Today, Valve replied to our message asking about the situation with Half-Life: Alyx and Linux support and we got our answer.
Originally, the official statement that was sent to us (at the bottom here) mentioned it was only being confirmed for Windows. As it came closer to release, we messaged Valve again to see if they could be any clearer and here's what they sent to us today:
The game will be playable on Proton with DX11 at launch. Post-launch, we'll be aiming to provide Vulkan and Linux support through subsequent updates.
This is excellent news of course, showing truly that Valve is committed to Linux gaming for their return to the Half-Life saga. Now you just need a Virtual Reality kit and a decently powered computer but at least you will have a bit of extra time to prepare for the Linux version.
"Playing as Alyx Vance, you are humanity’s only chance for survival. The Combine’s control of the planet since the Black Mesa incident has only strengthened as they corral the remaining population in cities. Among them are some of Earth’s greatest scientists: you and your father, Dr. Eli Vance."
You can wishlist/follow Half-Life: Alyx on Steam. The release for Windows will be on March 23, once a date is set for Linux and when we learn more we will let you know.
If you missed it, Valve put out some Half-Life: Alyx gameplay videos which we've included below:
Direct Link
Direct Link
Direct Link
Additionally, Gabe Newell and Robin Walker of Valve spoke to IGN in a new video that went up today.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
So I won't complain about the lack of native Linux support at launch. As Liam I understand that such a big game started its development way before Vulkan become a thing, so that probably explain the lack of official Linux support for now.
TheRiddick Mar 19, 2020
Plus the AUD is crashing through the floor atm so that means minimal buying stuff for some time (allot of stores are operating on USD to AUD conversion systems which is NASTY).
Still waiting for several comfort add-ons to arrive as the Quest is probably one of the heaviest headsets out there, I really hope Quest v2 puts some of that weight on your head (clip on compute unit & battery?). Its kinda crazy.
PS. The Valve Index package comes to over $2000AUD here, the Quest only cost me $650AUD + accessories!!!!!! Valve just aren't interested in the Aussie market (many companies avoid us, especially now).
Last edited by TheRiddick on 19 March 2020 at 2:22 am UTC
Comandante Ñoñardo Mar 19, 2020
Quoting: TheRiddickI have a Quest now but I will wait until Vulkan and Linux updates appear before jumping on this one.Welcome to Argentina.
Plus the AUD is crashing through the floor atm so that means minimal buying stuff for some time (allot of stores are operating on USD to AUD conversion systems which is NASTY).
ElectricPrism Mar 19, 2020
I have my Valve Index ordered
and have waited a while so games
and support could catch up since
Valve Index's launch.
Very excited to dive into VR and enjoy.
Quoting: Liam DaweQuoting: sigzI'm really disapointed.. Valve doesn't release its own game with vulkan and for steam OS at release ?? And they make it with dx11 after participating massively on vulkan for years ?? I don't get it..It's likely a case of when production started, Vulkan was still too new and rough or didn't have extensions needed to get the kind of performance they wanted. As we've seen with Artifact (RIP) and Dota Underlords, their newer stuff is usually Vulkan at release.
They just don't believe themselves on linux gaming then, It would not be surprising if they delay more and more alyx linux release.
Who knows. Maybe the Windows version is targeting Vulkan.
But drivers on Linux are still lacking stuff?
So they offer the D3D11 code path just for Proton/DXVK?
Quoting: HoriIDK... I've got a Valve Index this monday (a great way to fight the pandemic btw) and SteamVR works VERY badly on Linux, and often freezes my whole system. Many games also refuse to start even.
I'm sorry to say this but I play all my VR games on Windows because of that, and they will likely count as Windows sales because of this. I really hoped I can stick to Linux, but VR is where I draw the line. I can handle errors, glitches and crashes on traditional games, but not in VR.
If I may ask - what GPU?
Recently bought a 5700XT and waiting for the Index, which currently says 2-4 weeks. :(
Mentioning Steam Machines first.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0zXkwLs_lo&feature=youtu.be&t=1478
I'm not sure in what way reprojection is dependent on drivers, but I know that it's still a mess on Nvidia. Basically the only way to have a pleasant experience is to make sure that the frame times never exceed the allowed time for a frame. And even then I need to move back to legacy reprojection because otherwise I get reprojected frames even if frame times are consistently low enough.
The most problematic for me is The Talos Principle VR. I've never been able to get a smooth experience with that. I can get the stutters down a lot, but never free of them.
Compared to that, *some* games on Proton work much better provided that they are designed to produce stable frame times. I played a game called "Timelock VR", which, even though graphics is fairly simple, has a very inconsistent frame times. I tried Budget Cuts recently and that was a pleasant and smooth experience with fairly constant frame times.
I'm not sure how "proper" repojection/motion smoothing feels, but for now you have the best time with stuff that was properly designed for stable frame times.
So fingers crossed that Valve will take the opportunity to get some much needed work done on SteamVR.
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