Steam is coming to Linux!

[beefstu]

So the major thing stopping many people coming to Linux is the apparent lack of gaming. I know there are those very well made games in the repositories but there are very few "mainstream" games for Linux. I believe that this has quite an effect on the number of people who use Linux as this affects those who game alot and often their families as they tend to be the family not-for-profit tech guy.

Now this is going to change as Steam are bringing their client to Linux (as well as MacOS) http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/03/scre ... -if-its-n/

Although Steam have kept very quiet about this, and everything seems just speculation, if you look close to the top of the comments, erik1080 points out that the URL shown in the screenshot (http://store.steampowered.com/public/cl ... ient_linux)exists. More to the point, not only does that exist but the files indicated on that screen also exist!

http://store.steampowered.com/public/cl ... cb60648e19
http://store.steampowered.com/public/cl ... 29e2c1276f
http://store.steampowered.com/public/cl ... 4d0ef583ac
http://store.steampowered.com/public/cl ... b8d77608bc

I assume those filenames will change as time progresses.

Having downloaded them and attempted to pour over them myself, there are some pretty massive hints, including an HTML page with a link to download "the linux version" of steam where the hyperlink takes you to the normal download page. I hope this comes true as I thinks it could turn into a surge in Linux uses (and its one more step for many to ditch Windows and use Linux as their only OS)

EDIT: heres a long forum discussion about people who are having a better go at dissecting the files! http://www.phoronix.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23328

[AndrewH]

Of course, just because Steam makes a Linux client doesn't mean all those games will suddenly run natively on Linux.

I'm happy World of Goo is available on Linux; now if only PopCap would follow suit. Plants vs Zombies on Wine is disappointing.

[randomizer]

While it is true that most games will not suddenly be available on Linux (after all, publishers like EA and Ubisoft will need SecuROM to be ported first), it's likely that most, if not all of Valve's games will. Anyone for some Left 4 Dead?

[beefstu]

Well having had a look through some of those files, I'd say left 4 dead is definitely coming on the Linux version as there is a link to an HTML page about downloading the Linux version of steam to play left 4 dead.

[recent-convert]

Great news! Hope already owning a game on Steam entitles you to download the native Linux version of it, I would feel a bit gutted if I had to pay twice.

[randomizer]

Valve games can be bought once and downloaded for any platform. Other games' fates will be decided by the publishers.

[Ainer]

It's now official:

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=a ... ment&num=1

Looks like I'll be ditching my 360's! Yay!

[DrHu]

So the major thing stopping many people coming to Linux is the apparent lack of gaming.

I doubt that is the main reason

I think the main reason --or as the jargon said "Root cause", whatever that is supposed to be, since there is hardly ever one cause/reason for something -- is the well known propensity for people to stick with what they already know, whether or not it represents good value to them.

They haven't really examined the issue to decide, they just go forward blindly accepting what is being offered; and if, we only remembered it was an offer and not a command, we might be able to make up our own minds independently.

Anyway, games and game playing due to lack of current titles is certainly a handicap for Linux for game players (gamers), if that is the only system/method you have to play games
--others methods are available and have been widely adopted

• Internet game servers
  --monthly game-play costs, but you are not limited to game types nor do you have to buy them
• Console game playing systems
  Sony PS3/PSP, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Wii/Ds2, etc..
• Multiboot with a windows partitions and play your PC games..

Even hardcore game players, who might prefer the use of a PC with a quality graphics card will likely also have a console system, such as Sony or Microsoft or Wii, if you don't mind the type of games they have on offer