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I'm not really interested in trading card games, although i've never played any kind of them, but it looks great and maybe i'll try this one.

QuoteI like the idea of more MMO for Linux, especially ones that aren't tied down to AAA-style graphics

By the way, know somebody "Loadout"? (a fun cartoon-style shooter) Is there any chance for a native version?

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Quoting: edddeduckferal

Quoting: Half-Shot

Quoting: DerRiddaSo Astro, what exactly is the problem with updating your free-of-charge operating system from a 32bit to a 64bit install? Even if you think that these days everything should still be released in 32bit you must know that it is only a matter of time before 64bit completely replaces 32bit, so you will have to do it eventually, why not now?

He could be using 32bit hardware, which is a problem in itself because there is no way in hell he will be able to play this on that.

Thanks for offering Astro assistance, it's the one thing I have really been impressed by the Linux community is the spirt of trying to help one another. :)

Astro first contacted Feral about 32bit in a Steam thread requesting 32bit support, Astro told us he has an Intel i7 CPU with 16GB of RAM installed. He cannot upgrade to 64bit for a number of reasons which unfortunately means he cannot play XCOM as his machine does not meet the software requirements (his hardware easily meets the requirements). Sometimes people have custom setups that cannot easily be upgraded and I suspect Astro might have one of these systems.

Astro on Steam thread - "It doesn't metter. It's only 32 bit system and it can't be 64 bit one for many reasons. I'm only asking a 32 bit build here, not anything else."

A Linux user on Steam asked if they could help him upgrading and Astro replied that:

"I'm pretty much experienced linux user. Please, don't waste your time. I can't reinstall my x86 and I don't want to have a dual boot linux system."

http://steamcommunity.com/app/200510/discussions/0/522730535890277198/#c522730700398367277
http://steamcommunity.com/app/200510/discussions/0/522730535890277198/#c522730699987966472

Hopefully in the future the reasons for Astro not being able to upgrade right now will be resolved and he will be able to upgrade and take advantage of 64bit. I think it would be a good idea for everyone to not to question Astro's reasons for not upgrading, Astro's request did result in some unpleasant comments about 32bit and the thread slowly turned in to a 32bit vs 64bit war which had nothing to do with XCOM and I think it would be good if we avoided the same thing on the GamingOnLinux comments. :)

Astro has made his decision and has his reasons for doing so, lets respect his decision and move on. As tempting as it is to carry on I think we should perhaps leave the 32/64 bit debate alone as it has run it's course.

We can leave the comments section to focus on other aspects of XCOM Linux.

Edwin

Well said. Nothing we can do and nothing more to add.

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Quoting: Half-Shot

Quoting: DerRiddaSo Astro, what exactly is the problem with updating your free-of-charge operating system from a 32bit to a 64bit install? Even if you think that these days everything should still be released in 32bit you must know that it is only a matter of time before 64bit completely replaces 32bit, so you will have to do it eventually, why not now?

He could be using 32bit hardware, which is a problem in itself because there is no way in hell he will be able to play this on that.

Thanks for offering Astro assistance, it's the one thing I have really been impressed by the Linux community is the spirt of trying to help one another. :)

Astro first contacted Feral about 32bit in a Steam thread requesting 32bit support, Astro told us he has an Intel i7 CPU with 16GB of RAM installed. He cannot upgrade to 64bit for a number of reasons which unfortunately means he cannot play XCOM as his machine does not meet the software requirements (his hardware easily meets the requirements). Sometimes people have custom setups that cannot easily be upgraded and I suspect Astro might have one of these systems.

Astro on Steam thread - "It doesn't metter. It's only 32 bit system and it can't be 64 bit one for many reasons. I'm only asking a 32 bit build here, not anything else."

A Linux user on Steam asked if they could help him upgrading and Astro replied that:

"I'm pretty much experienced linux user. Please, don't waste your time. I can't reinstall my x86 and I don't want to have a dual boot linux system."

http://steamcommunity.com/app/200510/discussions/0/522730535890277198/#c522730700398367277
http://steamcommunity.com/app/200510/discussions/0/522730535890277198/#c522730699987966472

Hopefully in the future the reasons for Astro not being able to upgrade right now will be resolved and he will be able to upgrade and take advantage of 64bit. I think it would be a good idea for everyone to not to question Astro's reasons for not upgrading, Astro's request did result in some unpleasant comments about 32bit and the thread slowly turned in to a 32bit vs 64bit war which had nothing to do with XCOM and I think it would be good if we avoided the same thing on the GamingOnLinux comments. :)

Astro has made his decision and has his reasons for doing so, lets respect his decision and move on. As tempting as it is to carry on I think we should perhaps leave the 32/64 bit debate alone as it has run it's course.

We can leave the comments section to focus on other aspects of XCOM Linux.

Edwin

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I haven't played trading card games, what are the better ones for Linux so I can maybe try one out?

Aside from which, I like the idea of more MMO for Linux, especially ones that aren't tied down to AAA-style graphics. I like something a bit more cartoony, which is why I enjoyed WoW back when I played it.

Looking at the video, the card system resembles Triple Triad from Final Fantasy VIII.

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Astro, I really wish you would give CD Projekt RED and VirtualProgramming the criticism they deserve for the The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings wrapjob rather than undeservedly criticising Feral for efficiently choosing to not support an antiquated technology for their native port.

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Quoting: DerRiddaSo Astro, what exactly is the problem with updating your free-of-charge operating system from a 32bit to a 64bit install? Even if you think that these days everything should still be released in 32bit you must know that it is only a matter of time before 64bit completely replaces 32bit, so you will have to do it eventually, why not now?

He could be using 32bit hardware, which is a problem in itself because there is no way in hell he will be able to play this on that.

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i have been super busy lately and havent taken part from any recent SteamLUG events.. i hope i can make it to the XCOM one... no promises though.

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Some Natural Selection 2 would be fun :)

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So Astro, what exactly is the problem with updating your free-of-charge operating system from a 32bit to a 64bit install? Even if you think that these days everything should still be released in 32bit you must know that it is only a matter of time before 64bit completely replaces 32bit, so you will have to do it eventually, why not now?

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Quoting: vulture

Quoting: BladeforceThere's no denying that Wine is an absolutely incredible achievement and with literally no documentation to go off either. Wine is absolutely fantastic for windows programs under GNU I run quite a few older games from the 1998 era flawlessly that will never be ported to GNU today.
I applaud the wine developers for their fantastic contribution to GNU.
I have ZERO respect for anyone that just says meh to such fantastic software and obviously has no understanding of the hard wor the wine developers put into this. Long live Wine!

as much as i agree with you on "wine is awesome", there is legitimate "meh" reason. if we keep buying new games to run under wine, then we're just negating the reasons why developers should do linux ports. why would they if sales are the same? and as good wine it is, it isn't as good as real port

This situation stay mainly on AAA titles from companies like as (EA - KONAMI - UBISOFT - BETHESDA - NAMCO and many others) or on old titles where dont have port

On my case buy games (mainly AAA titles) only if game runs on wine, for example this titles

View video on youtube.com

View video on youtube.com

View video on youtube.com

View video on youtube.com

on my youtube channel have some videos of various games (mainly AAA) running on wine (around 1150 videos for now) and utilities installation on wine

https://www.youtube.com/user/mrdeathjr28

Or some results on my blog since 2009

http://gamesonwine.blogspot.com/

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Quoting: BladeforceThere's no denying that Wine is an absolutely incredible achievement and with literally no documentation to go off either. Wine is absolutely fantastic for windows programs under GNU I run quite a few older games from the 1998 era flawlessly that will never be ported to GNU today.
I applaud the wine developers for their fantastic contribution to GNU.
I have ZERO respect for anyone that just says meh to such fantastic software and obviously has no understanding of the hard wor the wine developers put into this. Long live Wine!

as much as i agree with you on "wine is awesome", there is legitimate "meh" reason. if we keep buying new games to run under wine, then we're just negating the reasons why developers should do linux ports. why would they if sales are the same? and as good wine it is, it isn't as good as real port

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I really like this guy's talks and resume =P
His Steam Dev Days talk is also interesting! (and more techy) =D
Nice to know his insight and experience in Linux gaming history. =)

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I might play XCOM and Civ 5. Also didn't know there were weekly game of guns of icarus, so will sign up for that.

Any chance of a Europa Universalis multilayer?

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Quoting: LowEndGeekI wish I could be more active in the LUG events. Sadly I neither have the money for these games nor the adequate amount of time to play them. I only get a limited amount of time on the internet per day and most of it is spent on public wifi which blocks steam.

It only helps with one of those issues, but we do try to run at least one free game each month.

We also take suggestions on what to run, so if there's something you do have that you think you'd be able to play on a weekend when you were near a decent internet connection, feel free to tell us!

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Quoting: HadBabits33:30 "Woah, that was pure luck"

Actually that was the lightning reflexes perk :P

Still, nice strategizing, Samsai :D

Oh, I forgot about that perk completely! :D

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I wish I could be more active in the LUG events. Sadly I neither have the money for these games nor the adequate amount of time to play them. I only get a limited amount of time on the internet per day and most of it is spent on public wifi which blocks steam.

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Quoting: GuestIf you got the feeling like me, after a couple of hours playtime on the original XCOM, damn I wish I had build some more satellite-nexus...:) then I highly recommend to start over WITH the DLC ....because it's the same campaing with lots of more stuff.

Oh it is? Man, then I gotta do that! I thought it was a new story, like it typically is with DLCs.
And yeah, I didn't fully understand the purpose of the satellite thingies, nor the hangard with ships either, until things started getting real troublesome.

Oh well I don't mind starting over... Not since Mass Effect 2 have I been this excited over a game!

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A very good port of a very, very good game.

I've rounded 20 hours now and things are getting a bit hard. But man, what a game. Luckily there is the Enemy Within DLC to start working on once the campaign is over.
Also, the replay value of this game is sky high. As far as I understand the mission maps are randomly generated and the AI is very good so the next play-through will not be the exact same.

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33:30 "Woah, that was pure luck"

Actually that was the lightning reflexes perk :P

Still, nice strategizing, Samsai :D

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Quoting: Sabun

QuoteI think it was fairly obvious that I was going to praise this port to high heavens. Feral's port is simply awesome.

I have to agree here. 7 hours of gameplay without me even realising so far, it's that good. My only question is why they only port it up to DirectX9 functionality (Aspyr did the same). Is it currently not possible to fully implement DX11 features in OpenGL smoothly? Or are we restricted to what Mac gamers are stuck at with their OpenGL implemention? (or are the DX11 features in Xcom and Civ5 so little they are unnoticeable?)

I think thy have to find the perfect balace between worktime and quality for their work. So they have to use the safest opengl implemtation for the most users on both systems.
So I think at the moment it is the easiest way to use OpenGL 3.1 Features as maximum. Backportet OpenGL 4 Features that are realised with Extension from NVidia or AMD in their drivers are not save to use.
Simple say. The Port can only use Features that are supported by NVidia, AMD and Intel and aviable on Linux and Mac down to the lowest supported GPU.
Do extra features for better cards is more work, needs more time and at the end, costs more money.

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QuoteI think it was fairly obvious that I was going to praise this port to high heavens. Feral's port is simply awesome.

I have to agree here. 7 hours of gameplay without me even realising so far, it's that good. My only question is why they only port it up to DirectX9 functionality (Aspyr did the same).

• Is it currently not possible to fully implement DX11 features in OpenGL smoothly?


• Or are we restricted to what Mac gamers are stuck at with their OpenGL implemention?


• or are the DX11 features in Xcom and Civ5 so little they are unnoticeable?

EDIT: Feral have answered! Link :D

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I'm sorry Gran PC. I'm not one of the people spewing this stuff at you, but I am sorry for not writing to let you know I appreciate the effort. The Stanley Parable is one of the funniest games I've tried, and I would love to have it on the OS of my choice, and I feel terrible that that isn't the message you hear.
Please keep up the good work, I'd really love to see a few more endings.

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Thanks for the article, I just started Civ and Xcom to make sure the devs get their money. :-)

This system doesn't sound very fair to me. Often enough I buy games because they have Linux support, but I end up streaming them from Windows to my HTPC. Unfortunately Linux can not be used as a host OS for Valve's In-Home Streaming, yet.

XCom would be such a candidate. I'd rather prefer playing it with a controller in front of a large TV screen. But knowing this now, I will resist :-)

A game that was bought with a Linux system should always count as a Linux game, no matter on which platform you play it.

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It is a very good port. I wish every port would have this quality.
View video on youtube.com

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I was thinking that this must be one of the hardest games to bug test, considering he has to distinguish between the "real" bugs and the ones which have been intentionally left in the game.

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How are we supposed to know that?

I can only judge you from what I've seen about you. This was the first time I read anything from you, and you open with such a vastly unreasonable thing; claiming Feral are the worst for not providing 32-bit binaries. I can only conclude that you are an unfriendly and unreasonable person.

In fact, I have to thank you. You made me think about how I might be perceived by others, thanks to me sometimes also quite...brash behaviour.

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Quoting: Astro

Quoting: Imants

Quoting: Astro

Quoting: CheesenessAstro seems completely out of line in this thread, but I'm not sure that that justifies some of the more generalised responses.

And I'm still thinking I'm 100% right in my point of view as 32-bit OS user.

No you are not. you can not demand something which was not promised buy developers. You can ask them to support but they are not obliged to do that.

As I said earlier, if you do something - do it from begining to the end properly. XCOM half-ported and it's obvious fact. And I don't demand anything. I only declare this fact. But that's not a subject of our discussion here. Mostly I really upset because I'm aware for now on how much unfriendly linux community is. :(

Not supporting 32bit architecture do not make it half-ported. No one can force developer to support architecture which they do not want if they haven not promised that. They made excellent 64 bit port and that is our reason to disagree with you. They are not worst devs ever because they do not support your 32 bit linux. I think they would support it it there where reasonable demand. But as there are only fiew people demanding it I do not see reason why they should waste their time on it. It is much better for them to start port next game to Linux not to waste time on 32 bit port.

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Quoting: DrMcCoy

Quoting: AstroMostly I really upset because I'm aware for now on how much unfriendly linux community is. :(

Your very first post on this article said, and I quote, "And they're worst of devs I know about". Talk about unfriendly...

You don't know me. I'm really very friendly person. Honestly.

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Quoting: AstroMostly I really upset because I'm aware for now on how much unfriendly linux community is. :(

Your very first post on this article said, and I quote, "And they're worst of devs I know about". Talk about unfriendly...

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Quoting: Imants

Quoting: Astro

Quoting: CheesenessAstro seems completely out of line in this thread, but I'm not sure that that justifies some of the more generalised responses.

And I'm still thinking I'm 100% right in my point of view as 32-bit OS user.

No you are not. you can not demand something which was not promised buy developers. You can ask them to support but they are not obliged to do that.

As I said earlier, if you do something - do it from begining to the end properly. XCOM half-ported and it's obvious fact. And I don't demand anything. I only declare this fact. But that's not a subject of our discussion here. Mostly I really upset because I'm aware for now on how much unfriendly linux community is. :(

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