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For those still playing Minecraft, you may know that Mojang is working on a new launcher that doesn't use Java (hooray!), but it might not run on Linux (boo!).

I spoke to Nathan Adams one of the Minecraft developers on twitter who said this:

@gamingonlinux No official plans for linux, old launcher will continue to be updated for them. I'm gonna try anyway though, but no promises!

— Nathan Adams (@Dinnerbone) July 26, 2016


Thanks for the prompt response Nathan!

The good news is obviously the old launcher won't suddenly cease to function, but it's sad to see, as Linux sounds like it is essentially getting sidelined with no official plans for the newer launcher. One day the Linux java-based launcher may stop seeing any updates, and the new one will obviously have newer features that may eventually become required.

I highly suggest looking up one of the open source alternatives like Minetest, Voxelands, Terasology and others.

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43 comments
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Belarrius Jul 27, 2016
Let's go to Minetest now!
MisterK Jul 27, 2016
Quoting: Guest
Quoting: MisterKI hope this isn't the same BS that Microsoft pulls with Steam on Linux. Leave the linux userbase with an older, less features, and barely functioning version of skype to deter people from switching platforms from windows.
Huh? What are they doing with Skype?

http://blogs.skype.com/2016/07/13/skype-for-linux-alpha-and-calling-on-chrome-and-chromebooks/

Well that is a recent development that I am unaware of. Their last release of Skype went without any updates for over two years now. The previous client lacked almost every current feature of Skype and was absolutely painful to use.
MayeulC Jul 27, 2016
Doh.
I really like minetest. I wish there was more gameplay with it, though.
Cross-compatibility with minecraft servers would be awesome.
nifker Jul 27, 2016
They need to fucking optimize the game and not making a new launcher because they need to wasted money and don't want to work on something like the performance or even a ModAPI.
ElectricPrism Jul 27, 2016
Microsoft: What excuse can we have for ripping Minecraft away from Linux users?

Developer: Well we can create a new launcher

Microsoft: Genius, we'll say Linux isn't big enough to justify why our new version won't work on it

Developer: No one will suspect a thing sir.

Microsoft: You're earned your pay, enjoy a $20,000 Xmas bonus

Microsoft: hA Ha Ha HHaaaa Haaa Ha ha Ha
bgh251f2 Jul 28, 2016
Quoting: KithopThat still leaves the code from the old launcher or other modpack ones to be adapted, plus, right from the FTB homepage:

"Finally, work has started to test the viability of a Linux based client. The Curse dev team has a few Linux enthusiasts among them, so they're really excited about bringing the app to Linux."

I'm sure something will be sorted out. This is not any reason to panic. :)


As I said they won't keep updating it if they need to make one system for Windows-Mac trough the new launcher, and another for Linux, through the old launcher.

That if Microsoft doesn't say: There are too few people using the old launcher, we will stop updating it and people can keep using the new launcher." And then promise a update for Linux that will come at same speed of the Skype ones.
bgh251f2 Jul 28, 2016
Quoting: tmtvl
Quoting: meracoIs this even legal?

Er, yes. I mean, why wouldn't it be? It's their game, they're free to do whatever they want with it.

Anyway... good thing there are a bunch of alternatives, though some of them might need a bit more work on the game feel.

I think the question he made is because of the promise mojang made a long time ago that everyone that bought would get all updates, on all supported systems.
bgh251f2 Jul 28, 2016
Quoting: MyeulCDoh.
I really like minetest. I wish there was more gameplay with it, though.
Cross-compatibility with minecraft servers would be awesome.

I don't think it is feasible.

My main grip with Minetest right now is the crafting and inventory lag(it is really bad) and the lack of a good mob system, most mobs are wonky at best.
LugariusRL Jul 29, 2016
Minecraft is owned by Microsoft....

I expected this long ago!
vlademir1 Jul 29, 2016
*looks at his two separate MultiMC installs, old practically unused Linux FTB launcher, and the unofficial Python downloader for Curse modpacks* Meh. Modded has been the way to play MC since Beta and they can't make the game not run on Java without killing the existing modding scene and therefore much of the game's existing value. So long as the game is Java based it runs on Linux even if one needs a separate launcher, and the vanilla launcher has been a PitA for years so most people use a separate launcher. Making a new Windows only non-Java launcher is practically a non-issue except on a moral level and Mojang is now a MS owned studio so none of us have any reason to expect morals to enter into it.
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