Valve Software Launches Linux Blog, Confirms Work On Steam Client for Linux 236
New submitter oakgrove writes "Valve Software confirmed today in a new blog devoted specifically to Steam on Linux (called Steam'd Penguins) that for more than a year, a Steam client has been in the works for Ubuntu Linux 12.04. 'We've made good progress this year and now have the Steam client running on Ubuntu with all major features available. We're still giving attention and effort to minor features but it's a good experience at the moment. In the near future, we will be setting up an internal beta focusing on the auto-update experience and compatibility testing.' The blog post also says that a working port of Left 4 Dead 2 is currently playable, and that their goal is to bring performance in line with the Windows version."
Re:wow! (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Linux Virus Launch Disguised as DRM via Steam! (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:wow! (Score:5, Insightful)
Man, it is hard to make some people happy. Here's one of the more successful game companies trying to make a serious effort to bring better games to Linux, and after 8 comments, there are 6 complaints about it.
Better they should do like Sony and just say "Fuck you, no Linux"? Or like Microsoft who tries to make with the lip service while trying to stab OSS in the back?
I mean, there might be some really evil intent behind Valve working on bringing Steam to Linux, but maybe a "wait and see" attitude might be called for at least until they give some indication of trying to screw Linux users over.
It could also signal to a lot more game developers that people who use Linux would be interested in some good games.
How can you be mad at a company that's selling great games from last year for like $5 or $10? Especially right behind EA announcing that they're going to charge $70 for Battlefield?
Part of being a discerning customer is being able to tell who's trying to kiss you and who's trying to bugger you.
Re:Two sides to this coin (Score:4, Insightful)
Unlikely - the Mac port does not do so. Although they did use DOSBox for many old game rereleases - Doom, Wolfenstein, etc. all run in an embedded DOSBox when installed from Steam. So I guess Wine isn't entirely out of the question.
However, I still think it's a good thing - the Mac Steam port seemed to trigger off a small wave of other Mac game ports. The same could very well happen for Linux. And native ports are always better than emulating.
Re:Linux Virus Launch Disguised as DRM via Steam! (Score:5, Insightful)
I think he's just concerned (legitimately) that once Steam appears on Linux, sure more games might come out, but they'll likely take the easy road and be distributed only on Steam rather than being also available in a non-DRM form.
Having said that, with the exception of some indie games, most new games these days require mandatory Steam usage anyway, so Steam appearing on Linux hasn't made anything WORSE so much as allowing options for those people who don't mind perpetually renting software. As always if you don't agree with the ToS of Steam (like I clearly don't), then you either stick with the games you've got, buy from places like GOG or move onto another hobby.
Re:A third side (Score:5, Insightful)
Gold and Lead... (Score:5, Insightful)
Apple hasn't exactly been shy about the fact that The App Store is exciting and mandatory on iDevices, and exciting-and-optional-for-now on OSX.
Microsoft hasn't exactly been shy about copying Apple in these matters(and while their 'games for windows live' initiative is risible, their xbox work shows that they are to be treated with caution).
Valve has a comparatively well regarded distribution mechanism; but they face the potential of being squeezed by platform vendors who want to own the store.
Now, as long as Redmond wants their $20-$100 bucks a box to make sure that Win32 and device drivers are working, and Apple wants their somewhat larger slice to provide the full package, Valve has a pretty limited incentive to try to upset that arrangement. Neither business is easy, and only the dominant player stands to make any serious money.
However, now the platform guys want to own both the platform and the store. That can't be good for the independent shopkeeper, now can it?
Re:Two sides to this coin (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Linux Virus Launch Disguised as DRM via Steam! (Score:5, Insightful)
It's probably due to the fact that in order for Valve to sell the old Doom games so that they can work on modern versions of Windows, going with DOSBox means it would provide the most authentic, classic Doom experience available. It would mean they can use the official ID produced DOS binaries without having to deal with third-party source ports. Allows them to adhere to all the licenses I guess.
Of course, once you've bought the game you can then break out the Doomsday Engine (like I use) with 3D models and texture packs and go nuts like that. But that's up to the purchaser; Valve shouldn't really make that decision automatically.
Re:Great news! (Score:4, Insightful)
I think there's a better chance that the port to Linux of Steam will be used to crowdtest it so that they can eventually use it for their Steambox (i.e. PC like console running just Steam (on Linux)).