Check out our Monthly Survey Page to see what our users are running.
Should I port my retro game to Linux?
electronstudio Jun 21, 2019
Hi GamingOnLinux

For several years I have been working on a compilation of 8-bit style retro games. I have now released on Windows: RetroWar

Technicially it would not be a huge amount of work to do a Linux port. (I run Linux personally and don't use Windows for anything except gaming.) However it would create lots of additional support work in future, and so far I have seen no interest from Linux gamers.

So, would any of you buy my game if it was on Linux?

ElectronStudio
Ehvis Jun 21, 2019
When you ask a question like that on this website, you're bound to get a positive answer. However, that doesn't really answer the question whether you "should".

Looking at the Steam discussion I see you're aware of the numbers and while there definitely are cases where Linux sales have exceeded their market share, it is fairly unpredictable. However, the conclusion you made that most Linux+Mac users also have Windows is not true. You can check the stats on this site to see that the majority don't dual boot.

I suppose the question is whether you would want to support it. The desire to have their game available on as many platforms as they can manage is usually the first reason for smaller developers. The number of direct responses on the forums will never lead to a justification on its own.

As for support. Since you used Linux for development, you should have a reasonable idea of the problems you can expect. But except for the users of "WeirdDistro_Fork14_Modification12", nobody would expect you to support that particular one.
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!
Login / Register


Or login with...
Sign in with Steam Sign in with Google
Social logins require cookies to stay logged in.