After a successful crowdfunding campaign on Fig that included a Linux version, we're in for an extra wait as Outer Wilds is now going to be releasing on the Epic Store first.
In the backer update sent out a few days ago, they said:
Outer Wilds will first be released on XBox One and on PC via the Epic Games Store, with additional platforms coming later. Rest assured that we read all of your comments and our goal is to bring the game to your preferred platform as quickly as possible. We will keep you up to date with the latest info here.
This is after I spoke to the developer personally back in 2017, where they refused to confirm a Linux version really was being done despite their Fig campaign having a Linux icon and a statement saying "we’re planning to release Outer Wilds on PC, Mac, and Linux through Steam next year" on the actual Fig page. They never did reply to my final question back then, to ask why a Linux version was listed so clearly on Fig if "Linux is still to be determined" as they told me in a previous reply.
So it may eventually go back to Steam, it might also see the Linux version that they originally advertised but who knows what will happen. I can absolutely understand a developer wanting and needing more funding, most crowdfunding campaigns don't cover what developers really need. Still, it's yet another part of the new console-style wars of the PC stores and we're in for more.
To be clear, this is not Outer Worlds from Obsidian Entertainment, which is also an Epic Games Store exclusive. The names are pretty similar so it's easy to be confused.
For those interested, IGN have some fresh gameplay in the below video:
Direct Link
I have reached out to the developer, Mobius Digital, to see if they are able to clarify their current plans for the Linux version of Outer Wilds. I will update this article if they reply with a statement.
Thanks resetera.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Quoting: kuhpunktPatience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
I would say that Linux gamers are usually more patient than Windows users, so it won't be an issue here neither. :)
Quoting: g000hIt would be good if companies like this, who want to cash out by taking money for Windows-exclusives on Epic store could perhaps negotiate to put just the Linux version on another store, for example itch.io or GOG. In saying this, I'm assuming that the main reason for Epic's money is for Epic to take business away from Steam store (rather than attacking the Linux platform).
As a games consumer, just reaffirming that I find restricting consumer choice in this way to be deplorable - Both Epic and the Developer are to blame for this.
It's far better market wise for Epic to suppress all Linux sales during the embargo and thus forcing players to the Epic store. They have no incentive what so ever to give those other stores any kind of income during that time (they are paying a handout to the devs for a reason and that reason is not so that the devs can sell some other version of their game on competing stores).
slaapliedje May 12, 2019
Quoting: subIt's interesting that developers tend to argue Linux market is too small to be supported, but when it comes to crowdfunding, promising a Linux build seems to be worth (a lie).I think it's simply in the hope they'll get some free cash. When they finally do release, they can just keep making excuses for why the Linux version isn't available, until the backers no longer remember or care, or it's impossible to get a refund.
My point is: when Linux is not worth to be supported why promising it in the crowdfunding campaign?
It shouldn't be a big thing, right? Or is the share of Linux funders typically disproportionately high?
Take Tower 57 for example. The AmigaOS4 version of it was released, but the Linux version never was. From my understanding the Amiga version was ported by a different developer that they paid. They haven't even really given much on 'why there is no Linux version' to backers, and it's been released a year and a half ago.
Quoting: callciferI don't know what they promised in the original crowdfunding campaign, but if they did commit to a Win/Mac/Linux release at the same time they should at least make a DRM-free release for Linux.
I say DRM-free, because I think the Windows depot on Steam is mandatory, so they couldn't use Steam just for Linux.
ARMA I (aka Operation Flashpoint) has a Mac/Linux only repo.
Check it out:
https://steamdb.info/app/65790/info/
https://steamdb.info/app/594550/info/
thelimeydragon May 12, 2019
Quoting: callciferI don't know what they promised in the original crowdfunding campaign, but if they did commit to a Win/Mac/Linux release at the same time they should at least make a DRM-free release for Linux.
I say DRM-free, because I think the Windows depot on Steam is mandatory, so they couldn't use Steam just for Linux.
I don't believe it is mandatory. There was that indie game "Don't be Patchman" that was Linux exclusive for a short while. Although steam didn't understand there was no Windows version so it still added a Windows Icon. I vaguely remember hearing that Valve fixed that issue so it wouldn't happen again.
Comandante Ñoñardo May 12, 2019
Quoting: g000hIt would be good if companies like this, who want to cash out by taking money for Windows-exclusives on Epic store could perhaps negotiate to put just the Linux version on another store, for example itch.io or GOG.
This should be the rule for Epic Store exclusives: Only the Windows version. The publisher can release the Linux and Mac version wherever they want.
When suggesting that the Developer could negotiate with Epic about releasing purely the Linux version on another Store, my point was that it would *not* be Steam store (because Epic is competing with Steam). Hence I suggested GOG and itch.io which Epic might not be so opposed to.
This would be the Developer asking Epic if it would be possible to put Linux version on a different store, because Epic isn't supporting Linux - So one could argue: No lost sales (to Epic). Although, sure, there's dual-booting but it isn't "direct competition" in the literal sense. i.e. If you take 100 Linux gamers who want a specific game title, then 30% might buy the game and dual-boot to play it (or use Lutris), and maybe 70% would choose not to buy the game owing to not being on Linux.
It would be a way for the Developer to placate the Linux gaming community, after letting us down by putting the game exclusively onto Epic store. It would also possibly improve Epic's Public Relations if it wasn't being so anti-consumer. To clarify, Epic's exclusivity deals are mainly aimed at attacking the Steam store, but preventing a Developer from putting a Linux version on a store other than Epic's is attacking the Linux gaming community as well.
I'm also assuming the typical Steam hardware statistics that suggest Linux market-share is less than 1% of the whole Windows/Mac/Linux gaming market. Basically, Epic is losing practically nothing if it allowed Linux versions of games to be released on other stores. Of course, there is the matter of DRM-Free stores which wouldn't appeal to some Developers. (Although Developers reluctance to support DRM-Free is not really sensible owing to the speed that game protections get cracked and become worthless.)
Galyonkin: I googled two games, which one?
Sweeney: I'm not sure, just get both.
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