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Don't expect GOG to support the Steam Deck

By - | Views: 51,871

With the Steam Deck only a few days away from release, it seems people are wondering the support status of other stores. Seems GOG won't be supporting it, which isn't surprising.

Currently, GOG does support Linux with direct downloads, although they only officially support a few versions of Ubuntu. They do not, however, support GOG Galaxy on Linux. This has been a bit of a problem, as some games with multiplayer rely on Galaxy meaning a few Linux builds on GOG came without multiplayer.

Speaking on Twitter, in reply to a YouTuber asking if they will support the Steam Deck they replied:

There's no official GOG support for SteamDeck. But since the device has an open architecture, as we understand, you can install Windows and as such also run GOG games.

They never replied to our email enquiring about it.

Technically, you won't need to do that. GOG Galaxy can run in Wine, although unsupported. On top of that, projects like Minigalaxy exist, Lutris has GOG download support, Bottles has a GOG installer and even Heroic Games Launcher is working on Linux support that's close to release - so there's options available on SteamOS 3 with the Steam Deck to get GOG games. However, Galaxy features are generally locked to their own app.

One reason that's likely GOG aren't working to expand their Linux support to Galaxy and Steam Deck, is that they aren't exactly doing well financially.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Steam Deck, GOG, Misc
26 Likes
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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.
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62 comments
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Koopacabras Feb 21, 2022
Quoting: CatKiller
Quoting: Koopacabrasyeah I understand, like any other device, installing a different OS doesn't void your warranty (didn't know that tho) but I'm still curious at what will be the official response from Valve? for example is there an official web page from valve to download drivers for the Steam Deck? or will they provide a bios update utility that runs on Windows? it's still a mystery of what the "official" approach will be, if they are too "friendly" with Windows then they might shot their own foot.
During the first non-IGN hands-on session they said that they'd tested Windows on it, and didn't need to install anything special. That's what they'll be aiming for for customers, too - if there's a driver for something that's needed they'll just bung it at Microsoft to include with their install images or other Windows driver mechanism. I don't expect them to have anything Windows-related on the Steam Deck site.

well to answer my own question it seems that Steam Deck _will_ not be a Windows 11/10 certified device. Devices like cpu, wifi card, gpu? yeah, but not the device as a whole.

besides quoting windows 11 requirements

QuoteHigh definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.

(Steam Deck is 7" )


Last edited by Koopacabras on 21 February 2022 at 4:03 pm UTC
whizse Feb 21, 2022
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QuoteThere's no official GOG support for SteamDeck. But since the device has an open architecture, as we understand, you can install Windows and as such also run GOG games.
That's a very odd way to spell "Fuck off".
ShabbyX Feb 21, 2022
Reminds me of Blizzard's response to our petition long ago; YoU aLwAyS hAvE AcCeSs To WiNdOwS aNyWaY.

That's when I stopped playing Blizzard games, never touched them once since.
Alm888 Feb 21, 2022
Quoting: Koopacabras
QuoteThere's no official GOG support for SteamDeck. But since the device has an open architecture, as we understand, you can install Windows and as such also run GOG games.
What a nonsensical reply that only makes sense for people that run Windows. Even for a Mac user, installing a whole new OS just for running games is not an option.
Quoting: eldakingDang it, that is a new low. When they prefer to tell people to install Windows than talk about the games they already have for Linux, you know things are bad.
Aww, come on! They have a point, you know. It is just your Linux-centrism that keeps you from seeing it. :)

I'll explain. GOG representatives have not answered Linux-users' inquire; they have replied to Steam-user's (and, as they hope, soon-to-be-GOG-user's) question about GOG platform availability on Steam Deck. The answer makes total sense!

GOG sells Windows games, right? Right. GOG Galaxy is all about Windows, right? Yup. (Let's pretend MacOS does not exist, it is not that GOG has any plans to support "Holy Apple Silicon" or ARM architecture in general anyways). Can one install Windows on Steam Deck and get access to GOG Galaxy and all of the GOG's library? Absolutely! Will this "GOG Galaxy on Windows Deck" setup get GOG's full official support? That is correct (it will, as any other Windows PC with GOG Galaxy on it).

Remember, the original inquirer has not asked for Linux support:

Quoting: Metal Jesus Rocks @ TwitterHey @GOGcom: Have you announced support for the upcoming Valve Steam Deck? Is that even possible? I will be reviewing it for YouTube when it launches and I'd LOVE to be able to play your amazing library on it if possible.
(emphasis added by me)

So, yes, GOG is correct, one will be able to play GOG's amazing library on Steam Deck. Even if the solution is not for said one's taste.
SadL Feb 21, 2022
I was expecting them to say that they will not support the Steam Deck or at least not at launch or some kind of diplomatic answer.. but I definitely wasn't expecting a "Just install Windows" answer.. Disappointed
mphuZ Feb 21, 2022
QuoteGOG Galaxy can run in Wine, although unsupported.
Why buy GOG games at all? You need to buy on Steam, from those people who really support your platform, and do not wipe their feet about you.

QuoteOne reason that's likely GOG aren't working to expand their Linux support to Galaxy and Steam Deck, is that they aren't exactly doing well financially.

Interesting. And who prevented them from fully supporting Linux before, even with the old launcher? This had to be done in the heyday of ports from Feral and others, since 2016.

Why complain about finances now? Poles fully deserve their current position. GOG is no longer needed by anyone, even Linux users deposit more money on Steam.

No need to feel sorry for them. If GOG closes, then so it will be. CDPR deserved it, it's their own fault that they have been in this position for years of lying.
AussieEevee Feb 21, 2022
Quoteyou can install Windows

Rude. GoG is officially off my Christmas card list.
StalePopcorn Feb 21, 2022
…a response from someone with their fingers far from the pulse of the community.
Shmerl Feb 21, 2022
Sounds like a dumb response of some clueless PR person. They'll revise their answer soon, becasue it was a pretty bad PR :)
TheRiddick Feb 21, 2022
CDPR GOG still upset with Linux user base I see. They NEVER did recover from those Witcher2 threats certain extremists made...
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