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News - NVIDIA driver 610.43.02 arrives for Linux with Vulkan upgrades, DRM colour pipeline API support
By Stella, 26 May 2026 at 4:29 pm UTC
By Stella, 26 May 2026 at 4:29 pm UTC
Quoting: artikThat isn't what I'm referring to. The game is currently broken on Nvidia and they said they are bringing out a fix in an upcoming driver: https://forums.developer.nvidia.com/t/595-release-feedback-discussion/362561/433Quoting: StellaDoes that have the fix for Forza Horizon 6?Forza Horizon 6 works using Proton Experimental, and deactivating Ray Tracing. The fix will come with a Proton Experimental update.
News - Colorado and California age verification bills exempt open source operating systems
By Caldathras, 26 May 2026 at 4:29 pm UTC
By Caldathras, 26 May 2026 at 4:29 pm UTC
Quoting: PlayingOnLinuxphoneTo answer the question about "are smartphones affected?": while ASOP or its free software forks are technically not, all smartphones are affected by default.And it's not like some of that information isn't being collected already. I was configuring my wife's new cellphone and Samsung insisted on access to her birthdate while setting up her Samsung Account (acquired from her connected Google Account). Had to do with using the Play Store and the Samsung Store, I think. No proof of identity was demanded, mind you...
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Rusty, 26 May 2026 at 4:28 pm UTC
By Rusty, 26 May 2026 at 4:28 pm UTC
These laws only require implementation on app stores, not in any web service or application itself. There aren't a lot of app stores on Linux that'd meet the requirement to require age verification outside of game stores, and those will likely start collecting age verification as part of their account sign-up process, as Ubisoft has already started doing. I don't think Linux will be locked out, I think the OS-level age signal will probably just become redundant as the stores will be the ones collecting age verification info. The bills really don't seem to have much thought put into them.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Cyberworm, 26 May 2026 at 4:21 pm UTC
By Cyberworm, 26 May 2026 at 4:21 pm UTC
Quoting: The_Real_BittermanAs a fun side note "Deutsche Bahn AG", the major train operator here in Germany, blocked all Linux users to buy tickets or even look at train schedules online if they detected "Linux" in the Browsers user agent... You could even trigger it by setting the user agent on Windows to Linux. Blocked!I can both view the schedules and buy a ticket
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 4:11 pm UTC
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 4:11 pm UTC
Quoting: The_Real_BittermanAs a fun side note "Deutsche Bahn AG", the major train operator here in Germany, blocked all Linux users to buy tickets or even look at train schedules online if they detected "Linux" in the Browsers user agent... You could even trigger it by setting the user agent on Windows to Linux. Blocked!But android also reports linux, it doesn't make sense. Do they check linux + x86_64?
Quoting: Liam Squires-HandBut the end service / app / whatever still needs to show they are properly doing these checks. If lawmakers see a simple bypass on Linux, and the service allows it to happen - fines? It’s never as simple as you think.From what I understand, the end service only sees an age response and no other recently introduced, extra info so they have no way of distinguishing and no liability. The fault is at the response generation by the OS, not interpretation by the website / service / app etc.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By The_Real_Bitterman, 26 May 2026 at 4:02 pm UTC
By The_Real_Bitterman, 26 May 2026 at 4:02 pm UTC
As a fun side note "Deutsche Bahn AG", the major train operator here in Germany, blocked all Linux users to buy tickets or even look at train schedules online if they detected "Linux" in the Browsers user agent... You could even trigger it by setting the user agent on Windows to Linux. Blocked!
Official explanation "Bot protection" yeah ... let me tell you one thing, as someone working in E-Commerce, bots don't run by "Linux X11" user agents. They all mimic Windows 11 or 10. Only half backed bot protection is to check ASN ... but user agents? Ha! Morons...
Anyway. If they even get THIS wrong ... I fear the age of age verification.
Official explanation "Bot protection" yeah ... let me tell you one thing, as someone working in E-Commerce, bots don't run by "Linux X11" user agents. They all mimic Windows 11 or 10. Only half backed bot protection is to check ASN ... but user agents? Ha! Morons...
Anyway. If they even get THIS wrong ... I fear the age of age verification.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Lachu, 26 May 2026 at 4:00 pm UTC
By Lachu, 26 May 2026 at 4:00 pm UTC
Also, these regulations are piece of shit, because not only Linux users could avoid it. Linux users are just in better place, because they can download source code, revert sh*t changes and compile.
But...
There are debuggers. I can type:
gdb firefox
break read_age_of_user
run
...
set ?? user_age 888
I think this is enough.
But...
There are debuggers. I can type:
gdb firefox
break read_age_of_user
run
...
set ?? user_age 888
I think this is enough.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Lachu, 26 May 2026 at 3:55 pm UTC
By Lachu, 26 May 2026 at 3:55 pm UTC
I think I can install Firefox for Windows using WINE, set age in registry and viola. I think there must be a field/value telling no information about age. In this case, each validator should recognize you as allowed to view content. In case, if my distribution does not comply with new laws, Firefox (for Linux) would send no information, because my OS does not deliver specific API. Of course, only root should be able to set this value or age for some user. If system lacks API to obtain age, software should return no information.
I think, this should not be obligatory. Law vendors should only force to create standards to check age and force content delivers to use this API.
I think, this should not be obligatory. Law vendors should only force to create standards to check age and force content delivers to use this API.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Liam Squires-Hand, 26 May 2026 at 3:50 pm UTC
By Liam Squires-Hand, 26 May 2026 at 3:50 pm UTC
Quoting: mr-victoryBut the end service / app / whatever still needs to show they are properly doing these checks. If lawmakers see a simple bypass on Linux, and the service allows it to happen - fines? It’s never as simple as you think.that correctly adheres to these lawsAfaiu, since we are exempted, we don't have to correctly adhere ie. we can just yes-man the checks.
News - NVIDIA driver 610.43.02 arrives for Linux with Vulkan upgrades, DRM colour pipeline API support
By artik, 26 May 2026 at 3:22 pm UTC
By artik, 26 May 2026 at 3:22 pm UTC
Quoting: StellaDoes that have the fix for Forza Horizon 6?Forza Horizon 6 works using Proton Experimental, and deactivating Ray Tracing. The fix will come with a Proton Experimental update.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 3:03 pm UTC
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 3:03 pm UTC
that correctly adheres to these lawsAfaiu, since we are exempted, we don't have to correctly adhere ie. we can just yes-man the checks. This doesn't even have to be done by the distribution maintainer, a 3rd party software can do it. Which makes the checks moot. Which hardens the checks so linux / foss can't implement them even if required. Oh shit this is like Play Integrity bypass in a new coat of sugar.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By spacemonkey, 26 May 2026 at 3:02 pm UTC
By spacemonkey, 26 May 2026 at 3:02 pm UTC
I hope governments will apply the same logic here as using seatbelts:
When your are driving a car you have to wear a seatbelt, but when you're on a motorcycle nobody cares about your safety.
(In this metaphore an OS like Windows is a car. Linux, of course, is like driving a motorcycle)
When your are driving a car you have to wear a seatbelt, but when you're on a motorcycle nobody cares about your safety.
(In this metaphore an OS like Windows is a car. Linux, of course, is like driving a motorcycle)
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By syylk, 26 May 2026 at 2:35 pm UTC
By syylk, 26 May 2026 at 2:35 pm UTC
I understand the concern.
BUT.
Just as much as I actually love to not have rootkit-like anti cheat "solutions" available for my gaming machine (I consider them an RCE-in-the-making), I will be extremely happy to be excluded from those services that will need to ask my (admittedly ancient) age without a reasonable motive.
You're a bank? A credit card circuit? A governative agency issuing driving licenses? A municipality celebrating marriages? A weapons or liquor store? Other goods/services provider which must be reasonably sure I'm an adult? No? Then I don't need to do age-verified business with you, thank you. You can keep your pictures of kittens for yourself, I'll live happily without them.
BUT.
Just as much as I actually love to not have rootkit-like anti cheat "solutions" available for my gaming machine (I consider them an RCE-in-the-making), I will be extremely happy to be excluded from those services that will need to ask my (admittedly ancient) age without a reasonable motive.
You're a bank? A credit card circuit? A governative agency issuing driving licenses? A municipality celebrating marriages? A weapons or liquor store? Other goods/services provider which must be reasonably sure I'm an adult? No? Then I don't need to do age-verified business with you, thank you. You can keep your pictures of kittens for yourself, I'll live happily without them.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By PlayingOnLinuxphone, 26 May 2026 at 2:33 pm UTC
By PlayingOnLinuxphone, 26 May 2026 at 2:33 pm UTC
Europe is going towards Linux, people around the world are going towards Linux. What should we scare about? We people just have to be a bit more serious about what we want and at some point the money loss will change things automatically to our advantage.
As I told, as more European countries rely on Linux as more important it will be to them to support competition which includes Linux itself or European companies start to do their own businesses to fit into the new service holes. If current companies want to dig their own graves, let them do so. No need for any fear. We are strong together - stronger than them. Look how Microsoft starts to advertise how they become better, just after a few percentages of people moved to Linux. We just need to follow our principles.
As I told, as more European countries rely on Linux as more important it will be to them to support competition which includes Linux itself or European companies start to do their own businesses to fit into the new service holes. If current companies want to dig their own graves, let them do so. No need for any fear. We are strong together - stronger than them. Look how Microsoft starts to advertise how they become better, just after a few percentages of people moved to Linux. We just need to follow our principles.
News - NVIDIA driver 610.43.02 arrives for Linux with Vulkan upgrades, DRM colour pipeline API support
By Stella, 26 May 2026 at 2:21 pm UTC
By Stella, 26 May 2026 at 2:21 pm UTC
Does that have the fix for Forza Horizon 6?
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Pyrate, 26 May 2026 at 2:16 pm UTC
By Pyrate, 26 May 2026 at 2:16 pm UTC
Is this how the fed distros are going to justify still carrying on with "age verification" measurements even if the exemptions get more widespread ?
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Cley_Faye, 26 May 2026 at 2:04 pm UTC
By Cley_Faye, 26 May 2026 at 2:04 pm UTC
You're right: if some business/services makes a strong requirement for age enforcement on user's device, we're screwed.
Wait, no. We just can't use the service.
Sure, it sounds easy, and I'm sure there'll be a *lot* of nuance on that topic in the near future, but it can be a chance to reassess what is essential. Is giving everything up for the privilege of enjoying a twitter thread full of hate and bots worth it? Who knows.
The main issue would be when official/actually mandatory digital services starts to do that. But is it really that different from the current issue with "excluded" builds of Android (or services that flat-out kicks Linux out based on UA)? If our various administrations decides that we need a device *they* control, I'll fight to the end for *them* to provide me such device; at their expense. It would definitely be an uphill battle, but my devices my software.
If I have to give up "sovereign digital identity" and go back to paper, then so be it. If the paper option isn't available anymore, then I guess I'll start planting turnips.
But that's over dramatization. There's a real way forward where all this nonsense blow over and only a handful of stupid services cares about it.
Wait, no. We just can't use the service.
Sure, it sounds easy, and I'm sure there'll be a *lot* of nuance on that topic in the near future, but it can be a chance to reassess what is essential. Is giving everything up for the privilege of enjoying a twitter thread full of hate and bots worth it? Who knows.
The main issue would be when official/actually mandatory digital services starts to do that. But is it really that different from the current issue with "excluded" builds of Android (or services that flat-out kicks Linux out based on UA)? If our various administrations decides that we need a device *they* control, I'll fight to the end for *them* to provide me such device; at their expense. It would definitely be an uphill battle, but my devices my software.
If I have to give up "sovereign digital identity" and go back to paper, then so be it. If the paper option isn't available anymore, then I guess I'll start planting turnips.
But that's over dramatization. There's a real way forward where all this nonsense blow over and only a handful of stupid services cares about it.
News - World of Tanks: HEAT released free on Steam and works on Linux / SteamOS
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 1:48 pm UTC
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 1:48 pm UTC
Quoting: The_Real_BittermanIf a big player such as Wargaming keeps on enabling EAC for Linux no other dev / publisher has any reason to not support Linux and excuse it with "BuT cHeAtErS aRe On LiNuX!". Apparently it's not that big of a deal.WoT blitz doesn't even have an anti cheat and it is insanely optimized, I had solid 60fps on an ipad 2. It appears these guys know their tech well.
News - Retro fantasy slashers Witchaven and Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance get delisted in June
By compholio, 26 May 2026 at 1:06 pm UTC
By compholio, 26 May 2026 at 1:06 pm UTC
Quoting: RTherenThose games are made by Capstone: The Pinnacle of Monster TittiesAnd if you don't, you can Google it and [find this video](https://youtu.be/083x4Iy-eRg?t=930s).
If you know, you know ;)
News - Unreal Engine 6 revealed with a major Rocket League upgrade - the teaser concerns me
By PlayingOnLinuxphone, 26 May 2026 at 12:44 pm UTC
By PlayingOnLinuxphone, 26 May 2026 at 12:44 pm UTC
Found this article on internet from last year, which explains [what plans exist related to UE6](https://www.pcguide.com/news/unreal-engine-6-is-a-few-years-away-says-ceo-previews-could-arrive-in-2-3-years/). The main goal is to overcome single-threaded limitations, which was decided previously with purpose to make things easier. But it is "still years away", so the CEO. Probably also a marketing trick to get away from bad UE5 press with a clear goal what features should be optimized to that date.
News - Colorado and California age verification bills exempt open source operating systems
By compholio, 26 May 2026 at 12:37 pm UTC
By compholio, 26 May 2026 at 12:37 pm UTC
Quoting: vic-bayFun fact, 95% of steam users were born on January 1st.Is that actually published somewhere? It would not surprise me if it's true, since their drop-down for entering your age is so dumb that I selected the year and said "nope, that's good enough".
News - World of Tanks: HEAT released free on Steam and works on Linux / SteamOS
By The_Real_Bitterman, 26 May 2026 at 12:12 pm UTC
By The_Real_Bitterman, 26 May 2026 at 12:12 pm UTC
If a big player such as Wargaming keeps on enabling EAC for Linux no other dev / publisher has any reason to not support Linux and excuse it with "BuT cHeAtErS aRe On LiNuX!". Apparently it's not that big of a deal.
News - Unreal Engine 6 revealed with a major Rocket League upgrade - the teaser concerns me
By Ehvis, 26 May 2026 at 11:18 am UTC
By Ehvis, 26 May 2026 at 11:18 am UTC
As I understand it, UE6 was Tim's target to merge the Fortnite version of Unreal Engine and the "normal" Unreal Engine back into a single product. So basically they want UE to be automatically targeting Fortnite-Roblox. So does not look like any particular focus on rendering on optimization.
News - Blue Archive adds full Steam Deck compatibility and a new startup movie
By fenglengshun, 26 May 2026 at 10:35 am UTC
By fenglengshun, 26 May 2026 at 10:35 am UTC
They truly do know how to make Senseis happy.
News - Casualties: Unknown demo showcases its intense exploration and injury system
By RedWyvern, 26 May 2026 at 10:29 am UTC
By RedWyvern, 26 May 2026 at 10:29 am UTC
Fun is not the right word for this game, but I have been enjoying the challenge.
Enough to start carrying my Steam Deck around for it again.
I have seen it described as Spelunky meets Project Zomboid, I have played neither but this seems accurate.
My younger brother remarked on the similarities of the health modals, but after playing a bit noted that the medical systems are more detailed.
And the deaths more gruesome, especially the first few.
Enough to start carrying my Steam Deck around for it again.
I have seen it described as Spelunky meets Project Zomboid, I have played neither but this seems accurate.
My younger brother remarked on the similarities of the health modals, but after playing a bit noted that the medical systems are more detailed.
And the deaths more gruesome, especially the first few.
News - Blue Archive adds full Steam Deck compatibility and a new startup movie
By Ehvis, 26 May 2026 at 9:41 am UTC
By Ehvis, 26 May 2026 at 9:41 am UTC
Didn't sound familiar.
"This item is currently unavailable in your region"
Ah, that explains why. Must have quite the monetization scheme for that to be the case.
"This item is currently unavailable in your region"
Ah, that explains why. Must have quite the monetization scheme for that to be the case.
News - Steam Machine release closing in with an appearance on the Vulkan conformant product list
By LoudTechie, 26 May 2026 at 8:55 am UTC
[Also there is the indication of Valve suddenly receiving shipments full of consoles.](https://www.thegamer.com/valve-steam-shipments-incoming-game-consoles-steam-machine/)
The Steamframe is much fancier tech than both the console and the controller(emulated x86, Waydroid, etc.)
By LoudTechie, 26 May 2026 at 8:55 am UTC
Quoting: NicknameThe Steamcontroller came first, so it stands to reason the others are also released in order.Quoting: nullzeroWhile this could be the case for the Steam Machine, I guess the Steam Frame cant release until it is also added to this Vulcan list🤔Place your bets now - when do you think it will see a pricing and launch date announcement?Tomorrow (TM)
Joking. Just wanted to mirror the separate steam reddits, specially the r/ steamframe one , which are full of fans saying it's today/tomorrow over and over again.
Could the 3 separate hardware launches actually have gotten people more hyped/anxious about the whole thing?
Does that mean it will most likely release after the Steam Machine? (unless they delay it until the Steam Frame is ready)
[Also there is the indication of Valve suddenly receiving shipments full of consoles.](https://www.thegamer.com/valve-steam-shipments-incoming-game-consoles-steam-machine/)
The Steamframe is much fancier tech than both the console and the controller(emulated x86, Waydroid, etc.)
News - Linux Mint gets file manager improvements, a new screenshot tool and more
By LoudTechie, 26 May 2026 at 8:43 am UTC
These sites are aimed at people who're trying to install an open source program for the first time and operate from a misunderstanding of what's and what's not a sketchy website.
By LoudTechie, 26 May 2026 at 8:43 am UTC
Quoting: Purple Library GuyHelps to be old fashioned I guess. I usually reach websites by typing the URL (well, for sites I go to a lot, just a bit of the URL--for Gaming on Linux I type "g" and the bar fills in the rest). Hard to end up at a fake site that way.Typosquatting is still a thing, also these sites aren't aimed at people who already know the url.
These sites are aimed at people who're trying to install an open source program for the first time and operate from a misunderstanding of what's and what's not a sketchy website.
Spoiler, click me
For FOSS projects simple pure html sites or a README are more realistic, because those are better standardized, much easier to work with, with limited tools and many of these people see GUI as optional for those without a handicap.
Reputation thieves on the other hand specialize in GUI, have no qualms about using certain tools, don't care about standards and assume everyone needs GUI.
Reputation thieves on the other hand specialize in GUI, have no qualms about using certain tools, don't care about standards and assume everyone needs GUI.
News - Retro fantasy slashers Witchaven and Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance get delisted in June
By Gerarderloper, 26 May 2026 at 6:37 am UTC
By Gerarderloper, 26 May 2026 at 6:37 am UTC
like doom meets daggerfall
News - Linux Mint gets file manager improvements, a new screenshot tool and more
By Linux_Rocks, 26 May 2026 at 6:16 am UTC
By Linux_Rocks, 26 May 2026 at 6:16 am UTC
Quoting: Purple Library GuyHelps to be old fashioned I guess. I usually reach websites by typing the URL (well, for sites I go to a lot, just a bit of the URL--for Gaming on Linux I type "g" and the bar fills in the rest). Hard to end up at a fake site that way.I also type my URLs, but I also type www. still too.
News - NVIDIA driver 610.43.02 arrives for Linux with Vulkan upgrades, DRM colour pipeline API support
By Stella, 26 May 2026 at 4:29 pm UTC
By Stella, 26 May 2026 at 4:29 pm UTC
Quoting: artikThat isn't what I'm referring to. The game is currently broken on Nvidia and they said they are bringing out a fix in an upcoming driver: https://forums.developer.nvidia.com/t/595-release-feedback-discussion/362561/433Quoting: StellaDoes that have the fix for Forza Horizon 6?Forza Horizon 6 works using Proton Experimental, and deactivating Ray Tracing. The fix will come with a Proton Experimental update.
News - Colorado and California age verification bills exempt open source operating systems
By Caldathras, 26 May 2026 at 4:29 pm UTC
By Caldathras, 26 May 2026 at 4:29 pm UTC
Quoting: PlayingOnLinuxphoneTo answer the question about "are smartphones affected?": while ASOP or its free software forks are technically not, all smartphones are affected by default.And it's not like some of that information isn't being collected already. I was configuring my wife's new cellphone and Samsung insisted on access to her birthdate while setting up her Samsung Account (acquired from her connected Google Account). Had to do with using the Play Store and the Samsung Store, I think. No proof of identity was demanded, mind you...
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Rusty, 26 May 2026 at 4:28 pm UTC
By Rusty, 26 May 2026 at 4:28 pm UTC
These laws only require implementation on app stores, not in any web service or application itself. There aren't a lot of app stores on Linux that'd meet the requirement to require age verification outside of game stores, and those will likely start collecting age verification as part of their account sign-up process, as Ubisoft has already started doing. I don't think Linux will be locked out, I think the OS-level age signal will probably just become redundant as the stores will be the ones collecting age verification info. The bills really don't seem to have much thought put into them.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Cyberworm, 26 May 2026 at 4:21 pm UTC
By Cyberworm, 26 May 2026 at 4:21 pm UTC
Quoting: The_Real_BittermanAs a fun side note "Deutsche Bahn AG", the major train operator here in Germany, blocked all Linux users to buy tickets or even look at train schedules online if they detected "Linux" in the Browsers user agent... You could even trigger it by setting the user agent on Windows to Linux. Blocked!I can both view the schedules and buy a ticket
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 4:11 pm UTC
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 4:11 pm UTC
Quoting: The_Real_BittermanAs a fun side note "Deutsche Bahn AG", the major train operator here in Germany, blocked all Linux users to buy tickets or even look at train schedules online if they detected "Linux" in the Browsers user agent... You could even trigger it by setting the user agent on Windows to Linux. Blocked!But android also reports linux, it doesn't make sense. Do they check linux + x86_64?
Quoting: Liam Squires-HandBut the end service / app / whatever still needs to show they are properly doing these checks. If lawmakers see a simple bypass on Linux, and the service allows it to happen - fines? It’s never as simple as you think.From what I understand, the end service only sees an age response and no other recently introduced, extra info so they have no way of distinguishing and no liability. The fault is at the response generation by the OS, not interpretation by the website / service / app etc.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By The_Real_Bitterman, 26 May 2026 at 4:02 pm UTC
By The_Real_Bitterman, 26 May 2026 at 4:02 pm UTC
As a fun side note "Deutsche Bahn AG", the major train operator here in Germany, blocked all Linux users to buy tickets or even look at train schedules online if they detected "Linux" in the Browsers user agent... You could even trigger it by setting the user agent on Windows to Linux. Blocked!
Official explanation "Bot protection" yeah ... let me tell you one thing, as someone working in E-Commerce, bots don't run by "Linux X11" user agents. They all mimic Windows 11 or 10. Only half backed bot protection is to check ASN ... but user agents? Ha! Morons...
Anyway. If they even get THIS wrong ... I fear the age of age verification.
Official explanation "Bot protection" yeah ... let me tell you one thing, as someone working in E-Commerce, bots don't run by "Linux X11" user agents. They all mimic Windows 11 or 10. Only half backed bot protection is to check ASN ... but user agents? Ha! Morons...
Anyway. If they even get THIS wrong ... I fear the age of age verification.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Lachu, 26 May 2026 at 4:00 pm UTC
By Lachu, 26 May 2026 at 4:00 pm UTC
Also, these regulations are piece of shit, because not only Linux users could avoid it. Linux users are just in better place, because they can download source code, revert sh*t changes and compile.
But...
There are debuggers. I can type:
gdb firefox
break read_age_of_user
run
...
set ?? user_age 888
I think this is enough.
But...
There are debuggers. I can type:
gdb firefox
break read_age_of_user
run
...
set ?? user_age 888
I think this is enough.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Lachu, 26 May 2026 at 3:55 pm UTC
By Lachu, 26 May 2026 at 3:55 pm UTC
I think I can install Firefox for Windows using WINE, set age in registry and viola. I think there must be a field/value telling no information about age. In this case, each validator should recognize you as allowed to view content. In case, if my distribution does not comply with new laws, Firefox (for Linux) would send no information, because my OS does not deliver specific API. Of course, only root should be able to set this value or age for some user. If system lacks API to obtain age, software should return no information.
I think, this should not be obligatory. Law vendors should only force to create standards to check age and force content delivers to use this API.
I think, this should not be obligatory. Law vendors should only force to create standards to check age and force content delivers to use this API.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Liam Squires-Hand, 26 May 2026 at 3:50 pm UTC
By Liam Squires-Hand, 26 May 2026 at 3:50 pm UTC
Quoting: mr-victoryBut the end service / app / whatever still needs to show they are properly doing these checks. If lawmakers see a simple bypass on Linux, and the service allows it to happen - fines? It’s never as simple as you think.that correctly adheres to these lawsAfaiu, since we are exempted, we don't have to correctly adhere ie. we can just yes-man the checks.
News - NVIDIA driver 610.43.02 arrives for Linux with Vulkan upgrades, DRM colour pipeline API support
By artik, 26 May 2026 at 3:22 pm UTC
By artik, 26 May 2026 at 3:22 pm UTC
Quoting: StellaDoes that have the fix for Forza Horizon 6?Forza Horizon 6 works using Proton Experimental, and deactivating Ray Tracing. The fix will come with a Proton Experimental update.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 3:03 pm UTC
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 3:03 pm UTC
that correctly adheres to these lawsAfaiu, since we are exempted, we don't have to correctly adhere ie. we can just yes-man the checks. This doesn't even have to be done by the distribution maintainer, a 3rd party software can do it. Which makes the checks moot. Which hardens the checks so linux / foss can't implement them even if required. Oh shit this is like Play Integrity bypass in a new coat of sugar.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By spacemonkey, 26 May 2026 at 3:02 pm UTC
By spacemonkey, 26 May 2026 at 3:02 pm UTC
I hope governments will apply the same logic here as using seatbelts:
When your are driving a car you have to wear a seatbelt, but when you're on a motorcycle nobody cares about your safety.
(In this metaphore an OS like Windows is a car. Linux, of course, is like driving a motorcycle)
When your are driving a car you have to wear a seatbelt, but when you're on a motorcycle nobody cares about your safety.
(In this metaphore an OS like Windows is a car. Linux, of course, is like driving a motorcycle)
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By syylk, 26 May 2026 at 2:35 pm UTC
By syylk, 26 May 2026 at 2:35 pm UTC
I understand the concern.
BUT.
Just as much as I actually love to not have rootkit-like anti cheat "solutions" available for my gaming machine (I consider them an RCE-in-the-making), I will be extremely happy to be excluded from those services that will need to ask my (admittedly ancient) age without a reasonable motive.
You're a bank? A credit card circuit? A governative agency issuing driving licenses? A municipality celebrating marriages? A weapons or liquor store? Other goods/services provider which must be reasonably sure I'm an adult? No? Then I don't need to do age-verified business with you, thank you. You can keep your pictures of kittens for yourself, I'll live happily without them.
BUT.
Just as much as I actually love to not have rootkit-like anti cheat "solutions" available for my gaming machine (I consider them an RCE-in-the-making), I will be extremely happy to be excluded from those services that will need to ask my (admittedly ancient) age without a reasonable motive.
You're a bank? A credit card circuit? A governative agency issuing driving licenses? A municipality celebrating marriages? A weapons or liquor store? Other goods/services provider which must be reasonably sure I'm an adult? No? Then I don't need to do age-verified business with you, thank you. You can keep your pictures of kittens for yourself, I'll live happily without them.
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By PlayingOnLinuxphone, 26 May 2026 at 2:33 pm UTC
By PlayingOnLinuxphone, 26 May 2026 at 2:33 pm UTC
Europe is going towards Linux, people around the world are going towards Linux. What should we scare about? We people just have to be a bit more serious about what we want and at some point the money loss will change things automatically to our advantage.
As I told, as more European countries rely on Linux as more important it will be to them to support competition which includes Linux itself or European companies start to do their own businesses to fit into the new service holes. If current companies want to dig their own graves, let them do so. No need for any fear. We are strong together - stronger than them. Look how Microsoft starts to advertise how they become better, just after a few percentages of people moved to Linux. We just need to follow our principles.
As I told, as more European countries rely on Linux as more important it will be to them to support competition which includes Linux itself or European companies start to do their own businesses to fit into the new service holes. If current companies want to dig their own graves, let them do so. No need for any fear. We are strong together - stronger than them. Look how Microsoft starts to advertise how they become better, just after a few percentages of people moved to Linux. We just need to follow our principles.
News - NVIDIA driver 610.43.02 arrives for Linux with Vulkan upgrades, DRM colour pipeline API support
By Stella, 26 May 2026 at 2:21 pm UTC
By Stella, 26 May 2026 at 2:21 pm UTC
Does that have the fix for Forza Horizon 6?
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Pyrate, 26 May 2026 at 2:16 pm UTC
By Pyrate, 26 May 2026 at 2:16 pm UTC
Is this how the fed distros are going to justify still carrying on with "age verification" measurements even if the exemptions get more widespread ?
News - Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
By Cley_Faye, 26 May 2026 at 2:04 pm UTC
By Cley_Faye, 26 May 2026 at 2:04 pm UTC
You're right: if some business/services makes a strong requirement for age enforcement on user's device, we're screwed.
Wait, no. We just can't use the service.
Sure, it sounds easy, and I'm sure there'll be a *lot* of nuance on that topic in the near future, but it can be a chance to reassess what is essential. Is giving everything up for the privilege of enjoying a twitter thread full of hate and bots worth it? Who knows.
The main issue would be when official/actually mandatory digital services starts to do that. But is it really that different from the current issue with "excluded" builds of Android (or services that flat-out kicks Linux out based on UA)? If our various administrations decides that we need a device *they* control, I'll fight to the end for *them* to provide me such device; at their expense. It would definitely be an uphill battle, but my devices my software.
If I have to give up "sovereign digital identity" and go back to paper, then so be it. If the paper option isn't available anymore, then I guess I'll start planting turnips.
But that's over dramatization. There's a real way forward where all this nonsense blow over and only a handful of stupid services cares about it.
Wait, no. We just can't use the service.
Sure, it sounds easy, and I'm sure there'll be a *lot* of nuance on that topic in the near future, but it can be a chance to reassess what is essential. Is giving everything up for the privilege of enjoying a twitter thread full of hate and bots worth it? Who knows.
The main issue would be when official/actually mandatory digital services starts to do that. But is it really that different from the current issue with "excluded" builds of Android (or services that flat-out kicks Linux out based on UA)? If our various administrations decides that we need a device *they* control, I'll fight to the end for *them* to provide me such device; at their expense. It would definitely be an uphill battle, but my devices my software.
If I have to give up "sovereign digital identity" and go back to paper, then so be it. If the paper option isn't available anymore, then I guess I'll start planting turnips.
But that's over dramatization. There's a real way forward where all this nonsense blow over and only a handful of stupid services cares about it.
News - World of Tanks: HEAT released free on Steam and works on Linux / SteamOS
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 1:48 pm UTC
By mr-victory, 26 May 2026 at 1:48 pm UTC
Quoting: The_Real_BittermanIf a big player such as Wargaming keeps on enabling EAC for Linux no other dev / publisher has any reason to not support Linux and excuse it with "BuT cHeAtErS aRe On LiNuX!". Apparently it's not that big of a deal.WoT blitz doesn't even have an anti cheat and it is insanely optimized, I had solid 60fps on an ipad 2. It appears these guys know their tech well.
News - Retro fantasy slashers Witchaven and Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance get delisted in June
By compholio, 26 May 2026 at 1:06 pm UTC
By compholio, 26 May 2026 at 1:06 pm UTC
Quoting: RTherenThose games are made by Capstone: The Pinnacle of Monster TittiesAnd if you don't, you can Google it and [find this video](https://youtu.be/083x4Iy-eRg?t=930s).
If you know, you know ;)
News - Unreal Engine 6 revealed with a major Rocket League upgrade - the teaser concerns me
By PlayingOnLinuxphone, 26 May 2026 at 12:44 pm UTC
By PlayingOnLinuxphone, 26 May 2026 at 12:44 pm UTC
Found this article on internet from last year, which explains [what plans exist related to UE6](https://www.pcguide.com/news/unreal-engine-6-is-a-few-years-away-says-ceo-previews-could-arrive-in-2-3-years/). The main goal is to overcome single-threaded limitations, which was decided previously with purpose to make things easier. But it is "still years away", so the CEO. Probably also a marketing trick to get away from bad UE5 press with a clear goal what features should be optimized to that date.
News - Colorado and California age verification bills exempt open source operating systems
By compholio, 26 May 2026 at 12:37 pm UTC
By compholio, 26 May 2026 at 12:37 pm UTC
Quoting: vic-bayFun fact, 95% of steam users were born on January 1st.Is that actually published somewhere? It would not surprise me if it's true, since their drop-down for entering your age is so dumb that I selected the year and said "nope, that's good enough".
News - World of Tanks: HEAT released free on Steam and works on Linux / SteamOS
By The_Real_Bitterman, 26 May 2026 at 12:12 pm UTC
By The_Real_Bitterman, 26 May 2026 at 12:12 pm UTC
If a big player such as Wargaming keeps on enabling EAC for Linux no other dev / publisher has any reason to not support Linux and excuse it with "BuT cHeAtErS aRe On LiNuX!". Apparently it's not that big of a deal.
News - Unreal Engine 6 revealed with a major Rocket League upgrade - the teaser concerns me
By Ehvis, 26 May 2026 at 11:18 am UTC
By Ehvis, 26 May 2026 at 11:18 am UTC
As I understand it, UE6 was Tim's target to merge the Fortnite version of Unreal Engine and the "normal" Unreal Engine back into a single product. So basically they want UE to be automatically targeting Fortnite-Roblox. So does not look like any particular focus on rendering on optimization.
News - Blue Archive adds full Steam Deck compatibility and a new startup movie
By fenglengshun, 26 May 2026 at 10:35 am UTC
By fenglengshun, 26 May 2026 at 10:35 am UTC
They truly do know how to make Senseis happy.
News - Casualties: Unknown demo showcases its intense exploration and injury system
By RedWyvern, 26 May 2026 at 10:29 am UTC
By RedWyvern, 26 May 2026 at 10:29 am UTC
Fun is not the right word for this game, but I have been enjoying the challenge.
Enough to start carrying my Steam Deck around for it again.
I have seen it described as Spelunky meets Project Zomboid, I have played neither but this seems accurate.
My younger brother remarked on the similarities of the health modals, but after playing a bit noted that the medical systems are more detailed.
And the deaths more gruesome, especially the first few.
Enough to start carrying my Steam Deck around for it again.
I have seen it described as Spelunky meets Project Zomboid, I have played neither but this seems accurate.
My younger brother remarked on the similarities of the health modals, but after playing a bit noted that the medical systems are more detailed.
And the deaths more gruesome, especially the first few.
News - Blue Archive adds full Steam Deck compatibility and a new startup movie
By Ehvis, 26 May 2026 at 9:41 am UTC
By Ehvis, 26 May 2026 at 9:41 am UTC
Didn't sound familiar.
"This item is currently unavailable in your region"
Ah, that explains why. Must have quite the monetization scheme for that to be the case.
"This item is currently unavailable in your region"
Ah, that explains why. Must have quite the monetization scheme for that to be the case.
News - Steam Machine release closing in with an appearance on the Vulkan conformant product list
By LoudTechie, 26 May 2026 at 8:55 am UTC
[Also there is the indication of Valve suddenly receiving shipments full of consoles.](https://www.thegamer.com/valve-steam-shipments-incoming-game-consoles-steam-machine/)
The Steamframe is much fancier tech than both the console and the controller(emulated x86, Waydroid, etc.)
By LoudTechie, 26 May 2026 at 8:55 am UTC
Quoting: NicknameThe Steamcontroller came first, so it stands to reason the others are also released in order.Quoting: nullzeroWhile this could be the case for the Steam Machine, I guess the Steam Frame cant release until it is also added to this Vulcan list🤔Place your bets now - when do you think it will see a pricing and launch date announcement?Tomorrow (TM)
Joking. Just wanted to mirror the separate steam reddits, specially the r/ steamframe one , which are full of fans saying it's today/tomorrow over and over again.
Could the 3 separate hardware launches actually have gotten people more hyped/anxious about the whole thing?
Does that mean it will most likely release after the Steam Machine? (unless they delay it until the Steam Frame is ready)
[Also there is the indication of Valve suddenly receiving shipments full of consoles.](https://www.thegamer.com/valve-steam-shipments-incoming-game-consoles-steam-machine/)
The Steamframe is much fancier tech than both the console and the controller(emulated x86, Waydroid, etc.)
News - Linux Mint gets file manager improvements, a new screenshot tool and more
By LoudTechie, 26 May 2026 at 8:43 am UTC
These sites are aimed at people who're trying to install an open source program for the first time and operate from a misunderstanding of what's and what's not a sketchy website.
By LoudTechie, 26 May 2026 at 8:43 am UTC
Quoting: Purple Library GuyHelps to be old fashioned I guess. I usually reach websites by typing the URL (well, for sites I go to a lot, just a bit of the URL--for Gaming on Linux I type "g" and the bar fills in the rest). Hard to end up at a fake site that way.Typosquatting is still a thing, also these sites aren't aimed at people who already know the url.
These sites are aimed at people who're trying to install an open source program for the first time and operate from a misunderstanding of what's and what's not a sketchy website.
Spoiler, click me
For FOSS projects simple pure html sites or a README are more realistic, because those are better standardized, much easier to work with, with limited tools and many of these people see GUI as optional for those without a handicap.
Reputation thieves on the other hand specialize in GUI, have no qualms about using certain tools, don't care about standards and assume everyone needs GUI.
Reputation thieves on the other hand specialize in GUI, have no qualms about using certain tools, don't care about standards and assume everyone needs GUI.
News - Retro fantasy slashers Witchaven and Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance get delisted in June
By Gerarderloper, 26 May 2026 at 6:37 am UTC
By Gerarderloper, 26 May 2026 at 6:37 am UTC
like doom meets daggerfall
News - Linux Mint gets file manager improvements, a new screenshot tool and more
By Linux_Rocks, 26 May 2026 at 6:16 am UTC
By Linux_Rocks, 26 May 2026 at 6:16 am UTC
Quoting: Purple Library GuyHelps to be old fashioned I guess. I usually reach websites by typing the URL (well, for sites I go to a lot, just a bit of the URL--for Gaming on Linux I type "g" and the bar fills in the rest). Hard to end up at a fake site that way.I also type my URLs, but I also type www. still too.
Guide - How to give Valve feedback when Proton games have issues on Linux / SteamOS
By Stella, 22 May 2026 at 10:27 am UTC
By Stella, 22 May 2026 at 10:27 am UTC
Is that really worth doing though? I uploaded logs and gave really detailed information for 3 different games that have issues with Proton. The Witcher 3, Vampyr, Doom TDA. All 3 are Steam Deck Verified. In all 3 reports, i gave detailed repro steps along with proton logs, and the issue was 100% reproducible. In Vampyr, the report was specifically about a regression in Proton 8 or later on the Steam Deck. I have never heard back from Valve on any of these 3 reports. This effort feels like a waste of time now.😫
Guide - How to give Valve feedback when Proton games have issues on Linux / SteamOS
By Cley_Faye, 21 May 2026 at 5:32 pm UTC
By Cley_Faye, 21 May 2026 at 5:32 pm UTC
Ah, there must be a rule somewhere to state that a solution to a problem will show up when you don't need it anymore :D
I was facing an issue with a game last week, and ended up getting proton logs out this way. It was quite helpful. Ubuntu 24.04 have nvidia 595 drivers, but for some reason they didn't ship with the 32 bit builds of the various libraries. The proton logs showed that the game (a 32-bit windows executable) was just not seeing the GPU *at all* and moved to llvmpipe.
Still, a useful post; I'm sure there are issues that can't quite get fixed on our end.
I was facing an issue with a game last week, and ended up getting proton logs out this way. It was quite helpful. Ubuntu 24.04 have nvidia 595 drivers, but for some reason they didn't ship with the 32 bit builds of the various libraries. The proton logs showed that the game (a 32-bit windows executable) was just not seeing the GPU *at all* and moved to llvmpipe.
Still, a useful post; I'm sure there are issues that can't quite get fixed on our end.
Guide - How to give Valve feedback when Proton games have issues on Linux / SteamOS
By Yasri, 21 May 2026 at 2:44 pm UTC
By Yasri, 21 May 2026 at 2:44 pm UTC
You can upload the log file, first I have heard of this. I've just been chopping them up and making dozens of posts per bug report.
/this is a joke, don't do this.
/this is a joke, don't do this.
Guide - How to setup OpenMW for modern Morrowind on Linux / SteamOS and Steam Deck
By Savor592, 10 Apr 2026 at 1:32 pm UTC
By Savor592, 10 Apr 2026 at 1:32 pm UTC
I would welcome a post (or an edit) introducing https://modding-openmw.com/ and especially showing a setup that works well on Steam Deck.
Their scripts make modding really easy. But unfortunately the Total Overhaul seems to be too much for the Deck. Would be nice to see a configuration close to it which can be run on the Deck.
Their scripts make modding really easy. But unfortunately the Total Overhaul seems to be too much for the Deck. Would be nice to see a configuration close to it which can be run on the Deck.
Guide - How to get Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 online working on Linux, SteamOS, Steam Deck
By lucasgomesbz, 7 Apr 2026 at 11:44 pm UTC
By lucasgomesbz, 7 Apr 2026 at 11:44 pm UTC
Thanks so much!
Your trick work!
Your trick work!
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By esapolundead, 11 Feb 2026 at 11:37 pm UTC
Close Lutris, then
Open Lutris, start Battle.net. You will have to login again, but it should be working now. Hope this helps.
By esapolundead, 11 Feb 2026 at 11:37 pm UTC
Quoting: iliyalesanitried wine, wine-staging-tkg, proton experimental, proton-ge, proton-tkg, reinstalled battle.net multiple times on different prefixes even cleared appdata and programdata but still nothing. gave VPN and tethering mobile network a shot as well. the result was always the same:This happened to me as well. Looks like the latest Battle.net launcher update broke something. This is how I fixed it in Lutris.
"Battle.net Update Agent went to sleep. Attempting to wake it up... BLZBNTBNA00000005".
Close Lutris, then
# pkill -9 Battle.net
# pkill -9 Agent
# pkill -9 Blizzard
# rm -rf ~/Games/battlenet/drive_c/ProgramData/Battle.net/Agent
# rm -rf ~/Games/battlenet/drive_c/ProgramData/Blizzard\ EntertainmentOpen Lutris, start Battle.net. You will have to login again, but it should be working now. Hope this helps.
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By iliyalesani, 11 Feb 2026 at 9:46 pm UTC
By iliyalesani, 11 Feb 2026 at 9:46 pm UTC
tried wine, wine-staging-tkg, proton experimental, proton-ge, proton-tkg, reinstalled battle.net multiple times on different prefixes even cleared appdata and programdata but still nothing. gave VPN and tethering mobile network a shot as well. the result was always the same:
"Battle.net Update Agent went to sleep. Attempting to wake it up... BLZBNTBNA00000005".
same thing with lutris using different versions of wine runners. even tried starting up the agent before and after launching battle.net to no avail:
EDIT / FIX:
using bottles (AUR, not flatpak) with proton-ge 10-30 worked. bottles also applied this launch option:
"Battle.net Update Agent went to sleep. Attempting to wake it up... BLZBNTBNA00000005".
same thing with lutris using different versions of wine runners. even tried starting up the agent before and after launching battle.net to no avail:
WINEFSYNC=1 WINEPREFIX="$HOME/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/2240255771/pfx/" "$HOME/.steam/steam/compatibilitytools.d/Proton-Tkg-2634/files/bin/wine" "$HOME/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/2240255771/pfx/drive_c/ProgramData/Battle.net/Agent/Agent.exe"EDIT / FIX:
using bottles (AUR, not flatpak) with proton-ge 10-30 worked. bottles also applied this launch option:
WINEDLLOVERRIDES="locationapi=d" WINE_SIMULATE_WRITECOPY=1 %command%
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By mr-victory, 23 Jan 2026 at 4:01 pm UTC
By mr-victory, 23 Jan 2026 at 4:01 pm UTC
Proton will also do however the default wine is ancient and does not work. I had to give this info in universal blue discord so many times I started to meme about "days since last Battle.net install failure on Lutris: 0". It is a pet peeve of mine😅
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By tuubi, 23 Jan 2026 at 2:55 pm UTC
Lutris really needs to cut a new release at some point and make this the default.
By tuubi, 23 Jan 2026 at 2:55 pm UTC
Quoting: mr-victoryI forgot this guide existed lol. Option 1 (Lutris) does not work and hasn't for months unless the default Wine version is changed from Wine GE 8.26 to something newer. Other wine versions can be installed by clicking a tiny button that looks like an open box in the main page of Lutris, next to "Wine" button.For most games you'll want to select "GE-Proton (Latest)" instead. No need to download anything manually. Lutris (UMU) will automatically download and manage the latest Proton version for you.
Lutris really needs to cut a new release at some point and make this the default.
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By mr-victory, 23 Jan 2026 at 12:44 pm UTC
By mr-victory, 23 Jan 2026 at 12:44 pm UTC
I forgot this guide existed lol. Option 1 (Lutris) does not work and hasn't for months unless the default Wine version is changed from Wine GE 8.26 to something newer. Other wine versions can be installed by clicking a tiny button that looks like an open box in the main page of Lutris, next to "Wine" button.
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By dbarreda, 23 Jan 2026 at 4:54 am UTC
By dbarreda, 23 Jan 2026 at 4:54 am UTC
I did install Steam thru Flatpak (K)ubuntu 25.10;
Proton 9 did not work, but Proton 10 did. It got stuck on "agent went to sleep attempting to wake it up steam".
The location for the directory is here: `~/.var/app/com.valvesoftware.Steam/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/`
Hope this helps someone.
Proton 9 did not work, but Proton 10 did. It got stuck on "agent went to sleep attempting to wake it up steam".
The location for the directory is here: `~/.var/app/com.valvesoftware.Steam/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/`
Hope this helps someone.
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By Liam Squires-Hand, 14 Jan 2026 at 12:57 pm UTC
By Liam Squires-Hand, 14 Jan 2026 at 12:57 pm UTC
I've added the Steam Snap path into the guide now, thanks.
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By jurquizo, 14 Jan 2026 at 12:55 pm UTC
*mod snip: we prefer note to have user scripts here, especially from an AI*
By jurquizo, 14 Jan 2026 at 12:55 pm UTC
Quoting: Liam DaweThanks for the quick reply. The folder compatdata is in ~/snap/steam/common/.local/share/Steam/steamapps, and there are a two folders with random numbers as names with the same created/modified date. In my case it was easy to find the correct because there were only 2 candidate folders.Quoting: jurquizoFirst of all, great guide. I tried following the steam method and I couldn't find the folder of the Steam installation folder to change the shortcut, I think it is because I installed Steam via snap and I can't find similar paths inside the .snap folder. Could you help me?Ah, that's an interesting one. Snap is a whole different can of worms.
Could you try looking in: ~/snap/steam/common/.local/share/Steam/steamapps
See if the compatdata folder is there? Once we find the correct path, I'll add it to the guide.
*mod snip: we prefer note to have user scripts here, especially from an AI*
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By Liam Squires-Hand, 13 Jan 2026 at 8:25 pm UTC
Could you try looking in: ~/snap/steam/common/.local/share/Steam/steamapps
See if the compatdata folder is there? Once we find the correct path, I'll add it to the guide.
By Liam Squires-Hand, 13 Jan 2026 at 8:25 pm UTC
Quoting: jurquizoFirst of all, great guide. I tried following the steam method and I couldn't find the folder of the Steam installation folder to change the shortcut, I think it is because I installed Steam via snap and I can't find similar paths inside the .snap folder. Could you help me?Ah, that's an interesting one. Snap is a whole different can of worms.
Could you try looking in: ~/snap/steam/common/.local/share/Steam/steamapps
See if the compatdata folder is there? Once we find the correct path, I'll add it to the guide.
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By jurquizo, 13 Jan 2026 at 8:17 pm UTC
By jurquizo, 13 Jan 2026 at 8:17 pm UTC
First of all, great guide. I tried following the steam method and I couldn't find the folder of the Steam installation folder to change the shortcut, I think it is because I installed Steam via snap and I can't find similar paths inside the .snap folder. Could you help me?
Guide - How to setup OpenMW for modern Morrowind on Linux / SteamOS and Steam Deck
By Caldathras, 4 Jan 2026 at 7:16 pm UTC
By Caldathras, 4 Jan 2026 at 7:16 pm UTC
This is for those looking for a solution that doesn't involve Flatpak. It is primarily intended for desktop Linux users. Although, I imagine with a little tweaking, It might work for Steam Deck as well.
Option 3) Direct Download
https://openmw.readthedocs.io/en/stable/manuals/installation/install-openmw.html#direct-download
Recently, I discovered that OpenMW offers a Direct Download "installer" on their GitHub site. This archive acts just like the Windows installer, allowing you to keep multiple versions of OpenMW installed in Linux.
The problem is that the installation instructions from the online guide are written very poorly. All they say is "run the install package once downloaded. It’s now installed!". It is not that easy. For one, the "installer" is an archive, not an executable. For two, they assume that you know what file to run once the archive is extracted. Here are my expanded instructions:
1) Download the latest Direct Download archive from the GitHub Releases page.
2) Extract the archive to the folder/location of your choice.
3) Launch the "openmw-launcher" script from within the folder.
.... a) If you are simply upgrading, it will use your existing configuration. You are good to go.
.... b) If this is a fresh installation, the launcher will offer to run the OpenMW Wizard to help you set everything up (see Option 1 of Liam's guide above for the rest of the steps).
4) If the launcher script will not start, then you have very likely encountered the rather infamous glibc issue (you can verify this by trying to launching the script in a terminal).
5) Make sure to download the latest version of the Steam Linux Runtime (currently Steam Linux Runtime 4).
6) To add OpenMW to the Steam client, choose the option "Add a Non-Steam Game ...". You may have to manually point Steam at the location of the openmw-launcher script (I did).
7) Go to the Properties menu for openmw-launcher and select "Install Compatibility Tool". Choose the latest Steam Linux Runtime, which you downloaded in Step 5.
8) Update and customize the Steam Library entry to your preferences. You should now be good to go.
Spoiler, click me
There are many ways to install OpenMW. There is even an unofficial AppImage available. The distro repositories almost always offer an out-of-date version. In the past, I used to install via the LaunchPad PPA (only works for Ubuntu derivatives). The problem with PPAs is that they have to be reinstalled with every major version upgrade of your distro. If you are slow to upgrade, the PPA will eventually update to a version of OpenMW that will not run on your outdated distro. Updating uninstalls the version that currently works and then fails on installing the new version.
Option 3) Direct Download
https://openmw.readthedocs.io/en/stable/manuals/installation/install-openmw.html#direct-download
Recently, I discovered that OpenMW offers a Direct Download "installer" on their GitHub site. This archive acts just like the Windows installer, allowing you to keep multiple versions of OpenMW installed in Linux.
Spoiler, click me
NOTE: By default, all installations share the same saves and configuration. There is a feature that was introduced with version 0.48 that allows you to set up a "portable install", which allows you to isolate a particular version with its own configuration and save files.
https://modding-openmw.com/tips/portable-install/
https://modding-openmw.com/tips/portable-install/
The problem is that the installation instructions from the online guide are written very poorly. All they say is "run the install package once downloaded. It’s now installed!". It is not that easy. For one, the "installer" is an archive, not an executable. For two, they assume that you know what file to run once the archive is extracted. Here are my expanded instructions:
1) Download the latest Direct Download archive from the GitHub Releases page.
2) Extract the archive to the folder/location of your choice.
Spoiler, click me
NOTE: If you want to maintain multiple versions, keep in mind that only one of them can be in your default PATH. In fact, it would probably be better to keep the lot of them out of your PATH altogether. Instead of treating the executable/script like a system command, you will just have to provide the entire folder address to launch the game.
This, however, also makes the installation somewhat portable since you can place folder wherever you want. Combined with the "portable install" feature described above, this means you won't even have to have the game installed in your File System partition at all.
This, however, also makes the installation somewhat portable since you can place folder wherever you want. Combined with the "portable install" feature described above, this means you won't even have to have the game installed in your File System partition at all.
3) Launch the "openmw-launcher" script from within the folder.
.... a) If you are simply upgrading, it will use your existing configuration. You are good to go.
.... b) If this is a fresh installation, the launcher will offer to run the OpenMW Wizard to help you set everything up (see Option 1 of Liam's guide above for the rest of the steps).
4) If the launcher script will not start, then you have very likely encountered the rather infamous glibc issue (you can verify this by trying to launching the script in a terminal).
Spoiler, click me
GLIBC Compatibility Issues
One of the big concerns that I have with the OpenMW project is that they don't clearly notify Linux users of a change in system requirements (which they could include with the text for each release on GitHub). The OpenMW Team occasionally increases the version of the glibc library required without clearly advising their Linux users of this change.
For example, the latest version of OpenMW (0.50.0) requires glibc 2.38. This is only available on Ubuntu 24.04 (Mint 22) or higher. (Still running an earlier distro version? Surprise!)
The solution is quite simple. You need to integrate the game into the Steam Client and set the compatibility to Steam Linux Runtime 4, which is based on Debian 13.2 Trixie (and supports glibc 2.38).
One of the big concerns that I have with the OpenMW project is that they don't clearly notify Linux users of a change in system requirements (which they could include with the text for each release on GitHub). The OpenMW Team occasionally increases the version of the glibc library required without clearly advising their Linux users of this change.
For example, the latest version of OpenMW (0.50.0) requires glibc 2.38. This is only available on Ubuntu 24.04 (Mint 22) or higher. (Still running an earlier distro version? Surprise!)
The solution is quite simple. You need to integrate the game into the Steam Client and set the compatibility to Steam Linux Runtime 4, which is based on Debian 13.2 Trixie (and supports glibc 2.38).
5) Make sure to download the latest version of the Steam Linux Runtime (currently Steam Linux Runtime 4).
6) To add OpenMW to the Steam client, choose the option "Add a Non-Steam Game ...". You may have to manually point Steam at the location of the openmw-launcher script (I did).
7) Go to the Properties menu for openmw-launcher and select "Install Compatibility Tool". Choose the latest Steam Linux Runtime, which you downloaded in Step 5.
8) Update and customize the Steam Library entry to your preferences. You should now be good to go.
Guide - How to get Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 online working on Linux, SteamOS, Steam Deck
By subzero, 19 Dec 2025 at 9:04 pm UTC
By subzero, 19 Dec 2025 at 9:04 pm UTC
Quoting: Liam Daweyes im trying to play battlefield 3, apologiesQuoting: subzeroThis doesnt seem to be working for me, i am on the official steam version of the game and i followed all the steps but for some reason the browser menu doesnt seem to detect the EA app on my computer that's already open, i am on fedora cinnamonSince the guide covers two games, which game are we talking about? Battlefield 3?
Guide - How to get Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 online working on Linux, SteamOS, Steam Deck
By Liam Squires-Hand, 19 Dec 2025 at 5:57 pm UTC
By Liam Squires-Hand, 19 Dec 2025 at 5:57 pm UTC
Quoting: subzeroThis doesnt seem to be working for me, i am on the official steam version of the game and i followed all the steps but for some reason the browser menu doesnt seem to detect the EA app on my computer that's already open, i am on fedora cinnamonSince the guide covers two games, which game are we talking about? Battlefield 3?
Guide - How to get Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 online working on Linux, SteamOS, Steam Deck
By subzero, 19 Dec 2025 at 5:47 pm UTC
By subzero, 19 Dec 2025 at 5:47 pm UTC
This doesnt seem to be working for me, i am on the official steam version of the game and i followed all the steps but for some reason the browser menu doesnt seem to detect the EA app on my computer that's already open, i am on fedora cinnamon
Guide - How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft
By Mirrored, 29 Nov 2025 at 9:52 am UTC
By Mirrored, 29 Nov 2025 at 9:52 am UTC
On CachyOS:
I was not able to get the Lutris method to work. The installer kept complaining about a file system error and the Battle.net installer would freeze. I attempted this installation many times (~10) and eventually managed to install it without a file system error appearing, but even then, Battle.net would give either the "Battle.net Agent Went to Sleep" error or the "An error occurred while loading game information" error. I tried changing the Runner configuration to many other options than the default, but they all resulted in Battle.net freezing immediately after launch. I didn't try Jiloup's suggestion of using Proton Plus, though, so look at that if you insist on Lutris.
I was able to get the Steam method to work. Use Steam to run the Battle.net setup exe, and then re-target it to the launcher exe that is installed. However, the suggested Compability setting of Proton 9.0-4 still lead to the "Battle.net Agent Went to Sleep". Once I switched it to proton-cachyos-10.0-20251120, that error went away, Battle.net started normally, and I was able to install games. I then tried Proton 10.0-3, which also worked.
TL;DR: I'd recommend the Steam method, and Proton 10.0+
I was not able to get the Lutris method to work. The installer kept complaining about a file system error and the Battle.net installer would freeze. I attempted this installation many times (~10) and eventually managed to install it without a file system error appearing, but even then, Battle.net would give either the "Battle.net Agent Went to Sleep" error or the "An error occurred while loading game information" error. I tried changing the Runner configuration to many other options than the default, but they all resulted in Battle.net freezing immediately after launch. I didn't try Jiloup's suggestion of using Proton Plus, though, so look at that if you insist on Lutris.
I was able to get the Steam method to work. Use Steam to run the Battle.net setup exe, and then re-target it to the launcher exe that is installed. However, the suggested Compability setting of Proton 9.0-4 still lead to the "Battle.net Agent Went to Sleep". Once I switched it to proton-cachyos-10.0-20251120, that error went away, Battle.net started normally, and I was able to install games. I then tried Proton 10.0-3, which also worked.
TL;DR: I'd recommend the Steam method, and Proton 10.0+
Guide - How to get Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 online working on Linux, SteamOS, Steam Deck
By Turkeysteaks, 23 Nov 2025 at 5:12 pm UTC
By Turkeysteaks, 23 Nov 2025 at 5:12 pm UTC
Realise this is a bit old now, but I've been playing with BF4 for a year or so and one thing is really annoying - no steam overlay. Which also means no steam recorder.
Do you or anyone have any experience with getting the steam overlay to work with this?
Do you or anyone have any experience with getting the steam overlay to work with this?
Guide - How to install, update and see what graphics driver you have on Linux and SteamOS
By Eike, 17 Nov 2025 at 12:27 pm UTC
Installing nvidia-drivers on Debian is basically
> apt install nvidia-driver
I made I video talking way too long for the easy task of installing Steam plus Nvidia drivers on a virgin Debian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS6mXW7KPoU
By Eike, 17 Nov 2025 at 12:27 pm UTC
Added some notes for Debian.Our wiki is bad.
Installing nvidia-drivers on Debian is basically
> apt install nvidia-driver
I made I video talking way too long for the easy task of installing Steam plus Nvidia drivers on a virgin Debian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS6mXW7KPoU
Guide - How to install, update and see what graphics driver you have on Linux and SteamOS
By Liam Squires-Hand, 17 Nov 2025 at 11:58 am UTC
By Liam Squires-Hand, 17 Nov 2025 at 11:58 am UTC
Added some notes for Debian.
Guide - Why are there so many different Proton versions? Proton 8, Proton 9, Experimental, GE-Proton
By vertigo, 3 Nov 2025 at 6:40 pm UTC
By vertigo, 3 Nov 2025 at 6:40 pm UTC
Great write up, very useful for new users. It could be worth adding [proton-cachyos](https://github.com/CachyOS/proton-cachyos) given how popular CachyOS is now.
Guide - An idiots guide to setting up Minecraft on Steam Deck / SteamOS with controller support
By blindcoder, 28 Oct 2025 at 10:07 am UTC
By blindcoder, 28 Oct 2025 at 10:07 am UTC
Thank you, I just setup the Steam Deck using this guide and now my kid and I can play together on my own server! <3
Guide - How to setup OpenMW for modern Morrowind on Linux / SteamOS and Steam Deck
By Cu5t0m1z3, 19 Oct 2025 at 8:43 pm UTC
By Cu5t0m1z3, 19 Oct 2025 at 8:43 pm UTC
I think you missed a huge part of playing a TES game by leaving out modding. I know modding on Linux tends to be difficult but the website modding-openmw makes it so easy.
I followed their Automatic Installation guide for the Total Overhaul of 589 mods on Linhx Mint and it worked flawlessly with no crashing after a few hours of playing. It downloads mods from Nexus through your terminal into your game install. If you pay for Nexus it'll be quicker and smoother, otherwise you have to acknowledge all 589 mods so it can take a few hours.
I followed their Automatic Installation guide for the Total Overhaul of 589 mods on Linhx Mint and it worked flawlessly with no crashing after a few hours of playing. It downloads mods from Nexus through your terminal into your game install. If you pay for Nexus it'll be quicker and smoother, otherwise you have to acknowledge all 589 mods so it can take a few hours.
Guide - How to setup OpenMW for modern Morrowind on Linux / SteamOS and Steam Deck
By quot, 10 Oct 2025 at 2:47 pm UTC
By quot, 10 Oct 2025 at 2:47 pm UTC
The next release is focused around their new gamepad UI feature.
https://openmw.org/2025/openmw-0-50-0-is-now-in-rc-phase/
It's not officially released, but the RC releases of OMW are very stable.
https://openmw.org/2025/openmw-0-50-0-is-now-in-rc-phase/
It's not officially released, but the RC releases of OMW are very stable.
Guide - How to setup OpenMW for modern Morrowind on Linux / SteamOS and Steam Deck
By Wintergale, 4 Oct 2025 at 5:29 pm UTC
By Wintergale, 4 Oct 2025 at 5:29 pm UTC
How good it is with gamepad?Wait for OMW v0.50, there will be a huge uprade of gamepad support. As I understood, you will not need a mouse anymore.
Guide - Alternatives to popular games that don't work on Linux, Steam Deck and SteamOS
By Turkeysteaks, 1 Oct 2025 at 4:45 pm UTC
By Turkeysteaks, 1 Oct 2025 at 4:45 pm UTC
IMO I'd split the FPS categories up into even more categories, while CS and Battlefield are technically both FPS, I'm not sure how much the fan overlap is. To suggest some additional alternatives:
Esports shooters:
Valorant -> CS2, Fragpunk
Rainbow 6 Siege/X -> Zero Hour, CS2*, Due Process*
Large-scale shooters:
Battlefield -> Battlefield 4*, Insurgency: Sandstorm*, HLL* (bit more milsimmy but still), Rising Storm Vietnam*, Planetside 2, THE FINALS*
Hero shooters:
Valorant -> Dirty Bomb, Overwatch 2*, Multiversus*
Arcade shooters:
Call of Duty -> Titanfall 2* (GOAT), Splitgate 2, Halo Infinite, Shatterline?
Could mention WWII and earlier, however most of them need custom clients due to the RCEs (this applies to both windows and linux)
Extraction shooters:
Tarkov -> Tarkov SINGLEPLAYER, Gray Zone Warfare, Marauders, Deceive Inc, Zero Sievert* (but singleplayer only)
Not sure where they'd fit specifically but I also think For Honor and Rocket League are worth mentioning somewhere within esports because they both work on linux and have some big fanbases
Also it would be wrong for me not to bring up Garfield Kart as a mario kart alternative lol
Esports shooters:
Valorant -> CS2, Fragpunk
Rainbow 6 Siege/X -> Zero Hour, CS2*, Due Process*
Large-scale shooters:
Battlefield -> Battlefield 4*, Insurgency: Sandstorm*, HLL* (bit more milsimmy but still), Rising Storm Vietnam*, Planetside 2, THE FINALS*
Hero shooters:
Valorant -> Dirty Bomb, Overwatch 2*, Multiversus*
Arcade shooters:
Call of Duty -> Titanfall 2* (GOAT), Splitgate 2, Halo Infinite, Shatterline?
Could mention WWII and earlier, however most of them need custom clients due to the RCEs (this applies to both windows and linux)
Extraction shooters:
Tarkov -> Tarkov SINGLEPLAYER, Gray Zone Warfare, Marauders, Deceive Inc, Zero Sievert* (but singleplayer only)
Not sure where they'd fit specifically but I also think For Honor and Rocket League are worth mentioning somewhere within esports because they both work on linux and have some big fanbases
Also it would be wrong for me not to bring up Garfield Kart as a mario kart alternative lol
Guide - How to install Hollow Knight: Silksong mods on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck
By Liam Squires-Hand, 1 Oct 2025 at 10:38 am UTC
By Liam Squires-Hand, 1 Oct 2025 at 10:38 am UTC
Updated for the new release of BepInEx 5.4.23.4, you no longer need to manually replace a file.
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- > See more over 30 days here
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