Targem Games just announced their racing game BlazeRush is getting a big upgrade for the tenth anniversary but they're going to sunset their Linux, macOS and SteamVR support.
In an announcement on Steam they didn't go into detail on the exact reasons other than some vague note about issues. Here's what they said:
Hello, intergalactic racers!
Due to technical difficulties, support for the game on Linux and Mac systems will be discontinued and the SteamVR version will also become unavailable.
Unfortunately, downloading and running BlazeRush on Linux, Mac and SteamVR will soon be impossible.
This will not affect players who use Windows systems. In addition, we are happy to announce that a major update for the Windows version will soon be released to celebrate the tenth anniversary of BlazeRush! Stay tuned!
Currently, the game has a Native Linux version and it is Steam Deck Verified. Valve's verification for Steam Deck was done on the Native Linux version too, so Valve will end up being forced to re-test this one on Proton if it's to keep the Verified sticker.
What the developer said above is technically incorrect though. Even if they entirely removed the Linux version, all you'll need to do is use Proton, so it won't be as "impossible" as they say. If they do plan to just entirely remove them, that's a whole 'nother problem though which just shouldn't be a thing. Delisting so they're not advertised and updated? Fine, but completely removing is incredibly anti-consumer.
Still a shame to see this happen at all though, as I've played it a good few times over the years in local multiplayer and it's an absolute riot. It's a really fun game. So I'm thankful Proton from Valve exists yet again.
The game is available to buy from: Fanatical | Humble Store | Steam
I did a video of this one a whole 5 years ago:
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Direct Link
Direct Link
Update 24/05/24 - The developer has released another Steam news post to clarify the situation a little. Here's what they said:
In the last news we indicated that the version for Mac and Linux systems will become completely unavailable. This message was incomplete and contained an error!
We would like to correct ourselves and make things clear: the version for Linux and Mac OS will not receive the upcoming update. However, users of these operating systems will be able to continue to download and play the current version of BlazeRush.
We apologize for our mistake and wish you the wildest interplanetary races!
At least on Linux / Steam Deck, you will be able to just run the updated Windows version with Proton. But still, Valve will need to re-verify it for Steam Deck now too, which the developer did not mention.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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I just hope they don't add any new achievements, because I'm done with this one. It was fun, though. ;-) Very good for local multiplayer sessions.
Last edited by pb on 22 May 2024 at 2:14 pm UTC
Last edited by pb on 22 May 2024 at 2:14 pm UTC
1 Likes, Who?
slaapliedje May 22
Did they get bought by Microsoft or something? That makes little sense to update the game to just remove 'features'. Like especially the SteamVR one is head scratching.
4 Likes, Who?
Bullshit like that should qualify linux (or mac in this case) users for a refund, no matter the playtime.
I mean if they at least would go for proton support, i could live with it - but the nerves they got to post a message like this is ridiculous.
I mean if they at least would go for proton support, i could live with it - but the nerves they got to post a message like this is ridiculous.
7 Likes, Who?
Due to technical difficulties, support for the game on Linux and Mac systems will be discontinued and the SteamVR version will also become unavailable.
Same ol' shit...
2 Likes, Who?
They kind of sound almost like they haven't even heard of Proton. And I mean, with ignorance levels like that it's maybe not a big surprise if they're not capable of maintaining ports.
5 Likes, Who?
Why won't they put the old build in a branch so people on other platforms could still download it?
I mean fine, they updated it to be more modern, and they are too incompetent to do it cross-platform. They don't have to kill off the old builds.
I mean fine, they updated it to be more modern, and they are too incompetent to do it cross-platform. They don't have to kill off the old builds.
3 Likes, Who?
I am blacklisting this studio, and I'll never buy a game from them.
Last edited by jams3223 on 22 May 2024 at 9:55 pm UTC
Last edited by jams3223 on 22 May 2024 at 9:55 pm UTC
5 Likes, Who?
slaapliedje May 22
They kind of sound almost like they haven't even heard of Proton. And I mean, with ignorance levels like that it's maybe not a big surprise if they're not capable of maintaining ports.Ha, something tells me it is likely more like 'updated version paid for by Microsoft to have a port for xbox, and let's make it exclusive to Windows too.'
3 Likes, Who?
So, let me understand.
I've this game on native Linux on steam and after the update i will not have the possibility to download it anymore?
Does this feel right to anyone?
I've this game on native Linux on steam and after the update i will not have the possibility to download it anymore?
Does this feel right to anyone?
5 Likes, Who?
So, let me understand.Welcome to the state of gaming in 2024........ Over priced DLC........ Microtransactions out the warzoo..... Out of control in game gambling........ Gaming as a service....... Changing account requirements after purchase........ And now...... Changing OS support after purchase....... What a time to be a live......
I've this game on native Linux on steam and after the update i will not have the possibility to download it anymore?
Does this feel right to anyone?
I am blacklisting this studio, and I'll never buy a game from them.Targem Games has made...... The list...... I will do doing the same.......
6 Likes, Who?
I love how the developers decided to dedicate most of their anniversary post to kicking out Linux and Mac users, and then proclaimed "WIDNOWZ USARZ CELLEBRAYTE!!!11one". The tonal-whiplash is amazing. 
5 Likes, Who?
So, let me understand.Welcome to the state of gaming in 2024........ Over priced DLC........ Microtransactions out the warzoo..... Out of control in game gambling........ Gaming as a service....... Changing account requirements after purchase........ And now...... Changing OS support after purchase....... What a time to be a live......
I've this game on native Linux on steam and after the update i will not have the possibility to download it anymore?
Does this feel right to anyone?
I am blacklisting this studio, and I'll never buy a game from them.Targem Games has made...... The list...... I will do doing the same.......
This is Valve enforcing game updates vis Steam.
Blaze Rush is a lightweight title that works on an old netbook which is unable to run Vulkan, unable to run Proton via dxvk, I don't want even imagine what would happen via wined3d.
They are reducing my possibility to play it, and I've paid for it.
Instead, people pirating games are FREE from all of that, really, this time shame on you, Valve.
1 Likes, Who?
So, let me understand.Welcome to the state of gaming in 2024........ Over priced DLC........ Microtransactions out the warzoo..... Out of control in game gambling........ Gaming as a service....... Changing account requirements after purchase........ And now...... Changing OS support after purchase....... What a time to be a live......
I've this game on native Linux on steam and after the update i will not have the possibility to download it anymore?
Does this feel right to anyone?
I am blacklisting this studio, and I'll never buy a game from them.Targem Games has made...... The list...... I will do doing the same.......
This is Valve enforcing game updates vis Steam.
Blaze Rush is a lightweight title that works on an old netbook which is unable to run Vulkan, unable to run Proton via dxvk, I don't want even imagine what would happen via wined3d.
They are reducing my possibility to play it, and I've paid for it.
Instead, people pirating games are FREE from all of that, really, this time shame on you, Valve.
Steam supports beta branches, which are often used to keep around old versions before disruptive changes. That publisher should still take the responsibility and face demands for refunds though.
6 Likes, Who?
slaapliedje May 23
Think this option is on the developers though, right?So, let me understand.Welcome to the state of gaming in 2024........ Over priced DLC........ Microtransactions out the warzoo..... Out of control in game gambling........ Gaming as a service....... Changing account requirements after purchase........ And now...... Changing OS support after purchase....... What a time to be a live......
I've this game on native Linux on steam and after the update i will not have the possibility to download it anymore?
Does this feel right to anyone?
I am blacklisting this studio, and I'll never buy a game from them.Targem Games has made...... The list...... I will do doing the same.......
This is Valve enforcing game updates vis Steam.
Blaze Rush is a lightweight title that works on an old netbook which is unable to run Vulkan, unable to run Proton via dxvk, I don't want even imagine what would happen via wined3d.
They are reducing my possibility to play it, and I've paid for it.
Instead, people pirating games are FREE from all of that, really, this time shame on you, Valve.
Steam supports beta branches, which are often used to keep around old versions before disruptive changes. That publisher should still take the responsibility and face demands for refunds though.
The game is developed by Russians, maybe they are being forced to add in a rootkit, which won't work on Linux and mac, so they're just ditching those platforms?
2 Likes, Who?
So, let me understand.Welcome to the state of gaming in 2024........ Over priced DLC........ Microtransactions out the warzoo..... Out of control in game gambling........ Gaming as a service....... Changing account requirements after purchase........ And now...... Changing OS support after purchase....... What a time to be a live......
I've this game on native Linux on steam and after the update i will not have the possibility to download it anymore?
Does this feel right to anyone?
I am blacklisting this studio, and I'll never buy a game from them.Targem Games has made...... The list...... I will do doing the same.......
This is Valve enforcing game updates vis Steam.
Blaze Rush is a lightweight title that works on an old netbook which is unable to run Vulkan, unable to run Proton via dxvk, I don't want even imagine what would happen via wined3d.
They are reducing my possibility to play it, and I've paid for it.
Instead, people pirating games are FREE from all of that, really, this time shame on you, Valve.
Steam supports beta branches, which are often used to keep around old versions before disruptive changes. That publisher should still take the responsibility and face demands for refunds though.
Steam "supports" beta branches, but "enforces" updates, this means that developer is free to end support anytime.
0 Likes
Nah, any government enforced rootkit will support Linux and Mac, unless it is target specific.Think this option is on the developers though, right?So, let me understand.Welcome to the state of gaming in 2024........ Over priced DLC........ Microtransactions out the warzoo..... Out of control in game gambling........ Gaming as a service....... Changing account requirements after purchase........ And now...... Changing OS support after purchase....... What a time to be a live......
I've this game on native Linux on steam and after the update i will not have the possibility to download it anymore?
Does this feel right to anyone?
I am blacklisting this studio, and I'll never buy a game from them.Targem Games has made...... The list...... I will do doing the same.......
This is Valve enforcing game updates vis Steam.
Blaze Rush is a lightweight title that works on an old netbook which is unable to run Vulkan, unable to run Proton via dxvk, I don't want even imagine what would happen via wined3d.
They are reducing my possibility to play it, and I've paid for it.
Instead, people pirating games are FREE from all of that, really, this time shame on you, Valve.
Steam supports beta branches, which are often used to keep around old versions before disruptive changes. That publisher should still take the responsibility and face demands for refunds though.
The game is developed by Russians, maybe they are being forced to add in a rootkit, which won't work on Linux and mac, so they're just ditching those platforms?
Basically all journalists, rich businessmen and activists use Mac.
Basically all valuable servers run Linux.
The low level Iphone jailbreak bugs mostly come from discovered government malware.
Against Linux source code poisoning is popular.
"Write your first rootkit" is a training exercise for mediocre kernel developers.
Just, because ransomware writers don't have standards and are willing to settle for Windows, because it has the less capable admins and has the security of an open door doesn't mean governments don't.
Edit:
In this rant I'm assuming they can get super user permissions from their users, but with the "anti-cheat" claim for a native game this could work.
Last edited by LoudTechie on 23 May 2024 at 8:32 pm UTC
0 Likes
Article updated, see the bottom.Wow, I had no idea that outright stating that it will be impossible to download it after the update is an erroneous way of stating that it simply won't get the update and you actually can continue to download it!
"Sorry guys, you're right, we should just leave the old version up and that's what we'll do." would've sounded a whole lot better - it's obvious they didn't want to deal with being stung by a bunch of refund requests, as people have been discussing, especially since the recent Helldivers 2 issues proved that Valve will make exceptions to the usual refund-window if there's a change to what the product was originally sold as.
I do wish that devs like this would just own it when they make a goof. I'd have a lot more respect for that!
4 Likes, Who?
slaapliedje May 24
We're talking gaming here, right? There isn't any government enforced rootkits here... unless you're buying games from CCP sponsored companies... of course they're target specific.Nah, any government enforced rootkit will support Linux and Mac, unless it is target specific.Think this option is on the developers though, right?So, let me understand.Welcome to the state of gaming in 2024........ Over priced DLC........ Microtransactions out the warzoo..... Out of control in game gambling........ Gaming as a service....... Changing account requirements after purchase........ And now...... Changing OS support after purchase....... What a time to be a live......
I've this game on native Linux on steam and after the update i will not have the possibility to download it anymore?
Does this feel right to anyone?
I am blacklisting this studio, and I'll never buy a game from them.Targem Games has made...... The list...... I will do doing the same.......
This is Valve enforcing game updates vis Steam.
Blaze Rush is a lightweight title that works on an old netbook which is unable to run Vulkan, unable to run Proton via dxvk, I don't want even imagine what would happen via wined3d.
They are reducing my possibility to play it, and I've paid for it.
Instead, people pirating games are FREE from all of that, really, this time shame on you, Valve.
Steam supports beta branches, which are often used to keep around old versions before disruptive changes. That publisher should still take the responsibility and face demands for refunds though.
The game is developed by Russians, maybe they are being forced to add in a rootkit, which won't work on Linux and mac, so they're just ditching those platforms?
Basically all journalists, rich businessmen and activists use Mac.
Basically all valuable servers run Linux.
The low level Iphone jailbreak bugs mostly come from discovered government malware.
Against Linux source code poisoning is popular.
"Write your first rootkit" is a training exercise for mediocre kernel developers.
Just, because ransomware writers don't have standards and are willing to settle for Windows, because it has the less capable admins and has the security of an open door doesn't mean governments don't.
Edit:
In this rant I'm assuming they can get super user permissions from their users, but with the "anti-cheat" claim for a native game this could work.
I don't know about journalists and rich businessmen using macs. I'm sure most activists do. The first two likely use a mix of Linux/mac/Windows. A lot of proper journalists are going to be stuck on MS or be more about openness of Linux. 'Creative' types are likely to be using Macs. Not game players though.
Ha, all 'useful' servers are running some form of *nix at this point, with few exceptions running Windows.
Ha, no clue where you're getting the iphone Jailbreaks from, they're just vulnerabilities in Apple's somewhat shitty software.
Source code poisoning... has happened like once or twice ever... at least that has been found/noticed. It is far from 'popular'.
Haha, I wonder where you find info on writing your own rootkit, there have literally only been a small few of those ever found in the wild.
There aren't even that many ransomware writers. There is literally a black market where people buy said things.
I actually work 'in the industry' to know most of these things, so there is that...
1 Likes, Who?
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