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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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Cmdr_Iras Jan 17, 2018
I have this backed on kickstarter, did this based on Hairbraineds previous showings coming to Linux so I will give them the benefit of the doubt at this point though if the delay gets too long I will seek a refund and ensure I dont fund before the product is released.


Still looking forward to this game though.
Leopard Jan 17, 2018
Quoting: GustyGhost
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.

I think you misunderstood what i was saying.

GOG version will have multiplayer but via Galaxy Client.

Since there is no Galaxy Client for Linux (available for Windows and MacOS) , you won't be able to play multi. That isn't the case with Steam though. Steam is available on Windows , Linux and MacOS.
Avehicle7887 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.

Was about to say this myself. Without Galaxy on Linux how are GOG player supposed to play with Steam ones? (unless Harebrained is hosting their own servers).

Theirs may have been a blanket statement without knowing Galaxy on Linux is missing.
Arehandoro Jan 17, 2018
First time I learn about this game, which I find very interesting, only to see the bad news :(
Schattenspiegel Jan 17, 2018
Guess now is the time to wishlist it, if you have not already.:'(
Leopard Jan 17, 2018
Quoting: Avehicle7887
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.

Was about to say this myself. Without Galaxy on Linux how are GOG player supposed to play with Steam ones? (unless Harebrained is hosting their own servers).

Theirs may have been a blanket statement without knowing Galaxy on Linux is missing.

Yeah , i think they just made this statement generally , not specific to Linux.

Probably they're assuming there is a Galaxy Client for Linux.
RossBC Jan 17, 2018
Gutted -_-, loved the old mechcommander games from back in the day.
Spent hours trying to do missions without losing anyone.
Geppeto35 Jan 17, 2018
I voted for this game in linux award section "most anticipated game". Very disappointed. How to unvote!


Last edited by Geppeto35 on 17 January 2018 at 2:00 pm UTC
Feist Jan 17, 2018
Like many have said, this is both terribly disappointing as well as worrisome for the future.

I loved the three Shadowrun-titles from Harebrained and felt that this game was a sure thing for both quality and prompt delivery. My six most anticipated titles for 2018 were "Pillars II", "NWN:EE", "System Shock", "Tombraider II", "Pathfinder: Kingmaker" and this game (in no particular order), so I certainly hope there are no other nasty surprises ahead.


Last edited by Feist on 17 January 2018 at 3:28 pm UTC
Alm888 Jan 17, 2018
Yet another game thrown out of the window for me. Really disappointed by the fact I actually backed it. I was of higher opinion about HBS.
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