Linux Steam Beta: Linux users looking to play games have more options than ever, thanks to a new compatibility feature (still in beta) announced today by Valve, the company behind Steam.
Linux users will need to install the Linux Steam Beta (Client) to access the feature, which brings games like NieR: Automata, DOOM, Final Fantasy VI, and Doki Doki Literature Club to Linux for the first time.
Around 3,000 games on Steam support Linux natively, but there are plenty more that aren't. Steam Play could change that, allowing developers to test their games at compatibility levels and then quickly release a version that's compatible with Linux.
Here's the company's official statement:
..today we are releasing the Beta of a new and improved version of Steam Play to all Linux users! It includes a modified distribution of Wine, called Proton, and can provide compatibility with Windows game titles.
Steam Play uses Vulkan to display DirectX 11 and 12 and supports full-screen mode as well as game controllers.
This is a double-edged sword for Linux gamers. The new technology will certainly offer more options, but there is always the risk that game developers will start using it only and stop making games for Linux altogether. The concern is there, but that doesn't mean that most users won't be happy with access to more games.
________________________
