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Update: Looks like the beta is up! It does have some known issues they've stated like it taking a while to launch, hot-plugging issues with controllers and "graphical glitches on lockboxes and jumpgates on radv". I've requested a key to see if we can take a look (edit: they've now provided me with a key).

Original article:

Looks like the folks over at Egosoft are keeping to their word, as they've announced a Linux beta really is going to be soon.

They did announce back in January that a Linux version would be available somewhere between the 2.0 and 2.50 updates. Yesterday, the big 2.0 update was released and they mentioned this about Linux:

Linux support is on its way:
In the next few days we will launch the X4: Foundations beta for Linux. If you have a gaming PC running under Linux and are able to help us test the game on this platform, please give it a try! Linux-specific issues can be reported in the dedicated Linux support thread.

Egosoft seems to have had another rough start, as X4 is currently sat with a "Mixed" rating overall on Steam. Hopefully with their commitment to continue expanding it, they might be able to turn this around.

It's a pretty big update to the game, here's what's been added:

  • Player owned shipyards, wharfs and equipment docks:
    Players can now build and operate their own shipyards. This allows leaving an even deeper impact on the game’s economy. Build ships for yourself or deliver them to the war factions. Participate in the faction wars on the highest possible level or just make a lot of profitsss.
  • Steam Workshop integration:
    Starting with version 2.00 X4: Foundations now also supports installing game mods via the Steam workshop. This will make it easier than ever for players to try out some of the already existing cool X4 mods!
  • Rebalancing of fight and economy:
    With Update 2.00 we changed a lot of parameters of the game economy and fight balancing. The goals include making crew gaining experience a bit easier, but also making a lot of changes to the turret and capital ship fight balancing.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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Ehvis Feb 26, 2019
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This is one of those games where the delay may have been a positive one. Now they've had some time to work on the game and polish it so we get to have a better experience from the start. Count me in.
Boldos Feb 26, 2019
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Quoting: EhvisThis is one of those games where the delay may have been a positive one. Now they've had some time to work on the game and polish it so we get to have a better experience from the start. Count me in.
I was one of those, who screamed a bit before Christmas that Linux version will come delayed. I have to admit I was venting some of the frustration about the game not being available during the end year's vacation period.

Although I still have a bit of a bad taste for the Linux version being delayed, I have to agree with you now that waiting might have been beneficial for this one...
Alm888 Feb 26, 2019
Good news!
As much as I liked "X: Rebirth", no way I'm gonna pay in full for a delayed release. I'm waiting for DRM-free Linux version on sale (most probably, on GOG) to get it.
Liam Dawe Feb 26, 2019
Update: Looks like it's actually available now.

Edit: Egosoft has provided me with a key :)


Last edited by Liam Dawe on 26 February 2019 at 3:39 pm UTC
Beamboom Feb 26, 2019
Quoting: Alm888Good news!
As much as I liked "X: Rebirth", no way I'm gonna pay in full for a delayed release.

Why not? I mean, if it's worth it it's worth it, isn't it? So, if they held back the windows version until the Linux version were ready (now) you'd buy it, but since Windows received it first you want to, what, punish the devs?

A good game is a good game, and it's not like this was released a decade ago on Windows. :)
Tiedemann Feb 26, 2019
Def buying this the next couple of weeks as I really enjoyed X3.
Keyrock Feb 26, 2019
As long as this game is closer to X3 than it is to X Rebirth I will happily buy it, but not while the Linux port is still inbeta. Once it's deemed stable and feature complete, I'll insa-buy it. I'm a long time fan of the series... Except Rebirth.
einherjar Feb 26, 2019
Quoting: Alm888Good news!
As much as I liked "X: Rebirth", no way I'm gonna pay in full for a delayed release. I'm waiting for DRM-free Linux version on sale (most probably, on GOG) to get it.

Uhhh, that's really a disappointing attitude, IMHO.

This is a really small dev studio with limited ressources. But they still take care of the Linux Community.

.and you're crying about a later release

I hope that not too much Linuxgamers think like you. Otherwise I could just understand, if we do not get games on our plattform.
Alm888 Feb 26, 2019
According to this post the final version will be available on GOG, but the Beta will be solely on Steam.
Quoting: BeamboomWhy not? I mean, if it's worth it it's worth it, isn't it? So, if they held back the windows version until the Linux version were ready (now) you'd buy it, but since Windows received it first you want to, what, punish the devs?

A good game is a good game, and it's not like this was released a decade ago on Windows. :)
I personally am of different opinion. There is such a thing as hype. A decade-old game is barely interesting to anyone; by that time everyone interested had probably played it already. So, it is only natural that the game's price should drop (sorry, Nintendo, selling Famicom Mario, a three decade old game with vastly outdated graphics and sound, in a form of iNES format -- invented by "pirates" -- and emulated at full price is not OK :><: ).
Additionally, the devs are seem to agree with me. They already have had some sales (10…20%, AFAICR) prior to this date, so they are OK with the idea to sell the game cheaper.
It is not that I am punishing them, either. After all, we all have priorities. They decided to focus on Windows first, and that is fine, it is their call, after all, and it is not that they lied to anybody and have run with our money like "505 Games" / Igarashi did with "Bloodstained". Similarly, I have decided to give extra money to other developers.
Punishing -- is what I am doing with "Larian Studios" and their "Divinity" series or (to a lesser extent) with "Mimimi Productions" ("Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun"), effectively boycotting their games until 90% (75% for "Shadow Tactics") discount.
I'm bragging here, am I not? Darn! It was not my intention, but… well… my time has its own price, and I'm not suffering from shortage of games with such titles as "CrossCode", "Pillars of Eternity" (both games), "Dreamfall Chapters", "Deponia" series or… "The Witcher 2" being owned but not yet completed (or even played). Not to mention "Kerbal Space Program" :D. Yeah, I'm stocked full!
Quoting: PatolaIt's delayed, sure, but they prioritized it enough that it is out much earlier than on X: Rebirth comparatively, and even though at the same time they are heavily patching and expanding the game. I think they are showing enough love for Linux that warrants them the full price priviledge. :)
Quoting: einherjarUhhh, that's really a disappointing attitude, IMHO.
Sorry to disappoint you guys/girls, but I have my set of rules ("No Tux, No Bucks", "Never Pre-Order", "DRM-free or Bust", "Not a day-1 release == Not a Full Price Purchase") and will stick to them.
After all, they are fairly reasonable: to reward diligent and to punish delinquent.

P.S. I had given exactly $0 for Tommy "Linux Can Fuck Off For All I Care" Refenes's "Super Meat Boy" on the "Humble Indie Bundle" it was included and my conscience has not been torturing me since.


Last edited by Alm888 on 26 February 2019 at 5:17 pm UTC
rustybroomhandle Feb 26, 2019
For a company that's proven to be committed to supporting Linux, I say full price is the best price.
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