Unfortunately for some, Linux has now released a statement ending speculation over the development of a Linux Steam application.
The Linux Steam development was sparked back in May 2010 after Steam Linux Binaries were discovered in Steam and seemed to be under active development.
Unfortunately though, Doug Lombardi of the Valve Corporation has said, “There’s no Linux version that we’re working on right now.”
But he did express his excitement about the new Mac Steam version and predicted that 2011 will see lots of games released simultaneously on PC and Apple’s rival format.
The History of Steam on Linux
The idea of Steam on Linux has been a topic of interest for many years. Linux users have long desired a native Steam client to enjoy the vast library of games available on the platform. The discovery of Steam Linux Binaries in 2010 gave hope to many that Valve was actively working on a Linux version. This discovery led to widespread speculation and excitement within the Linux community.
However, the recent statement from Doug Lombardi has put a damper on these hopes. Despite the setback, the Linux gaming community remains optimistic. The demand for a Linux Steam client continues to grow, and many believe that it is only a matter of time before Valve revisits the idea.
Current Alternatives for Linux Gamers
While the wait for a native Steam client on Linux continues, there are several alternatives available for Linux gamers. One popular option is using Wine, a compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on Linux. Many Steam games can be played on Linux using Wine, although the performance and compatibility can vary.
Another alternative is using Proton, a tool developed by Valve that is integrated into the Steam client. Proton allows many Windows games to run on Linux with minimal configuration. Since its release, Proton has significantly improved the gaming experience for Linux users, making it easier to play a wide range of Steam games on the platform.
Additionally, there are native Linux games available on Steam. While the selection is smaller compared to Windows, there are still many high-quality games that run natively on Linux. Developers are increasingly recognizing the importance of supporting Linux, and the number of native Linux games continues to grow.
Despite the current lack of a native Steam client, the future of gaming on Linux looks promising. The continued development of tools like Wine and Proton, along with the growing library of native Linux games, ensures that Linux gamers have plenty of options to enjoy their favorite titles.
So it looks like we will need to wait just a little longer for the Linux release of Steam.
Via Slash Gear
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