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Exanima gets vastly improved Linux and Steam Deck support

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Exanima is an unforgiving 3D isometric RPG set in an original dark, low fantasy world. Currently in Early Access, it seems the developers have been paying attention to user requests for better Linux and Steam Deck support with Proton.

In the recent update released on July 17, 2022, the developer noted this:

Despite the lack of proper support some of you were already using controllers and it's a frequently requested feature. Steam Deck support was also requested and we worked on Proton compatibility, special UI scaling, control schemes and various input and performance optimisations with surprisingly good results.

Exanima is a game that does not naturally lend itself well to controller input, some aspects of interaction by necessity remain cursor based, but we developed dedicated control schemes for all core gameplay and user interface. The game can be played fully on controller and it's quite a fun and different experience.

Some of the specific changes to help include:

  • Steam Deck support, performance, UI and control optimisations
  • Proton and Linux GPU driver compatibility fixes
  • Full controller support via Steam
    • Dedicated movement and aiming controls
    • Feathered object and UI cursor interaction
    • Full menu and UI navigation and interaction
    • On screen keyboard support

It's really great to see developers of all sizes and genres looking to improve Linux, Proton and Steam Deck support. The Steam Deck continues to be a huge boon for Linux gamers and controller users and hopefully this trend will continue. Curiously, Exanima was actually set as Steam Deck Verified multiple months ago even though it clearly had a number of issues that needed to be resolved so it's another case of a false-positive for the Deck Verified system — but at least now it might be accurate.

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Game Features:

  • Per session and global character skill progression
  • Large non-linear main game following early content
  • Build and permanently save characters by completing early content
  • New encounters, items and environments
  • Ranged combat and new close quarter manoeuvres
  • Numerous moddable thaumaturgic powers
  • More complete arena game modes featuring outdoor arenas
  • Complex NPC interactions and dialogue
  • Cooperative and competitive LAN multiplayer

Available to buy on Steam.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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10 comments

StalePopcorn Jul 19, 2022
Just watching the trailer I died three times, how's that possible? The game looks really cool tho.
M@GOid Jul 19, 2022
QuoteExanima is a game that does not naturally lend itself well to controller input, some aspects of interaction by necessity remain cursor based,

It still baffles me how some developers trow away market share themselves, by having this narrow view of the gaming market: "A PC game must be mouse and keyboard only". Then they act surprised when someone appears asking for gamepad support. Not to mention other modern stuff they continue to be oblivious about.

Next is complaining about poor low sales, how Valve is a monopoly that don't promote their game enough, while cutting too much their profits, so they will go to the Epic store because is better, etc etc. And them you never heard of them again for some reason...
lukas333 Jul 19, 2022
Game is quite fun, worth a try.
kokoko3k Jul 19, 2022
Quoting: M@GOid
QuoteExanima is a game that does not naturally lend itself well to controller input, some aspects of interaction by necessity remain cursor based,

It still baffles me how some developers trow away market share themselves, by having this narrow view of the gaming market: "A PC game must be mouse and keyboard only". Then they act surprised when someone appears asking for gamepad support. Not to mention other modern stuff they continue to be oblivious about.

Next is complaining about poor low sales, how Valve is a monopoly that don't promote their game enough, while cutting too much their profits, so they will go to the Epic store because is better, etc etc. And them you never heard of them again for some reason...
Yeah, it would be really cool if videogames were a form of art and not just a way to make money.
In that way, artists could decide what is the best way to appreciate their creations, instead of being criticized for not having distorted them.

Unfortunately, we live in a crazy world.

Done with sarcasm, sorry, but out of curiosity, with "some developers" are you refferring also to those who made Exanima, right?


Last edited by kokoko3k on 19 July 2022 at 8:48 pm UTC
TheRiddick Jul 20, 2022
I've been mostly waiting for game to come out of EA.. Not sure if it ever will.

It's meant as a pre-cursor to a MUCH BIGGER classic/action RPG game which was shown off a eon ago. (it looked really good but I think its been mostly shelved until Examina is done...)
mr-victory Jul 20, 2022
Quoting: https://store.steampowered.com/app/362490/Exanima/SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM:
OS: Windows 7 (32-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 3
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia / AMD / Intel (OpenGL 4.6+)
Storage: 10 GB available space
Sound Card: OpenAL compatible
Additional Notes: Linux / Proton compatible
"Proton Compatible", start of a new trend?
kokoko3k Jul 20, 2022
Quoting: mr-victory
Quoting: https://store.steampowered.com/app/362490/Exanima/SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM:
OS: Windows 7 (32-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 3
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia / AMD / Intel (OpenGL 4.6+)
Storage: 10 GB available space
Sound Card: OpenAL compatible
Additional Notes: Linux / Proton compatible
"Proton Compatible", start of a new trend?

If a game is verified for Steam-Deck or the developer stated it supports Proton, i would expect steam to let it publish Linux/Proton requirements too, because you know, performances are not the same, so hardware (and software: read Proton version) requirements may change too.
Shmerl Jul 21, 2022
Is it getting updates on GOG? https://www.gog.com/game/exanima

I've heard about it before. Looks interesting.
M@GOid Aug 1, 2022
Quoting: kokoko3k
Quoting: M@GOid
QuoteExanima is a game that does not naturally lend itself well to controller input, some aspects of interaction by necessity remain cursor based,

It still baffles me how some developers trow away market share themselves, by having this narrow view of the gaming market: "A PC game must be mouse and keyboard only". Then they act surprised when someone appears asking for gamepad support. Not to mention other modern stuff they continue to be oblivious about.

Next is complaining about poor low sales, how Valve is a monopoly that don't promote their game enough, while cutting too much their profits, so they will go to the Epic store because is better, etc etc. And them you never heard of them again for some reason...
Yeah, it would be really cool if videogames were a form of art and not just a way to make money.
In that way, artists could decide what is the best way to appreciate their creations, instead of being criticized for not having distorted them.

Unfortunately, we live in a crazy world.

Done with sarcasm, sorry, but out of curiosity, with "some developers" are you refferring also to those who made Exanima, right?

It is stuff you see over the years. Is the case of developers thinking "the bait should be good for the fisherman, not the fish". To me, when you make a game, you should look out of your comfort zone and see what people want.

Sure, it is your game and you have the liberty of doing the way you want, just don't come after complaining that your game didn't become the next indie blockbuster, because XYZ reasons.
Eike Aug 1, 2022
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Quoting: M@GOidIt is stuff you see over the years. Is the case of developers thinking "the bait should be good for the fisherman, not the fish". To me, when you make a game, you should look out of your comfort zone and see what people want.

This will not create anything deserving the name art, though.
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