I've been having an internal debate with myself about covering this one, since I'm a huge fan of XCOM-like games but the developer of XENONAUTS 2 isn't yet fully committing to a Linux version.
We've had a lot of messages about it though, so in this case I'm covering it simply because people seem to want us to. We're here for what you want after all! The good news, is that the goal of £50K has been smashed with around £69K being pledged.
Here's what they say about Linux support on the Kickstarter FAQ:
Xenonauts-2 will most likely natively support both Mac and Linux at release, but unfortunately we can't offer a firm promise of this right now.
We're keen to support both Mac and Linux, and theoretically we shouldn't have any problem doing this because the Unity engine upon which we're building Xenonauts-2 natively supports both. We plan to start experimenting with Mac and Linux builds shortly before our launch into Early Access (hopefully towards the end of the year) - we just don't want to take money for something we're not yet completely sure we can deliver!
So yes, there's probably going to be Mac / Linux versions of Xenonauts-2. However if you can only play the game on Mac / Linux then it's probably best to hold off backing the project until we're able to tell you that for certain!
We spoke to the developer on Twitter, who seemed positive about it. Indicating a Linux release may be possible when it comes to Early Access. Who knows, perhaps Linux & Mac will be on of the stretch goals?
It really would be a huge shame if it didn't come to Linux and be properly supported, because it really does look quite good. They're planning a GOG and Steam release, with GOG hosting a pre-alpha demo.
We will be keeping a close eye on it, so if they do commit to a Linux version, we will be shouting it from the rooftops as usual. Find it on Kickstarter if you wish to see more,.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Thanks. Don't worry, the Kickstarter doing well just makes it more even likely we'll be able to spare the dev time needed to natively support Mac / Linux!
TheRiddick 21 Jun 2018
Not like ultra high framerate will be needed for a TBS, if its above 60fps then it should be fine.
Last edited by TheRiddick on 21 Jun 2018 at 11:48 am UTC
Not like ultra high framerate will be needed for a RTS, if its above 60fps then it should be fine.It is not an RTS.
TheRiddick 21 Jun 2018
yeah well simulator turn-based? I dunno any more.RTS = Real Time Strategy and usually implies something like Command & Conquer, Warcraft, Dawn Of War, etc.
This is a turn-based strategy game.
Though I think the overworld view might be in real-time if it is like the original X-COM - but that is only a small part of the game.
Last edited by TheSHEEEP on 21 Jun 2018 at 11:47 am UTC
TheRiddick 21 Jun 2018
PublicNuisance 21 Jun 2018
I have to say I'm a bit torn on this.
Massive kudos for being honest and "not wanting to take money" until Linux is confirmed so that you don't abuse certain backers of yours. That shows respect, and of course is only fair.
However...Unity3D. The whole thing is risky for all of your backers anyway because this is a Kickstarter, but you don't want to hit that export to Linux/Mac button along the way?
Would you rather they be willing to hit that button but not willing to actually support and fix any issues that may arise by hitting that button ? Hitting that export button is just one small part of making as Linux version.
However if you can only play the game on Mac / Linux then it's probably best to hold off backing the project until we're able to tell you that for certain!I think we should do just that.
Not like ultra high framerate will be needed for a TBS, if its above 60fps then it should be fine.Some 10~20 FPS loss can be minor for those blessed with "GTX 1080 Ti" but can make a game unplayable for people with "GTX 650", for example. Furthermore, a poor port will generate several unfavorable benchmarks on YouTube cementing the views about Linux as inferior third-tier technology.
No, we need superior versions no matter what!
Wasn't it unsupported as it was just a Humble Bundle special for the subscribers or something like that ?
TheRiddick 21 Jun 2018
If Xenonauts developer can move to Vulkan API with the Unity3D engine then it will probably make it a whole lot easier in the long run.
But what's more important, the developer said that they might bring a new Jagged Alliance after Xenonauts 2.
At least they have the correct graphical representation for it based on Unity.
Their screenshots of Xenonauts 2 remind me so much of Jagged Alliance 2.
I think it would not need too much effort to make a Jagged Alliance remake based on that.
I recommend the open and no-cost game OpenXcom or the game UFO: Alien Invasion. Both are excellent spiritual successors of the original XCOM game.
TheRiddick 22 Jun 2018
Basically this limited their ability to make a port, the original coder who worked on the engine at the time left the company so they kinda were at a dead end with it hence the legacy linux support.
Also, I know about the devs no longer updating the Linux port (read it here on GoL), that's a shame, but Unity3D will make supporting a Linux version all that easier.
Looking forward to kill those pesky aliens.
I would not back if the developer just "hopes to get Mac/Linux versions".
But what's more important, the developer said that they might bring a new Jagged Alliance after Xenonauts 2.
At least they have the correct graphical representation for it based on Unity.
Their screenshots of Xenonauts 2 remind me so much of Jagged Alliance 2.
I think it would not need too much effort to make a Jagged Alliance remake based on that.
I love JA2, I also liked a lot 7.62 High Caliber, which is a homage of sorts to JA. JA had a lot more tactical options than XCOM or Xenonauts, such as prone, crawling, moving while crouching, AP cost for changing the direction the unit is looking. Might look the same, but a JA sequel that follows up to JA 1 or 2 might not be an easy task.
TheRiddick 22 Jun 2018
3D will also allow for better details and perhaps unlocking of camera angles? dunno if that is going to be a thing or not.
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