Standalone Java applications works very, very well. Don't throw them into same pit with java applets (ughhh). Yes, they are eating up memory like candies if code is complex, but overall...small little game...OpenJDK installed...and here you go.

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Regarding controller configuration - that's why I like Valve's idea of sharing Steam Controller schemes with other players for your games. If interface is intuitive enough, that should be a killer feature for it.

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Also comment regarding sales - appeal of the game must be taken into account. Yes, Linux players are willing to give a chance to small indie game, but they still need to get interested in title. Also SteamOS/Linux platform needs some killer games to get people sucked in so they would stay on platform. TF2, Bioshock Infinite, Don't Starve, Cities Skylines and others have done this for me - I rarely log into Windows and consider removing partition. More people need to be convinced to stay on platform and it will trickle down.

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It's very nice to get dev feedback. Now I see that there's still strong urban myths within community of devs regarding Linux. Kinda refreshing to understand that lot of things can be solved just giving right information and connecting these devs not only to Valve, but also RedHat, Canonical and other big Linux vendors.

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I saw few videos of Linux gameplay and I have to say it looks solid for what it is - I really hope developers get to complete this rather ambitious game, but there's certain quality in there. If I will have some money floating around, I will think about buying this one, because it seems ambitious, devs seems to be having some interesting spark going on and conceptually surprisingly game works (everyone wants to make dinosaur survival game, not everyone is capable to do so). And yes, Linux support.

As for glitches - it's early access, show what's Linux users are made of, submit those bugs (and thanks author for doing so) :)

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I actually haven't played KOTOR 2 much, as it glitched out on me when I tried it some 5 years ago. However, first one is absolute classic. It's something beyond RPG and SW license that made it bench play till the end. Crazy.

If they both come on Linux, instant buy and bench playing again.

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And yeah, VR won't go away. This is it guys - if VR is not on Linux in next 2 years, gaming will stagnate here. It's just how it is.

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Quoting: Nyamiou

Quoting: ricki42Edit: I did some searching, and it might be more of an issue with engine plugins. The SteamVR plugins for Unity and Unreal currently don't support Linux (for Unity: https://www.assetstore.unity3d.com/en/# [External Link]!/content/32647).

I did some research too and it seems that all the libraries provided by Valve are multi-platform Win/OSX/Linux, so one thing for sure it is not Valve's fault.

And I wouldn't be surprised if Jeff Gattis did said something like "depending on some factors the HTC Vive might initially only work on Windows[...]" and that the journalist turned it in a way to make it looks like he didn't care about Linux at all to make it more dramatic.

I think it's relatively easy to verify - contact this person and ask to clarify his comments. Media does it all the time, and GamingOnLinux is prominent enough to get an answer.

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At least that explains lack of plugins and other infrastructure for VR on Linux, despite having SteamVR release recently. Ok, now we know they don't care at this moment.

However one thing is interesting - is it me or there's general consensus between engine/VR crowd that OpenGL is somehow unworkable for VR? If that's true, why they just don't openly say so? I personally think it's nonsense, but it seems there's more challenges than we know.

I don't blame Valve on this one though - it's HTC product, it's their drivers. Their decision to support or not to support Linux atm. Reasoning given is weak, but I guess that's just PR talk "it's not our objective at the moment". As for 'guy smiling' check out his LinkedIn profile - that's how he smiles. No hidden agenda imho.

Feeling disappointed? Kinda. But kinda expected that after few months of disappointing news on VR front on Linux. They don't care about us. We don't register on their radar yet.

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About upgrading:
This particular machine has onboard GTX 850M so it won't be upgradeable (as far as I know). That card is equal to GTX 750, which can run huge list of 2014 games at 60fps with max settings. However everything else will be upgradeable.

About Steam Machines:
People is right who say that Steam Machines come with SteamOS, it seems also Allienware is very keen to push that distinguished too, as it carries certain promises of easy to use, and carries NO Windows OEM license.

As far as I know Allienware Alpha - Windows, Allienware Steam Machine - SteamOS.

About games:
Why would you want to hype upcoming SM with games during summer? From marketing POV, it's wasted dollars. Steam Machine campaign (especially for Alpha) will be sweet and short. It's first wave. they don't gonna burn tons of cash in marketing for first iteration model. It will target people who are aware about Steam Machines or who has interest in them.

If Alpha SM 1.0 is s success, then we will see more investments there.

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