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Good news for all those waiting on the mech strategy game BATTLETECH [Official Site], as there's hints of it actually coming soon now.

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On TuxDB, a Linux content depot was detected. Looking into it further on SteamDB, it seems it's true and they've been working on the Linux content. Of course, we still have no idea when it will actually release for us, but this is a very good sign.

They did say back in May, that the Linux version was a high priority for the post-launch roadmap. They are also aiming for a bigger update either this month or July, so perhaps the Linux version will release along side that? Who knows, but we will of course notify you of any changes.

From original BATTLETECH/MechWarrior creator Jordan Weisman and the developers of the award-winning Shadowrun Returns series comes the next-generation of turn-based tactical 'Mech combat. 

The year is 3025 and the galaxy is trapped in a cycle of perpetual war, fought by noble houses with enormous, mechanized combat vehicles called BattleMechs. Take command of your own mercenary outfit of 'Mechs and the MechWarriors that pilot them, struggling to stay afloat as you find yourself drawn into a brutal interstellar civil war. Upgrade your starfaring base of operations, negotiate mercenary contracts with feudal lords, repair and maintain your stable of aging BattleMechs, and execute devastating combat tactics to defeat your enemies on the battlefield.

As a huge fan of turn-based strategy games and anything to do with massive mech units, I've been eagerly waiting this one. Still a shame it was delayed, let's hope they've used that time to make the Linux version work well.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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14 comments

fryk Jun 12, 2018
Well, it's about time. I grew up with Battletech on the Amiga, and it was one of my most played games. I was really hyped about the game and hoping for a day 1 release. Instabuy at realease! But ... nah, now it came pretty much out of my sight. Maybe I'll get it at a sale.
I never really believed that, but now it seems to me that the date of release actually does make a diffenrence for the number of sales. In a way, that's a sad thing for us linux gamers.
draxil Jun 12, 2018
About time! Almost regret kickstarting it now.
Eike Jun 12, 2018
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Quoting: GuestIt definitely makes a difference! Day-1 releases and games that generally give great Linux support get a great percentage of Linux gamers supporting them, too.

Most people want to play games when they are fresh, when people are talking, magazines writing and YouTube/Switch playing...
Cmdr_Iras Jun 12, 2018
Quoting: GuestAnd friends are also interested in it, and wanting to play multi-player, etc.

Yep, missing day-1 is missing out on a lot of support I'm sure.

Yeah and it leads to a terrible catch-22 situation; in that as fewer Linux gamers buy it at initial release because is we arent day-1 then it drops to a well Ill pick it up on sale sort of buy. This hows in the sales stats so the next game is also not a day-1 releae and it perpetuates a cycle that often ends up in no linux version as we dont buy straight away because we want fresh releases with the rest of the gaming world.

likewise companies that invest in a day-1 linux release will likely see the opposite effect and say well Linux players bought the game at full price on around release, lets do that again.
DMJC Jun 12, 2018
Now if we could just get Mechwarrior 5 ported...
Liam Dawe Jun 12, 2018
While it sucks it had a delay, it is still coming. We should still show companies our love and support for bothering in the first place (as long as the game doesn't suck obviously), the amount of companies that act like Linux doesn't exist is ridiculous (for various reasons, not arguing the reasons behind them doing so).

It is true a delayed release can hurt sales, absolutely, but let's not make that so because we're turning our noses up at it just because it was delayed. Imagine if the majority did the same for Aspyr or Feral releases, which can be years after the Windows game release, we would be fucked.


Last edited by Liam Dawe on 12 June 2018 at 12:35 pm UTC
Cmdr_Iras Jun 12, 2018
Quoting: liamdaweWhile it sucks it had a delay, it is still coming. We should still show companies our love and support for bothering in the first place (as long as the game doesn't suck obviously), the amount of companies that act like Linux doesn't exist is ridiculous (for various reasons, not arguing the reasons behind them doing so).

It is true a delayed release can hurt sales, absolutely, but let's not make that so because we're turning our noses up at it just because it was delayed. Imagine if the majority did the same for Aspyr or Feral releases, which can be years after the Windows game release, we would be fucked.

Oh I agree with you that we shouldnt push publishers away, I think its just a mix of frustration from people that they cant play with their windows owning firends at release, and when it is released often windows playing friends have already moved on. And of course there is the case that without a day-1 release the game becomes lost in the crowd and by the time it releases for linux there isnt a media fanfare to remind people (Obviously we know you will let us know :) ).

I backed this on Kickstrater so my copy is already paid for just waiting for it to show in my library to download.
fryk Jun 12, 2018
Quoting: liamdaweWhile it sucks it had a delay, it is still coming. We should still show companies our love and support for bothering in the first place (as long as the game doesn't suck obviously), the amount of companies that act like Linux doesn't exist is ridiculous (for various reasons, not arguing the reasons behind them doing so).

It is true a delayed release can hurt sales, absolutely, but let's not make that so because we're turning our noses up at it just because it was delayed. Imagine if the majority did the same for Aspyr or Feral releases, which can be years after the Windows game release, we would be fucked.

Well, the problem with it, at least on my side, is not that I'm offended or something by the company not giving us the day-1-release. It's just a time thing. It's easy to lose interest. There are so many games coming to linux, that I don't even know what to play next. And fresh games are just more interesting. There are older games that I will buy instantly, when ported to linux. Like life is strange: bts for example. But these are scarce.
Schattenspiegel Jun 12, 2018
Will be a day one Linux release buy.
If you ignore the mechlab and +++weapon nonsense it probably is the best BattleTech game since The Crescent Hawk's Inception ;-)
stretch611 Jun 12, 2018
One other problem with missing day-1 linux compatibility is WINE.

While WINE is a great technical achievement, it does mean that Linux users will buy it as a windows game only skewing the numbers.
Alm888 Jun 12, 2018
Quoting: liamdaweWhile it sucks it had a delay, it is still coming. We should still show companies our love and support for bothering in the first place…
Well, I showed them my support during Kickstarter campaign, and that's where it got me.

Quoting: liamdaweIt is true a delayed release can hurt sales, absolutely, but let's not make that so because we're turning our noses up at it just because it was delayed.
No one says those games must be ignored, but I believe, a discount is in order. (Like with RUINER -- good guys, they know how to present a Linux release ^_^ )

Quoting: liamdaweImagine if the majority did the same for Aspyr or Feral releases, which can be years after the Windows game release, we would be fucked.
You (and "jens" :D ) probably know my oponion on feral-ports.
So, you could be laconic and had said "Imagine we all were like Alm888." (Yes, I'm so humble, he-he). :D
gabber Jun 12, 2018
Quoting: liamdaweWhile it sucks it had a delay, it is still coming. We should still show companies our love and support for bothering in the first place (as long as the game doesn't suck obviously), the amount of companies that act like Linux doesn't exist is ridiculous (for various reasons, not arguing the reasons behind them doing so).

It is true a delayed release can hurt sales, absolutely, but let's not make that so because we're turning our noses up at it just because it was delayed. Imagine if the majority did the same for Aspyr or Feral releases, which can be years after the Windows game release, we would be fucked.

There's a difference between the original developer or a third part doing the port.
If feral showed up some months after the windows only release of Battletech and annouce a port, we would cheer and rightfully so. Here they promised Linux support from the beginning and then delayed it.
Sure it's better then nothing, but it does not 'taste' good.
I'd rather not look forward to something then being let down and judging by the comments I am not alone. And this will hurt the sale and thus probably the future Linux support. But I consider spending money as voting. And I do not vote for delayed ports because of reasons others have mentioned.

Often the Linux release comes together with a sale, as if to say sorry. And then the money made by a delayed Linux release on sale gets compared to the day 1 with all the hype.
Asu Jun 12, 2018
ah very good. Also please someone bring inquisitor martyr to linux too thx.
nattydread Jun 14, 2018
This is absolutely the PC game of the year.
It's very addictive and true to the original 3025 tabletop game.
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