit (i.e. not being locked into running a closed-source game client).
Steam DO support Linux gaming. If anything, Steam has greatly helped Linux to go forward with gaming. Without Steam, Linux would not be enjoying the quantity and quality of games which are available now. The fact that a game is DRM-free or not is not the fault of Steam, it is the fault of the game developers.
My feeling is that it is a waste of time for Linux gamers to voice hatred of either of these big Linux supporters. (Better to direct your energy into contacting game developers who are not releasing for Linux 'yet'.)
In Steam's case, the client is being used for game ownership authentication most of the time, and other features like gathering play statistics. It is good that the Steam client offers Offline Mode, which generally allows you to play anything in your library without an internet connection being necessary. Also I understand that quite a number of games which are also available as DRM-free purchases can be downloaded off Steam and then played without Steam client being active.
My own preferred solution to DRM-free goodness is when a DRM-free game turns up on Humble Bundle store. In this case, you generally get the DRM-free download of the game (across all platforms) as well as the Steam key for the game. In fact I'd probably buy more stuff from GOG if I got the game on GOG as well as a Steam key. (Of course it is perfectly understandable why that is not the case: GOG don't want to give part of their earnings to Steam.)
One thing outside of the GOG Galaxy client that bothers me: When the GOG version of the game isn't maintained well by the developers. In some cases, the developers aren't bothering to release the Linux version of the game on GOG, but it is available on Steam. In other cases, the developers are not keeping the game up to date on GOG (while keeping it up to date on Steam).
Regarding the hatred being shown by some people to each game-selling platform (GOG, Steam, others):
GOG DO support Linux gaming. Often they handle repackaging older games so that they run under Linux (via WINE wrappers) themselves. Having a game in DRM-free version is also very much in the Linux spirit (i.e. not being locked into running a closed-source game client).
Steam DO support Linux gaming. If anything, Steam has greatly helped Linux to go forward with gaming. Without Steam, Linux would not be enjoying the quantity and quality of games which are available now. The fact that a game is DRM-free or not is not the fault of Steam, it is the fault of the game developers.
My feeling is that it is a waste of time for Linux gamers to voice hatred of either of these big Linux supporters. (Better to direct your energy into contacting game developers who are not releasing for Linux 'yet'.)
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Quoting: g000hMy feeling is that it is a waste of time for Linux gamers to voice hatred of either of these big Linux supporters. (Better to direct your energy into contacting game developers who are not releasing for Linux 'yet'.)
I don't get all this drama, and I never liked the entitlement from some Linux gamers. The +1 thing on steam forums is pretty lame. If the developers want to make Linux port, they will, if not I don't think there is much you can say to convince them. It's a fool's errand.
The only thing that helps is using Linux and buying Linux games. If you can, from the porter's store.
I think we're better of just ignoring those who don't support Linux gaming. Just focus on those who do.
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Quoting: AryvandaarQuoting: g000hMy feeling is that it is a waste of time for Linux gamers to voice hatred of either of these big Linux supporters. (Better to direct your energy into contacting game developers who are not releasing for Linux 'yet'.)
I don't get all this drama, and I never liked the entitlement from some Linux gamers. The +1 thing on steam forums is pretty lame. If the developers want to make Linux port, they will, if not I don't think there is much you can say to convince them. It's a fool's errand.
The only thing that helps is using Linux and buying Linux games. If you can, from the porter's store.
I think we're better of just ignoring those who don't support Linux gaming. Just focus on those who do.
You're right. Gamers should put their time and energy in the direction of what is available for them already - and there is plenty for Linux. But, if they want to sound their frustrations and not be positive about what they have, then directing it in the correct place is preferable.
Last edited by g000h on 3 May 2017 at 12:47 pm UTC
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