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Latest Comments by Shmerl
The Witcher 3 didn't come to Linux likely as a result of the user-backlash from The Witcher 2
3 Jul 2017 at 10:08 pm UTC Likes: 15

Quoting: wvstolzingIf CD Projekt thought there was a viable (given what THEY think of as viable) market for their product on Linux, they would have initiated the project, regardless whether the Linux community is made up of saints or demons sworn to eat the developers' babies.
Yes, that's why I don't buy this argument of "attacks from community cancelled the effort". They got many more times attacks from Windows users, and that clearly didn't stop their Windows release.

The Witcher 3 didn't come to Linux likely as a result of the user-backlash from The Witcher 2
3 Jul 2017 at 10:02 pm UTC Likes: 8

If true, it's a really weird story. But I wouldn't be surprised if CDPR investors forced developers to abandon Linux. CDPR had several stock market problems in the past.

That said, I'm not convinced it's the main reason. Remember what happened in the past, when CDPR got a huge backlash from angry mobs for the so called "downgrade" issue. That didn't cause them to stop releasing fixes and updates. If CDPR would confirm, that investors and stock market woes caused them to back from Linux plans, then so be it.

I personally didn't encounter that vitriol, since I paid more attention to actual reported bugs, and VP were very helpful in picking up the initially community run TW2 bug tracker, and turning it into official one. I submitted quite a few bugs there, and VP developers were active and helpful. They gradually fixed major issues, and communicated with the community. Only recently their bug tracker was shut down, since as I've heard their lead TW2 developer (Peter Mulholland) left the company.

Regardless of CDPR's reasons, let this be a lesson to those who made those attacks on developers. Don't be jerks. And as the saying goes if you don't submit bugs - don't complain.

I hope CDPR will still reconsider this, and won't view Linux community in light of some loud infantile members who don't know what damage they are causing.

Meanwhile, show your interest and vote here:

* Witcher 3 for Linux GOG wishlist entry. [External Link]
* Cyberpunk 2077 for Linux GOG wishlist entry. [External Link]

The share of Linux users on Steam is still holding steady
3 Jul 2017 at 5:34 pm UTC

Quoting: KetilI don't believe anyone think steam usage is representative for linux usage as a whole on desktop, but I think it is fairly accurate for linux gaming with nonfree games.
I don't think it's accurate for Linux gaming market, it's actually quite misleading.

The share of Linux users on Steam is still holding steady
3 Jul 2017 at 5:33 pm UTC

Quoting: PompesdeskyAs to the DRM thing, I had DRMs in Steam when I used it within Windows, I don't see why I would complain now that I switched to Linux. Going for an open source OS doesn't mean everything has to become open source,
Some people ditch Windows because they are fed up with DRM. Same people usually don't use Steam ;) You can see a lot of such folks among GOG users.

The share of Linux users on Steam is still holding steady
3 Jul 2017 at 5:04 am UTC

Quoting: manus76This open source vs closed source, drm on/off debate gets really old and annoying.
Some people here had problems with those who said they prefer open clients. Ask them what problems they had, and why they are bothered by it. I agree it gets old, to explain the same thing multiple times.

The share of Linux users on Steam is still holding steady
2 Jul 2017 at 10:24 pm UTC

Quoting: Vash63The benefits I get from an OSS like Linux are added security with my private data and the ability to submit my own patches if there's a bug that impacts me.
Apply that to the client which performs software installation on your system, and you'll answer your own question.

The share of Linux users on Steam is still holding steady
2 Jul 2017 at 8:31 pm UTC

Quoting: TheinsanegamerNWhy do you care if the client is closed source when the products you are buying are closed source?
You didn't answer my question really. Above you sounded like the client has to be closed, because it sells closed games. What gives?

The benefit of open client is same benefit you get from FOSS in general.

Quoting: liamdaweWhy does this stuff always end up in a DRM and open vs closed source argument :P
I guess because it's about Steam which is both closed and DRMed? :P

The share of Linux users on Steam is still holding steady
2 Jul 2017 at 8:18 pm UTC

Quoting: TheinsanegamerNThe whole purpose of steam is to sell games, which are almost entirely closed source.
How exactly does the nature of games affect the need for client to be closed? I already brought you itch.io example above which counters this idea.

The share of Linux users on Steam is still holding steady
2 Jul 2017 at 8:12 pm UTC

Quoting: Mountain ManI'm not sure how it's worse for security. You mean just because you don't know it's there? I'll be honest, I haven't audited every piece of software on my Kubuntu box, so there is a certain level of trust, even when it's open source.
It's worse human factor wise. When you are hindered, you pay attention, and more likely do something to remove the hindrance (and in result improve the security by removing DRM). And when you don't often feel discomfort (i.e. usability is hindered only in some cases, not always), you are more likely to be complacent, and go along with it.

The share of Linux users on Steam is still holding steady
2 Jul 2017 at 7:47 pm UTC

Quoting: Mountain ManWhatever DRM Steam uses is transparent to the end user.
It's actually ironic, but transparent DRM is worse security wise. It's like a hidden camera which is "transparent" as long as you don't pay attention to what it does. At least when it hinders you all the time, you pay attention and can be annoyed enough to do something about it.