Quoting: adamhmRejecting DRM/promoting DRM-free and supporting Linux are separate issues. Although I'd say they're related and that DRM is more likely to be an issue for Linux users than Windows users, as much of the reasoning behind using Linux is the same as (or similar to) that behind insisting on DRM-free software in general (freedom/retaining control, "ownership" etc). I've sent many emails & written letters to publishers for both causes.

It is very difficult to convince the big publishers on both issues though, so it's often a case of having only one or the other rather than both.

Here is my view on this matter. I'm on Linux because it's clearly the best OS for me around (technically superior; better workflow, I like Gnome Shell very much; open in terms that you can dig into code if needed and usually an open community where contributions are possible). Certainly far from perfect but like democracy it's the best we have imho. I certainly agree to freedom/retaining control for the OS. (Though I don't mind at all using the nvidia proprietary driver, it just delivers it terms of support and performance.)

Now about games, as you stated they are not the most important subject life. My time is limited, but when I find the time I prefer the real deal, thus the AAA experience. Linux is a perfect place for indie games, but next to personal preference I think you will need to attract the big boys anyway if you want the masses to adopt/convert to Linux. I hope that everybody here wants Linux to grow. The big boys want one thing only, earn money. For that they need in their views some trusted channels for distribution and some kind of control (or a feeling of control) that everybody pays for their product. This is very unlikely to change. Due to my limited time I'm perfectly willing to play by their rules. Steam works perfectly as a distribution channel. It is closed source, same as nearly all game. Perfectly understandable for the big boys in the gaming world imho. If a publisher wants me to have steam running, OK by me, it wont hurt performance or experience. What could happen in terms of control that could prevent a game from starting? Something happens with my steam account? Not very likely. Steam closes the doors? Unlikely? I think the only real treat to loose the ability to play a purchased game is not DRM, but that your distribution had been updated and certain libraries break ;) But even then, I paid some money, had a good time and then is was time to move forward. There is more in life than to make sure that your purchased games keep running forever. These are only games.

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Quoting: ShmerlHow exactly is decision to be Steam exclusive (like Feral games) is related to releasing or not releasing for Linux? If anything, those who are interested in releasing for Linux, should address DRM-free gamers as their audience instead of ignroing. In fact many studios do just that quite consistently.

Sorry, but I wont go into a discussion about this subject with you. Reading your comments on this site you have quite a strong opinion on this. I can't imagine that you would hear something new from me, let alone something that would influence your views and principles.

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Quoting: adamhm... but if not then oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

You got my deepest respects if you are really this relaxed ;). I'm a little bit allergic against people that avoid anything like Steam on one side but tend to blame gaming studios for not supporting Linux on the other side. In my opinion you can't have everything, it is taking and giving from both sides.

As stated, if that is not the case with you and you accept that your own decisions only are the reason that you miss some games you would have enjoyed otherwise: thumbs up!

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Quoting: ShmerlTheir loss.

Yeah, keep telling that to yourself ;) You miss a great game and you indirectly support the case that Linux is pointless as a platform for serious (AAA) games.

Anyway, this discussion becomes pointless. You have your views and principles, I disagree with them but I respect that. I'm happy for you if they work for you.

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Quoting: adamhmI'll buy it if/when it gets released on GOG/DRM-free. Until then, I have plenty of other games.

I'm sorry to say for you, but I guess then you will never play this one.

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Quoting: adamhmI haven't bought DXMD. It would have been an almost guaranteed purchase though, if not for Square Enix's prior dickery.

Well, I hope for you that you can leave the past behind at some point ;).
Feral did a fantastic jobs, it runs perfectly. Regarding DRM and or transactions, I haven't been bothered by this, though haven't looked for it either. If you don't want to support Square Enix, at least Feral does deserve some support. As stated, its a cool game, enjoy it!

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Quoting: adamhmIt's a shame about Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. I'm a huge fan of the Deus Ex series & really liked DXHR, but Square Enix have pulled too many dick moves for me to consider buying anything of theirs that isn't on GOG.

What issue did you encounter with DE-Mankind Devided on Steam? I bought it there including all DLC's and it's imho a very cool game, with fitting hardware even quite an astonishing experience.

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Quoting: JanIs this really news? The year of the Linux desktop is not happening, SteamOS was not the saviour, Steam Machines are gone and Valve is only treating the platform as a backup plan. Not more, not less.

We all know: As soon as Feral abandons Linux, it‘s the end of AAA ports for Linux. Aspyr‘s gone indie, the big publishers don‘t care at all.

From the bottom of my broken heart I know: It‘s probably the right thing to use Linux, and I hope Feral will give us an amazing Vulkan showcase with Rise of the Tomb Raider. But the state of Linux gaming in 2017 is pretty clear: It‘s an amazing platform for indies and some AA titles.

But as soon as soon as we leave the comfort zone of Unity-powered games, it‘s looking rather grim. Even though Unreal supports Linux we don‘t see many AA titles releasing with day-1 support or announced ports. Maybe middleware is an issue, maybe the developers don‘t see financial viability.

Think of stuff like Snake Pass or Hellblade. Technically, it shouldn‘t be a big burden, but it‘s not happening anyway.

Hats off to Feral for supporting a niche platform, but they couldn‘t survive as a Linux-only porting house. Let‘s not be deluded: The recent net marketshare numbers aren‘t representative. Linux isn‘t bigger on the desktop than macOS.

Yes, exactly my feeling. Let's hope we can keep Feral on board and that the few titles they consider Linux worthy are profitable for them.

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Combining this data together with the one from netmarketshare and my personal impressions I would say that simply nothing has really changed since two years regarding Linux adoption. My expectation is that it stays like this and with this the number of big titles will stay consistent for the coming years too.

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Fingers crossed for Rise of the Tomb Raider! Then I would finally have a good reason to invest into a new 1440p UWQHD monitor and a steam controller :)

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