Stadia Pro subscribers get 5 new games on June 1

You did not pay for the game, its not yours, its googles, and they will revoke or limit it however the fck they want. If the developer or publisher decide to not have that game on their platform, poof, gone..

What I buy I can keep myself and run offline, I'm ok with that vs having stuff ripped out of my hands and told its not mine to use at any random point in time...

I have a feeling you stadia worshipers are going to be eating your own hats down the line, but lets watch and observe that happen in slow motion...


Single player offline games as a online only service is a TERRIBLE premise... (unless they are giving you the physical copy also)


Last edited by TheRiddick on 30 May 2020 at 4:54 am UTC

You did not pay for the game, its not yours, its googles, and they will revoke or limit it however the fck they want. If the developer or publisher decide to not have that game on their platform, poof, gone..

What I buy I can keep myself and run offline, I'm ok with that vs having stuff ripped out of my hands and told its not mine to use at any random point in time...

I have a feeling you stadia worshipers are going to be eating your own hats down the line, but lets watch and observe that happen in slow motion...


Single player offline games as a online only service is a TERRIBLE premise... (unless they are giving you the physical copy also)

I'm not worshipping Stadia/Google. Again, I'm on your side. I'd rather own the games on Steam and play them on Linux. Sometimes this isn't possible for games I want to play and that's a consequence of my choices (and developers/publishers not feeling Linux is a viable platform). Stadia is simply a tool that gives me access to games I otherwise wouldn't be able to play and happens to move Linux gaming forward as a side effect of existing.

In a short while Stadia has caused (to name a few):

• Id Software to port DOOM: Eternal to Linux/Vulkan (They even said they ported 2016 to Linux forever ago. Why isn't that or Eternal released on Steam for Linux I wonder)
• Bungie to port Destiny 2 to Linux/Vulkan
• GearBox to in-house port Borderlands 3 to Linux/Vulkan (Aspyr still hasn't updated BL2 for Linux)
• Rockstar to port Red Dead Redemption 2 to Linux/Vulkan
• 2K to port NBA 2K20 to Linux/Vulkan
• Ubisoft to port Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Ghost Recon, and the Division 2 to Linux/Vulkan
• EA to port Star Wars and Madden (and I suppose PGA Golf too, ...woo!) to Linux/Vulkan

Several of the world's largest game publishing companies/developers are now porting their games to Linux/Vulkan. It's now up to us/valve to prove that desktop Linux is just as viable but it's hard not to see this massive influx of Linux/vulkan development as a net positive for Linux gaming as a whole.

Regarding your other point it's hard to escape a license of some sort these days whether it be video streaming or software but again, that's up to you as an individual to decide what's best for you. I pay for Netflix yet rip Blu-rays/steams to host on my media server because I want to own the media (physical media is dead/dying and eWaste is an ever growing problem).

Hell even steam isn't free from this problem; One of my favorite series of all times is Fable. I own Fable III on steam (now removed for purchase) yet cannot play it without a Games for Windows Live crack as that service isn't online any more. Access to these games isn't a guaranteed thing.

I'd love to have the Linux-native copy of Red Dead Redemption on my SSD but I cannot. Thus, I use Stadia to play that game. That's all it boils down to at the end of the day.


Last edited by drlamb on 30 May 2020 at 5:41 am UTC

More misleading and incorrect information...

• Id Software to port DOOM: Eternal to Linux/Vulkan (They even said they ported 2016 to Linux forever ago. Why isn't that or Eternal released on Steam for Linux I wonder)


• Bungie to port Destiny 2 to Linux/Vulkan


• GearBox to in-house port Borderlands 3 to Linux/Vulkan (Aspyr still hasn't updated BL2 for Linux)


• Rockstar to port Red Dead Redemption 2 to Linux/Vulkan


• 2K to port NBA 2K20 to Linux/Vulkan


• Ubisoft to port Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Ghost Recon, and the Division 2 to Linux/Vulkan


• EA to port Star Wars and Madden (and I suppose PGA Golf too, ...woo!) to Linux/Vulkan

There is no port to Linux of any of these games, Vulkan IS NOT LINUX!


Last edited by TheRiddick on 30 May 2020 at 8:17 am UTC

More misleading and incorrect information...

Thanks for your very informative comment (Seriously doubt you read it all before instantly refuting, but whatever). Ciao. I'd love to hear what's misleading/incorrect about what I just said as it's mostly my personal opinion.


Oh but those games coming to Stadia? Those are very real and while I'd love to play them on desktop Linux via steam I'm not going to sit on the internet and fling names at people and just dismiss their opinion because it differs from mine.


Last edited by drlamb on 30 May 2020 at 5:45 am UTC

Is indeed interesting that they keep adding these Pro games. I suppose they want to sweeten the deal, since there's still a lot of distrust and reluctance in accepting their gaming services. Google has to put up a good fight to get there.
And for everyone that has eyes to see, they are slowly gaining terrain. They are far from failing, they have just started.
And is really up to them, if they keep their current speed, keep adding games and features to their service, they will very likely succeed. I can already see the general public opinion starting to mellowing up compared with the initial response.

I will personally keep my Pro subscription (as in start paying for it) since I'm satisfied and (cautiously) optimistic about it. I was on a fence initially, but after I actually used for a while, well, I'm sold.

Like others though, I'm still wary a bit about the perspective of Google giving up. I don't think is gonna happen, but is an eventually I keep in mind, so probably I'll not gonna go shopping spree there.

But "Pro" with Destiny/ESO and the other (and likely more upcoming) free goodies on my Linux desktop? Hell yeah!

To address some recent comments,

I'm totally noob about Stadia subject, could someone tell me if Google provide a Linux native client?
Thanks.

You only need a Chromium-based browser. I have it working in Brave, Opera (needs tinkering though), Chromium and Chrome. I've seen other Linux users mention Vivaldi also works.

Here's my thoughts on why I use Stadia. Stadia is Linux and DOES help Linux gaming. It's up to developers/publishers to bring their games to desktop Linux.

It also hurts Linux gaming too and could become a big threat to Linux adoption via ChromeOS in future. In your post you said native port is better than a proton release, and a supported Proton is better than a Stadia release. Gylt, a indie game, is exclusive to Stadia but will likely come to Steam. If it was already on Steam, you could most likely be able to play it exceptionally well with Proton. If it wasn't exclusive to Stadia, it could also potentially be released natively by developers themselves or by Ethan Lee porting the game.

The thing is here though, Google funded Gylt development. It's no different than Valve or any other store/console funding their own games and keeping them to their store.

Then turn them off in the control panel? Bye Felicia.

Alright then. I still don't know why you are white knighting for Google.

Please refrain from making such remarks to other readers, repeatedly doing so will absolutely result in your removal. We have rules about respect here and you should read them. There is absolutely no need to say such things to other readers, who are clearly just passionate about something.

More misleading and incorrect information...

*snip*

There is no port to Linux of any of these games, Vulkan IS NOT LINUX!

Stadia requires a Linux build, it's as simple as that. I've spoken to multiple developers on this. We can go into technical details if you wish but the point is the same. Stadia is Debian Linux, in the cloud and games have to use the Vulkan API which lowers a barrier for a wider Linux release if we ever manage to see the Linux desktop share get higher to make it enticing enough for more developers. Not only that though, more developers learning Linux and Vulkan are a good thing. Vulkan especially, because we could see them use Vulkan in their Windows release therefore making Proton work even better. There's many sides to this to think on that I personally think are important.

You did not pay for the game, its not yours, its googles, and they will revoke or limit it however the fck they want. If the developer or publisher decide to not have that game on their platform, poof, gone..

This is absolutely true, and it does remain to be seen what happens with Stadia as time goes on. It's a valid concern, absolutely. However, people who act like Google cancel everything are being quite hyperbolic. Yes they cancel a lot of things but they're a massive company constantly trying things out, sometimes for years. Most other huge companies also have a long list of cancellations and failures. The same can be said though of any TV/Movie service where you "buy" your content too.

I have a feeling you stadia worshipers are going to be eating your own hats down the line, but lets watch and observe that happen in slow motion...

Again, no need to hate on something others like and enjoy. Just ignore it? Why the need to seek out what you clearly don't like? It's so weird when people do this.


Last edited by Liam Dawe on 30 May 2020 at 9:47 am UTC

^ Real talk - The minute people start with the name calling non-sense they lose all ability to be taken seriously and just sounds like the others that make fun of Linux users for using Linux.

For me, I want to play MK11 with my friends and family online and Stadia is the only way for us to do so at this time. Zombie Army 4 is also a game we play together but we call recently picks up the ZAT from GreenManGaming and it's working 100% via of Steamplay so far so there will be less of us staying with Pro. Unless Battle of the Grid is worth keeping. We'll see in a few.

Alright then. I still don't know why you are white knighting for Google.

Pretty sure he/she works for Google Stadia somehow. I mean look at the icon tag, lol

Not white knighting, nor do I work for Google. It's simply an exciting piece of technology using my favorite piece of technology: Linux. Let's face it, Google made Linux attractive to AAA game developers in a way Valve failed to do after how many years now? The Witcher 3 was coming to SteamOS...and then it wasn't. Cyberpunk 2077 on the other hand is coming to Stadia. My "annoyance" with your comment is more so due to Liam constantly receiving comments such as yours regarding what he should/should not cover on his site. Plenty of people here are interested in Stadia.

The recent advances in Linux/Vulkan tech have paved the way for a "SteamOS v2" type solution from Valve and you can sure as hell bet I'd jump all over that if/when it comes. I want Linux gaming to succeed and will support it in anyway I can. We're on the same side.

Unlock what higher resolutions? above 1080P?

"free games?" you mean those games you paid for beforehand, the pro unlocked games you don't get to play for free after the pro subscription is lost afaik.

Stadia is far from failing. And yes, a Pro subscription currently allows you to play at 4K or 1440P. Correct, if you stop paying for Stadia Pro you'd lose access to all claimed Pro games (if you resubscribe all previously claimed games are available). I would not lose access to the games I've outright purchased.

The problem with your argument is one I brought up earlier with Stadia based on Linux and macOS based on BSD. Just because they are taking Linux and adding their proprietary bits, it doesn't mean that they will contribute back upstream. A developer working with a Stadia developer kit in Linux doesn't mean they are also bringing that to Steam/GOG as a Linux release. They are just working within the Google walled garden dev kit.

The thing is here though, Google funded Gylt development. It's no different than Valve or any other store/console funding their own games and keeping them to their store.

Did they? From what I gleaned it seemed like a partnership and less about Tequilla Works becoming a studio under Google.

GameSkinny: How long has GYLT been in production? Has it always been envisioned as a Stadia exclusive?

Raul Rubio: Around two years. GYLT was our answer when the Stadia team asked what could we bring to the platform then known as Yeti. There was a previous prototype version before Stadia, but GYLT has been designed with Stadia in mind.

Furthermore, Rubio heavily implied that Gylt will come to other platforms based on his answers to questions asked by Eurogamer. The fact Google has funded development justifies Google's actions yes, but I don't see how it invalidates my point. Gylt would have been available on Steam and other platforms and playable through Proton if it wasn't for it's exclusivity deal regardless of how it would have turned out without Google's funding.

This is pure conjecture. Nvidia themselves have admitted they needed to work out licensing with publishers. Streaming is a new territory.

Pure conjecture, really? DOOM are among the games removed from GeforceNow. It's known Bethesda are a key player for Stadia. Yet those very same games can be streamed through Remote Play. It's not exactly the same, as you use your own PC, but ultimately you have paid for those games and with Geforce Now you are paying for a service to be able to stream them. Clearly there is licensing to be done, but it seems this became a issue mostly with arrival of Stadia.

And so I disagree. Saying what I said about Stadia making devs remove their game from Geforce Now is pure conjecture because there is licensing issues isn't convincing argument. Because of timing I pointed out, and because publishers and devs can redo their licensing. Except many of them likely won't. Why? Because Google and Stadia will be more lucrative to them than allowing gamers the freedom to stream their games through Geforce Now, a service they aren't currently getting money from.

I don't use Windows nor do I want to rent a Windows machine in the cloud just to play a game. GeforceNow is NOT Linux gaming even if it can be accessed via Linux (which atm, it cannot). How does buying a game on steam via GeforceNow benefit Linux gaming at all? Sure, you may eventually be able to access GFN on Linux but a game purchased there will still count as a Windows sale.

I did not bring up Windows to try persuade you to use Windows. What differentiates Linux and Windows more than anything? FOSS. It's not in line with FOSS principles or Linux spirit to remove games from a streaming service so that another one dominates. I'd argue Stadia isn't Linux gaming either. It's Google gaming. Just because Stadia is powered by Debian it does not make it FOSS. If it did, we would have seen Google being proactive about persuading developers to release their games locally too on Linux. Choices, that's another word that sums up Linux.
But Google has not encouraged or funded developers to release their games locally too. Their intention is clear; streaming is way they want it. That's choice your given, take it or leave it.

Metro Exodus is coming to desktop Linux. Discounting any exclusivity deals with google it's up to the developers/publishers. I'd argue that Epic store exclusive games for games/series (Metro) that would have otherwise come to steam/desktop Linux is more harmful to our goal (of Linux gaming). Google is one of the biggest contributors to the Linux kernel/open source in general. While not 100% gaming related, they still do contribute to the platform.

If you trace back Metro release on Linux, it was released alongside Steam machines. Publisher saw a interest in Steam machines and invested. Prior to that, Metro 2033, was not released on Linux alongside other platforms. The fact Metro Exodus is being released on Linux is credit to the developers, not Google. Half Life Alyx and Underlords being released on Linux is credit to Valve. Recently Exodus was released on GOG as well, which further proves the good intentions (Linux and DRMfree release) are with the devs not Google.

Just because Google is contributing to Linux kernel/open source it does not mean they are proponents of Linux gaming. They are of Google/ChromeOS gaming. There lies the difference. Should I start thinking Microsoft is good for desktop Linux simply because they use Linux and are contributing software (open source) to areas that benefits their business? No, they are in it for their own interest, just like Google. Stadia is streaming only service for similar reason many Microsoft apps are not on Linux, and DirectX is only available for WSL2.


Last edited by Linuxwarper on 31 May 2020 at 12:09 am UTC

My main concern comes down to VALUE and longevity of the project.

If Stadia came out tomorrow and explained what they can do for you if a game gets removed off their platform (which you bought) and also allow people to download the game to your home PC as either backup or offline play then that be great(like how steam works).

I don't see the issue except for they see these games you paid full price for (ignoring sales) as THEIRS and not YOURS, that's a HUGE red flag IMO.

BTW I understand this is how Steam and EGS DRM works, but at least with Steam they have offline play which they can extend at time of death of a game (or you can do it yourself indefinitely) so given that, yes you do OWN the games bought on steam! IN FACT Exodus is DRM free on GOG and apparently also on Steam.

WITH these DRM offline play compatible games (online parts need an account somewhere obviously) you can install on ANY CLOUD BASED GAMING SYSTEM and play for the BASE FEE of using that cloud service.. no mumbo jumbo buying the game 2 or 3 times!


PS. I try to make my comments to the point, with the least amount of double speech as possible, and not dance around huge gaps in the argument like some other people are doing!


Last edited by TheRiddick on 31 May 2020 at 3:43 am UTC

My main concern comes down to VALUE and longevity of the project.

If Stadia came out tomorrow and explained what they can do for you if a game gets removed off their platform (which you bought) and also allow people to download the game to your home PC as either backup or offline play then that be great(like how steam works).

I don't see the issue except for they see these games you paid full price for (ignoring sales) as THEIRS and not YOURS, that's a HUGE red flag IMO.

BTW I understand this is how Steam and EGS DRM works, but at least with Steam they have offline play which they can extend at time of death of a game (or you can do it yourself indefinitely) so given that, yes you do OWN the games bought on steam! IN FACT Exodus is DRM free on GOG and apparently also on Steam.

WITH these DRM offline play compatible games (online parts need an account somewhere obviously) you can install on ANY CLOUD BASED GAMING SYSTEM and play for the BASE FEE of using that cloud service.. no mumbo jumbo buying the game 2 or 3 times!


PS. I try to make my comments to the point, with the least amount of double speech as possible, and not dance around huge gaps in the argument like some other people are doing!

Have you actually tried to do this, though? I've been a DRM-Free linux gamer from 1999 to about 2019. I joined Steam around November '19. Prior to that, my kids got on it when they became teens. I have a LAN setup in my basement and we tried Steam offline a few times for games like Killing Floor, L4D 2 and some others over the years (have not done it again since 2017, though). A good amount of the games my kids liked to play just did not work all the time offline or Steam would not open. In the end we had to stick to boxed games, Desura games, GOG games, freeware and open source stuff because the Steam offline method would flake out. When it did work there would be other issues the games sometimes could not see each other or not open at all. I did the 2 month check in for those machines but after while it would flunk. Another good example would be a game like Tekken 7 where your save would gets corrupted and reset you back to day 1 and you would have unlock everything again UNLESS you saved your game save separately and do some edits which defeats the purpose/convience of Steam clouding saving. Reconnecting it online would edit your cloud save weather you liked it or not. Now this list - https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games - here actually works for all of the games in which I purchased or got for free using either the extraction method or editing files for some and they work outside of Steam. Which is how when I joined Steam I went about making my choices to collect and play for the most part. Still hands down GOG, Humble Bundle and itch.io are just the best choices for those looking for DRM-FREE gaming.

I've seen a few linux supporting companies come and go and outside of those final months where they uploaded stuff on their blogs and/or via of email there was no talk of helping users move on to another platform or getting access to their game binaries prior or in advance.

Yes I've tried it, and there are software already to force steam games into offline mode even without the client. (Not hacks but API work-around).

This is similar way Valve would do it however, and the fact its been tested and proven to be easily achieved gives credence to Valves VERY OLD claims that if they ever went away it would be trivial to remove the base DRM (except for multiplayer, that would be handed over to the developer to handle, either via releasing dedicated server client tools etc...)

The samegame issue is related to cloud based saves, which are optional and can be turned off to force use of local save files. End User control at that point..

DRM-Free is a tricky topic because not all devs or pubs are willing to do that, and some of those release HUGE games nobody wants to miss out on. The thing with Steam is they give them a option to do it or not, there is no rule on steam that says if your game isn't stacked full of nasty DRM you can't sell it!

EVEN NOW GOG Galaxy 2.0 has DRM online only games on it! In some situations its just not practical to go full DRM-Free, and some gamedevs/pubs may want DRM on for a limited time to reduce piracy (I doubt it has much impact to be honest).

The only DRM types I'm 100% against is Denuvo, its malicious malware that can even install on the kernel, NASTY ON ALL LEVELS! (and can eat %30 of your performance logging your computers entire data)


Last edited by TheRiddick on 31 May 2020 at 5:44 am UTC

The thing is here though, Google funded Gylt development. It's no different than Valve or any other store/console funding their own games and keeping them to their store.

Did they? From what I gleaned it seemed like a partnership and less about Tequilla Works becoming a studio under Google.

Right from the source:

Rubio says this began a "very open and honest dialogue" with Google, as the tech giant financed and produced the project. In fact, under Google he adds, Gylt had the "smoothest production for a Tequila Works game ever."

Emphasis mine.

Furthermore, Rubio heavily implied that Gylt will come to other platforms based on his answers to questions asked by Eurogamer. The fact Google has funded development justifies Google's actions yes, but I don't see how it invalidates my point. Gylt would have been available on Steam and other platforms and playable through Proton if it wasn't for it's exclusivity deal regardless of how it would have turned out without Google's funding.

I'm not trying to invalidate anything you say, I'm just making a point that this is just how it works. Again, like I said earlier, Google funded it and so it's no different to Valve or others doing their own games on their own store. In this case, Gylt may still yet go to other stores later, they've not said it won't.

This is pure conjecture. Nvidia themselves have admitted they needed to work out licensing with publishers. Streaming is a new territory.

Pure conjecture, really? DOOM are among the games removed from GeforceNow. It's known Bethesda are a key player for Stadia. Yet those very same games can be streamed through Remote Play. It's not exactly the same, as you use your own PC, but ultimately you have paid for those games and with Geforce Now you are paying for a service to be able to stream them. Clearly there is licensing to be done, but it seems this became a issue mostly with arrival of Stadia.

And so I disagree. Saying what I said about Stadia making devs remove their game from Geforce Now is pure conjecture because there is licensing issues isn't convincing argument. Because of timing I pointed out, and because publishers and devs can redo their licensing. Except many of them likely won't. Why? Because Google and Stadia will be more lucrative to them than allowing gamers the freedom to stream their games through Geforce Now, a service they aren't currently getting money from.

It is still pure an absolute conjecture. There are no facts at play here because a lot of games removed from GFN have not given statements as to why. Don't ever act like speculation is a fact, it doesn't make a good argument. There's a reason why GFN has moved to an opt-in basis now, because their original model was clearly not sitting well with a lot of developers.

I did not bring up Windows to try persuade you to use Windows. What differentiates Linux and Windows more than anything? FOSS. It's not in line with FOSS principles or Linux spirit to remove games from a streaming service so that another one dominates. I'd argue Stadia isn't Linux gaming either. It's Google gaming. Just because Stadia is powered by Debian it does not make it FOSS. If it did, we would have seen Google being proactive about persuading developers to release their games locally too on Linux. Choices, that's another word that sums up Linux.
But Google has not encouraged or funded developers to release their games locally too. Their intention is clear; streaming is way they want it. That's choice your given, take it or leave it.

We're not talking about FOSS though. Steam is not FOSS, the majority of games we play are not FOSS. This is not a FOSS vs proprietary argument. GOL is also clearly not a FOSS-only website, the majority of what we cover is actually proprietary, just something to keep in mind there.

You used a good word there though: choices. Stadia is a choice, another one, and clearly for some people (me included) one that works quite well.

Google doesn't need to fund or encourage developers to release games locally and on Linux, why would they? That is entirely besides the point and frankly nonsense to bring up into the argument your trying to make. They run a streaming service, they're obviously focused on that. I guess you were trying to use that to back up your argument here but it's an obvious point about their business model so it fell quite flat.

Just because Google is contributing to Linux kernel/open source it does not mean they are proponents of Linux gaming. They are of Google/ChromeOS gaming. There lies the difference. Should I start thinking Microsoft is good for desktop Linux simply because they use Linux and are contributing software (open source) to areas that benefits their business? No, they are in it for their own interest, just like Google.

You have a point there of course. Google are not "proponents" of Linux gaming and I do agree, anyone saying so are wrong. They are now proponents of actual gaming as a whole though, and their service happens to work on Linux and be built with Linux.

Also, wrongly watering down your point with this:

Stadia is streaming only service for similar reason many Microsoft apps are not on Linux, and DirectX is only available for WSL2.

Entirely different situations, business models and mechanics of how they work. Why did you even slot Stadia and Microsoft apps in the same pont? That makes absolutely no sense.

I tested PSNow yesterday evening, I installed it with Lutris:
https://lutris.net/games/playstation-now/
You can try it freely during 7 days.
I played Spiderman 4, Last of US and a lot of others PS1,PS2,PS3 et PS4 games as I was on the console, but on my Linux :), it was very pleasant.

It is still pure an absolute conjecture. There are no facts at play here because a lot of games removed from GFN have not given statements as to why. Don't ever act like speculation is a fact, it doesn't make a good argument. There's a reason why GFN has moved to an opt-in basis now, because their original model was clearly not sitting well with a lot of developers.

Do you really think most developers will come out and say they have removed their game from Geforce Now because of Stadia? In the case of Bethesda, do you really think they will come out and say anything about favoring Stadia over Geforce Now? So why is it necessary for statements from developers before it becomes fact? If Nvidia solves issues devs have, which they have and are doing, will games like DOOM come back to Geforce? Most likely not and because of what I said. Time will tell if I am entirely wrong or not. I disagree that it's pure conjecture and leave it at that.

We're not talking about FOSS though. Steam is not FOSS, the majority of games we play are not FOSS. This is not a FOSS vs proprietary argument. GOL is also clearly not a FOSS-only website, the majority of what we cover is actually proprietary, just something to keep in mind there.

I guess bringing FOSS into the picture did not good for point I was trying to make. Though I like FOSS I'm not against proprietary software.

You used a good word there though: choices. Stadia is a choice, another one, and clearly for some people (me included) one that works quite well.

Better than that would be the choice to be able to play the games locally as well as by streaming it. But that does not fit into what Google is pushing with Stadia and ChromeOS. Most Chromebooks seem to be low spec and not well suited for local play.

Google doesn't need to fund or encourage developers to release games locally and on Linux, why would they? That is entirely besides the point and frankly nonsense to bring up into the argument your trying to make. They run a streaming service, they're obviously focused on that. I guess you were trying to use that to back up your argument here but it's an obvious point about their business model so it fell quite flat.

They don't and I don't expect them to do either.

You have a point there of course. Google are not "proponents" of Linux gaming and I do agree, anyone saying so are wrong. They are now proponents of actual gaming as a whole though, and their service happens to work on Linux and be built with Linux

That my point, which I replied to drlamb who made it seem like Stadia will only help Linux gaming. I disagree and the fact Google is persuing only streaming is proof they want to grow their own gaming space. Which I believe will be Chromebooks running ChromeOS, not Linux.

It is still pure an absolute conjecture. There are no facts at play here because a lot of games removed from GFN have not given statements as to why. Don't ever act like speculation is a fact, it doesn't make a good argument. There's a reason why GFN has moved to an opt-in basis now, because their original model was clearly not sitting well with a lot of developers.

Do you really think most developers will come out and say they have removed their game from Geforce Now because of Stadia? In the case of Bethesda, do you really think they will come out and say anything about favoring Stadia over Geforce Now? So why is it necessary for statements from developers before it becomes fact? If Nvidia solves issues devs have, which they have and are doing, will games like DOOM come back to Geforce? Most likely not and because of what I said. Time will tell if I am entirely wrong or not. I disagree that it's pure conjecture and leave it at that.

You can't put speculation down as any form of fact. Simple. You can repeat it as much as you like, doesn't make it true. I'm not saying it's not entirely true, it may be in some cases, we simply do not know and acting like it's what's happening is just not a good argument when we have no clue in reality.

You used a good word there though: choices. Stadia is a choice, another one, and clearly for some people (me included) one that works quite well.

Better than that would be the choice to be able to play the games locally as well as by streaming it. But that does not fit into what Google is pushing with Stadia and ChromeOS. Most Chromebooks seem to be low spec and not well suited for local play.

I just don't get the point of constantly reiterating the same argument about local play though? Stadia was never designed for that and likely never will offer it because ~95% of "PC" gamers wouldn't be able to use what it offers (Linux builds).

You have a point there of course. Google are not "proponents" of Linux gaming and I do agree, anyone saying so are wrong. They are now proponents of actual gaming as a whole though, and their service happens to work on Linux and be built with Linux

That my point, which I replied to drlamb who made it seem like Stadia will only help Linux gaming. I disagree and the fact Google is persuing only streaming is proof they want to grow their own gaming space. Which I believe will be Chromebooks running ChromeOS, not Linux.

drlamb is IMO correct though on what they actually said. More services that work on Linux will help Linux. That shouldn't even be a debate. Faced with working and not working, the service working is a clear advantage. It's pretty weird to think it wouldn't help. Not liking it or not liking how it does it, is different to it not helping Linux gaming further when you look at the whole picture. The same way Proton helps people not lose access to existing games, Stadia helps people play the same games on their various devices as they do on Linux through streaming.

I think I've made any point I care to at this time :)

For me, Stadia is an option that works and I use it often on top of local desktop Linux games and everything else. It's just another piece of the gaming puzzle.

Stadia I'm pretty sure is using in house wrappers? their not getting devs to make their games for Linux, their just pushing them to make them work with something similar to proton behind the curtain. At least from my understanding.

This also explains the issues they've had with performance and 4k quality stuff (lots of downsampling to keep fps up)

Stadia I'm pretty sure is using in house wrappers? their not getting devs to make their games for Linux, their just pushing them to make them work with something similar to proton behind the curtain. At least from my understanding.

This also explains the issues they've had with performance and 4k quality stuff (lots of downsampling to keep fps up)

Again you are misinformed, Google Stadia ports are native to Linux/Vulkan. While I cannot comment on all ports to Stadia there has been a disparity in performance likely due to a lot of these games being a studio's first foray into Linux game development. Games are getting updated and improved all the time (Edit: The Crew 2 Grid 2 for example recently got updated with 4K support).

Just like with other platforms there are different priorities for different games. (Performance versus Visual Quality).

Some games are in fact 4K60, while others are 1080P60Fps/1440P30Fps (Upscaled to 4K - Red Dead), 1080P60Fps/1800P60Fps (Upscaled to 4K - Doom Eternal), or only 1080P60Fps in the case of Destiny 2.


Last edited by drlamb on 1 June 2020 at 7:05 pm UTC

I just don't get the point of constantly reiterating the same argument about local play though? Stadia was never designed for that and likely never will offer it because ~95% of "PC" gamers wouldn't be able to use what it offers (Linux builds).

drlamb is IMO correct though on what they actually said. More services that work on Linux will help Linux. That shouldn't even be a debate. Faced with working and not working, the service working is a clear advantage. It's pretty weird to think it wouldn't help. Not liking it or not liking how it does it, is different to it not helping Linux gaming further when you look at the whole picture. The same way Proton helps people not lose access to existing games, Stadia helps people play the same games on their various devices as they do on Linux through streaming.

The reason I bring up local play is because I believe Stadia could hurt Linux as much as it helps it. With ChromeOS overtaking Linux and halting the platform's momentum. Yes, it does help Linux with giving you choice to play games that are otherwise unplayable. By also further improving the ecosystem with patches and new development.

Local ports shows how Stadia diverges from what is good for Linux. So Google's intention seem not to help Linux gaming, and in long run Stadia could do alot damage. Linux isn't in a dire situation. Things are improving thanks to Valve and Codeweavers. So we might be risking Linux's chance to be adopted more by using Stadia. If I worked for Google I would use Stadia to sell Chromebooks without even blinking. And when Chromebooks becomes as widespread as Windows, then we will have another competitor to Linux. Google would likely continue to push streaming only game development with Chromebooks, which would also conflict with the idea of Linux becoming popular and having many native local ports.


Last edited by Linuxwarper on 1 June 2020 at 2:53 pm UTC

Again you are misinformed,

This proves nothing, claims their LOOKING for native versions, but that doesn't mean they all are.

In fact people have compared Stadia performance to windows and found there seems to be some sort of performance overhead going on, much like what you see for things like WINE or PROTON.. or PORTS (not native).

So just because a couple games may have a native linux binary doesn't mean its not just a translation binary and doesn't mean all the games are native either.

Either way, these games are not on Linux Steam or anything for purchase, their inside the Stadia Eco-system so therefore are not helping Linux even if the backend is running on Linux. Until I see these so called native games running on Linux actually come to the stores for people to buy and not via a cloud, their dead to me.