Don't want to see articles from a certain category? When logged in, go to your User Settings and adjust your feed in the Content Preferences section where you can block tags!
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

Will gog.com Ever Support Linux On Its Store?

By - | Views: 33,812
A question I am sure is burning in everyone’s minds is "Will gog.com ever support Linux", well I aim to give this a bit of limelight here on GOL.

First of all let me direct you to this wishlist item on gog.com itself which has 11,125 votes on it, I find that crazy that a store like gog.com has that many customers who want to support them with their money if they just put up Linux versions of games. So while you are on that page be sure to give it a vote if you like DRM Free games in a standalone download, no messing around with clients like Steam or Desura.

Now something else has popped up on my email radar recently, I am speaking about Simon Roth the developer of Maia who stated this on reddit in response to a question from one of our supporters FutureSuture;
QuoteI've spoken in person at length about this with them. I can say no more!

That sounds vaguely promising doesn't it? Well I choose to look at it that way anyway.

Personally I think gog.com run a great service for the PC Gaming industry making sure gamers have a place to get games new and old that aren't filled with any DRM, it's really a great store, hell I am even a customer!
I have a copy of Freespace 2 and Theme Hospital from them to use on the open source engines, I would gladly buy more from them too if they only allowed Linux versions up.

Although this did get me thinking, is it difficult for developers to bundle Linux, Mac and Windows executables in one package? I have seen some developers do this before so I know it is possible and wonder why more don't do that?
That's not exactly a full solution though, we need gog.com to note if a game has a Linux version and support us on it. Personally I consider them one of our major roadblocks for getting accepted as a major gaming platform considering how big a store they are.

The more places that support us the more people can learn Linux exists too right? That can only be a good thing.

What are your thoughts folks?
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Editorial
0 Likes
About the author -
author picture
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.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
65 comments
Page: «2/7»
  Go to:

FutureSuture Aug 10, 2013
Quoting: alexThunder
QuoteThat sounds vaguely promising doesn't it? Well I choose to look at it that way anyway.

I'm usually optimistic regarding such comments, too, but this doesn't mean anything. Sure, he increased interest in Linux by simply asking for it, but it's really not more we can read out of it.
I believe the reason he couldn't say any more about the subject is because of common business practice: Don't bitch about those you do business with.
alexThunder Aug 10, 2013
Quoting: FutureSuture
Quoting: alexThunder
QuoteThat sounds vaguely promising doesn't it? Well I choose to look at it that way anyway.

I'm usually optimistic regarding such comments, too, but this doesn't mean anything. Sure, he increased interest in Linux by simply asking for it, but it's really not more we can read out of it.
I believe the reason he couldn't say any more about the subject is because of common business practice: Don't bitch about those you do business with.
That's likely, but what's your point then?
FutureSuture Aug 10, 2013
Quoting: alexThunder
Quoting: FutureSuture
Quoting: alexThunder
QuoteThat sounds vaguely promising doesn't it? Well I choose to look at it that way anyway.

I'm usually optimistic regarding such comments, too, but this doesn't mean anything. Sure, he increased interest in Linux by simply asking for it, but it's really not more we can read out of it.
I believe the reason he couldn't say any more about the subject is because of common business practice: Don't bitch about those you do business with.
That's likely, but what's your point then?
DrMcCoy and I unfortunately share the same point. This developer likes Linux, praises it due to it being easier to develop for than Mac OS, says he's spoken at length about Linux support with GOG, but can say no more. It just sounds like a negative result to me. I hope I am wrong from the bottom of my heart as I am at the forefront of this campaign to get GOG to support Linux, but alas.
Hamish Aug 10, 2013
I know next to nothing about NWN, but why not try the liflg installers? These guys are so awesome they are actually updating games professionally now: http://liflg.org/?catid=6&gameid=65
Michael Aug 10, 2013
Why is GOG still a topic among Linux gamers?
Don't you get when someone tells you to go fuck yourself and you still want to give him money, desperately trying to awaken affection?

Because no, not even providing a simple package download for available native Linux versions when thousands ask for it, is not a "we're not convinced"-business decision.
It means "We wouldn't want you in here as customers even if it came at no cost for us! Now GTFO of here and take your troublemaker OS with you!"

I don't get it: From Joe Sixpack to these guys, why can't we just help ourselves and have to kiss the arse of every anti-Linux muggle we come across, just to make him believe at last that we too use a cool OS?

Really, stop it! You can get most of the games in question DRM free from half a dozen sources. But no, the one giving you the least respect just has to be it!
Valczir Aug 11, 2013
On the note of Neverwinter Nights, for gentoo/funtoo/whatever users: http://gpo.zugaina.org/Search?search=neverwinter

Always worked on the first shot for me, just needed the game data somewhere, and I had to enter the keys on first run.  Having a few extras (like the CEP) available through the package manager doesn't hurt, either.
Guest Aug 11, 2013
Quoting: MichaelReally, stop it! You can get most of the games in question DRM free from half a dozen sources. But no, the one giving you the least respect just has to be it!

Well, you made me curious. What is the alternative to GoG these days? Honestly I haven't the foggiest. Is there anyone else that carries the games that they have in their catalogue?
Iggi Aug 11, 2013
Quoting: SilviuWhat is the alternative to GoG these days? Honestly I haven't the foggiest. Is there anyone else that carries the games that they have in their catalogue?
eBay :P
(Where else would you still get those shiny old big boxes anyway?)
abelthorne Aug 11, 2013
IIRC, GOG had an interview last year (when they released games for MacOS) where they explained that they'd like to support Linux, they've looked into it but at the time they didn't have a proper solution for distributing the games because of the various distros which have several packages formats and such.
Guest Aug 11, 2013
Quoting: abelthorneIIRC, GOG had an interview last year (when they released games for MacOS) where they explained that they'd like to support Linux, they've looked into it but at the time they didn't have a proper solution for distributing the games because of the various distros which have several packages formats and such.

One can always make up excuses for not doing something. Valve does not seem to have that problem and Linux games downloaded through the Steam client are distro agnostic. Developers don't need to touch the packaging system of any distribution.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.