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BATTLETECH will only be coming to Linux post-launch, along with other features

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The turn-based mech strategy game developed by Harebrained Schemes won’t be on Linux at launch later this year. Other features have also been cut or altered and will be making into the game post-release.

In the latest backer update developer Harebrained Schemes have shared some notes about the current state of BATTLETECH [Official Site] and their plans going forward. They haven’t put out a firm release date for the game yet but they’ve gone ahead and stated what they have already cut from their intended release version. Sadly, this means that Linux won’t be there day-1.

I’m not too surprised about this as, when the previous backer beta test failed to have a Linux version, I suspected that we weren’t much of a priority as a target platform. Harebrained Schemes has been good with supporting Linux in the past, with their Shadowrun titles all making it our way, so I’m confident we’ll get the game eventually. This is likely a decision made with a mind to limited developer man hours and resources. That doesn’t make it any less disappointing, especially as I’ve been a fan of the BattleTech franchise for a long time and was looking forward to seeing soon what one of the original creators, Jordan Weisman, would think up for this new game.

Other things have also been cut or altered, including having only a limited skirmish mode at launch and some of the bonus content unlocked during the Kickstarter campaign. Save for Ironman mode (one save file allowed, automatically saved), these items primarily add flavor rather than have  a fundamental impact on gameplay. Like with Linux support, it’s planned to add these things to the game somewhere down the road.

The biggest change in the announcement, however, is about how multiplayer is structured. BATTLETECH will no longer focus around competitive leagues and tournaments, instead opting for a more friends-focused approach. Personally, I’m fine with that, not really being into competitive multiplayer and I’d rather they get the basic balance just right first before potentially going down that road. They've mentioned that players on both GOG and Steam versions will be able to play friends and join public games from their game client.

I hope that whenever they announce a release date, they do us a courtesy and outline just how long Linux gamers will have to wait to get their hands on the game.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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About the author -
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History, sci-fi, technology, cooking, writing and playing games are things I enjoy very much. I'm always keen to try different genres of games and discover all the gems out there.

Oh and the name doesn't mean anything but coincidentally could be pronounced as "Buttery" which suits me just fine.
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26 comments
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Liam Dawe Jan 16, 2018
Massively disappointing with this too, was looking forward to it myself as well. Glad I didn't back it.
Leopard Jan 16, 2018
QuoteThey've mentioned that players on both GOG and Steam versions will be able to play friends and join public games from their game client.

Well , you can't on GOG version because there is no platform equality on GOG.
rodvil Jan 16, 2018
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This was my most expected release for 2018 and it just turned into my biggest disappointment for this year. (it's only been a couple of weeks, but you get my point) :)
I do hope they get their stuff straight and deliver it on linux sometime!
ElectricPrism Jan 16, 2018
This looks great, I would love to play this.
GustyGhost Jan 17, 2018
Quoting: Leopard
QuoteThey've mentioned that players on both GOG and Steam versions will be able to play friends and join public games from their game client.

Well , you can't on GOG version because there is no platform equality on GOG.

A general tale of warning against relying on Steam multiplayer integration. This vendor lock in trap has prevented some number of titles such as Disco Dodgeball from being brought to GOG due to complications with multiplayer compatibility.
Luke_Nukem Jan 17, 2018
Sounds like a scope vs cost issue. The game looks bloody amazing, and they likely have a lot to do before release hence trimming back features.

Once they release and start getting a steady stream of income from it I'll bet they implement the original goals.
Trinexx Jan 17, 2018
Been through this song and dance too many times now. I won't be holding my breath for this one.
Colombo Jan 17, 2018
Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore—
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven "Nevermore I am buying game that is just 'supposed' to come to linux. Next time I will wait for full release. And sale."


Last edited by Colombo on 17 January 2018 at 2:04 am UTC
14 Jan 17, 2018
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I'm keeping it on my wish list because this game looked really cool. But I don't buy games until they work on my OS.
Debianeer Jan 17, 2018
I actually have faith they'll do it, I don't mind waiting a bit longer. It will still be fun when it comes out. They made it the first bullet, probably like they know it will make people have sad faces, so call it out first.. Maybe they mean to have it asap, just not at first.

I see skirmish as a mode isn't shipping either. That's a big feature too, why not put that first?

eh. It'll probably still happen. I'll cast my vote then. ^_^

US$0.02++


Last edited by Debianeer on 17 January 2018 at 7:23 am UTC
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