Check out our Monthly Survey Page to see what our users are running.
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.
This is the big one. Steam have released a major update of the Steam client which not only adds in some big new features, it also drastically improves the Linux client.

Linux-specific updates:
* Improved interactions between the Steam runtime and host distribution libraries, which should let Steam work out of the box with open-source graphics drivers on modern distributions. If using an older distribution or running into problems, use STEAM_RUNTIME_PREFER_HOST_LIBRARIES=0 to revert to previous behavior.

This next one is particularly fun, as I specifically wrote about it being an issue for nearly 4 years. Shortly after that article Valve sought to fix it.
* Unify close-to-tray behavior with other platforms. If using a distribution that doesn't have proper compatible tray support, use STEAM_FRAME_FORCE_CLOSE=0

* Added idle detection, friend status will now automatically switch to Away/Snooze
* Fixed Steam not obeying SIGTERM, Steam will now gracefully exit when logging out of a session
* Fixed keyboard input and cursor switching in overlay for Vulkan applications
* Update Vulkan loader in the Steam runtime to enable Xlib support
* Updated libxcb in the runtime with a fix for DRI3-related crashes on open-source graphics drivers

Other fun stuff
Steam now supports Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Generic X-Input controller configurator support. So you can custom-map them like you do with the Steam Controller. They also added support for the Emio PS4 "Elite" controller.

It seems Steam will attempt to give you a recommend configuration based on the type of controller you have plugged in too, which is ideal.

Game install folders can be moved to other Steam Library folders under Properties / Local Files. I mentioned this before from the Beta, as it's really useful for people like me who split their library across an SSD or a bigger cheaper HDD depending on what game it is. Some games really are better on an SSD.

An interesting one is this:
* Added support for using the overlay keyboard for games that have launchers.
Hopefully this means on SteamOS that games with launchers might be a bit more usable now, as it would make the SteamOS experience more pleasant too.

It's fantastic to see that Valve has done a pretty decent pass at making the Linux client better. More like this in 2017 please Valve.

See the full update notes here. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Steam
20 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
16 comments
Page: «2/2
  Go to:

Schattenspiegel Jan 20, 2017
Quoting: M@yeulChttps://github.com/ValveSoftware/steam-for-linux/issues/4795

thanks - that solved it
Comandante Ñoñardo Jan 20, 2017
In the Windows version of the Steam client, I can see the option for to move the game to another folder.
In the Linux version I can't see that option.
Purple Library Guy Jan 20, 2017
Quoting: tmtvl
QuoteFixed Steam not obeying SIGTERM, Steam will now gracefully exit when logging out of a session

By all that is FOSS, finally. That has been such a pain in my side for the past 5 or 6 months.

Is this the thing that makes it so if I don't absolutely totally and definitively shut down Steam (not just close it), then when I turn off my laptop it takes like five minutes to get shut down? If so I'm definitely happy they fixed it.


Last edited by Purple Library Guy on 20 January 2017 at 5:53 pm UTC
MayeulC Jan 20, 2017
Quoting: Comandante ÑoñardoIn the Windows version of the Steam client, I can see the option for to move the game to another folder.
In the Linux version I can't see that option.

Well, I have it. Are you sure the game is installed?

Edit: to clarify, just in case: game properties -> local files -> move install folder. And you have to have different paths set up in your settings.


Last edited by MayeulC on 20 January 2017 at 7:14 pm UTC
Comandante Ñoñardo Jan 21, 2017
Quoting: M@yeulCEdit: to clarify, just in case: game properties -> local files -> move install folder. And you have to have different paths set up in your settings.

In my Windows machine I don't have different library paths, and the "move install folder" option is available in all my installed games.

In my Linux machine I have several games installed and none of them have the "move install folder" option...


....

I just checked, If someone want to move the install folder on Linux, it is needed to have more than one game library path set up in the settings...

In the windows version , there is no need of that...
14 Jan 21, 2017
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
Wow. I didn't expect it to come so soon. woot! It's nice.

EDIT: Sweet! Steam reconnected after my computer went to sleep last night. One more little thing not to miss in Windows.


Last edited by 14 on 21 January 2017 at 6:02 pm UTC
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.