MS buying Valve? Not likely. It would be too expensive and not really fit their needs. Gabe probably would sell at a certain price, but only if it far exceeds the real value and I doubt MS will drop that much cash for essentially a game platform when they already have their own software store.

As for buying it to deter Linux gaming... even less likely. Linux has what, roughly 1-2% share on steam? Microsoft has only a 90% desktop share, and roughly a 40-50% server share... Linux may be a thorn in their side, but not because of gaming. Truth be told, they probably don't even notice linux gamers. If they wanted to come after us, it would most likely be in the server space.

The article mentioned that it wanted exclusive releases on XBOX. I son't see how Valve fits into this. Valve is mostly rent-seeking on its steam platform. It does have games and IP that it develops... but how often does it actually release software? DOTA gets updated, but I don't see a lot of work done on things on their titles. Looking in steam(searching on Developer:Valve), the last release other than minor DLC, was an update to Half-Life 2... nearly 3 years ago.

If Microsoft wants exclusive titles, that means buying up a big AAA publisher, like EA, UBI, or Bethesda. In which case I don't see how linux gaming is changed at all... its not like we get much from those places anyway. Possibly a moderate sized publisher like Take Two... but even then, its not like console gamers are clamoring for Civilization. It would have to be a good fit.

A few indie game companies may be bought... after all they bought bungie and mojang... but how many indies have titles that would be a good draw for exclusive marketing? If they buy PUBG, how does this harm linux, its not like they are planning on porting it to linux anyway.

TL: DR; The story is an opinion piece... with opinions of industry analysts. They are all rumors and it is possible that it will happen. It may, it may not. I doubt it will happen to valve, and even if Microsoft goobles up a software house or two, I think it is likely not to have any effect at all on linux gaming.

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Barely released for 3 months and already 3 DLCs announced?!?

Sounds like the best way to get this game is to wait for all the DLC to come out and wait for a package deal for everything.

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One of the first things that I noticed in the video is that they created a closed loop and added a train... But, the distance between signals on the curves was significantly smaller than the train they added.

While this is only a quick demo and it made no difference in this specific case, I fear that someone that fails to grasp the concept of having signals fit a train length inside them, is not going be creating any rail simulation that will have the kind of depth of mechanics that I crave.

I hope that they surprise me, but I doubt it will happen.

EDIT: grammar

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Puppygames is one of my favorite devs.

I own their 4 other games already, Titan Attacks, Ultratron, Droid Assault, and Revenge of the Titans. I enjoy them all.

Puppygames was supporting Linux since well before steam on linux was a thing. I remember getting Revenge of the Titans in a old Humble Indie Bundle and going directly to their website and buying the rest of their titles.

I am sure to pick this up.

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As a developer, I will not criticize a 3 month delay on a patch the size of this... especially with the notation I mentioned when the delay was last brought up here... You are modifying code that someone else made for a different platform... sh!t happens.

As for Civ VI, I hope the improvements are significant...

My budget is limited for games, and with a preference towards indie games that support linux (which can cost 1/3 the price), full price for Civ VI was not in the cards for me. During the various sales after release, it did go down to 50% off and I was extremely tempted to buy it at that price; however, the reviews were mixed at best... and the actual negative reviews were informative... they were not "this game sucks" but actually reviews of people that sounded like they enjoyed the series, and wanted it to work, but for some reason didn't. That stopped me from buying it.

I finally bit the bullet and bought it last week. It is currently the feature title of the Humble Monthly. For $12 you get it and 2 DLC civilization packs (Australia and Vikings), as well as whatever other games Humble adds to it at the end of the month.

I have played it. I find it to be a decent game and well worth the $12. However, in comparison to the release of previous iterations of Civilization, it falls flat. (I have played all prior version I-V, when they were still new.) Previous versions, I would play non-stop for 3 or 4 weeks... the "just one more turn..." problem constantly burning in my veins keeping me up all night. Civ VI.. nope... its decent, but for some reason not the same inspiration that I received from earlier versions..

I noticed that the update has been downloaded through steam; I have yet to try it. I hope this improves the game, it should, but after reading the patch notes, probably not enough to change my opinion of "meh."

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While I like a good sale... The wallet is empty after the holidays. I came very close to passing on the Humble Monthly deal of Civ VI + 2 DLC for $12. After that, I need to wait a few weeks before getting anything else.

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Nice little system for the keys....

I like how it saves it for when you return to the page as well...

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As a TD addict, this looks fun.

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Never played the game... But I thoroughly enjoyed the books... Anyone here do both and can comment on if the game is worthwhile for those who read the books?

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Another way to look at it is that Shenzen I/O is $12 for the top tier of the bundle. Right now, in the middle of the Steam Winter Sale, Shenzen I/O is 25% off at $11.24. Might be worth it for that alone.

Not sure if I will get the Scribble Bundle, but I'll probably grab the python books. There seems to be a few advanced topics in there.

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