This week in the world of Linux gaming, major developments are making waves. Discord has once again stirred controversy with its evolving policies, prompting discussions among its users about the platform’s future. Meanwhile, exciting updates for the Steam Deck and SteamOS hint at a promising future for PC gaming enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the latest news and what these changes could mean for gamers everywhere.
In a bid to revitalize the content and offer something fresh, I’m trying out a new format for my updates. Getting feedback on this shift is essential, and I’m looking forward to sharing a new, in-depth video that will be available to my supporters on Patreon and my blog. This exclusive content is the result of significant effort and is a departure from my usual style, aiming to engage and energize the community.
Discord’s Troubling Transition
First on the agenda is Discord, which continues its controversial journey under the leadership of its founder and now board member, Jason Citron. As he steps down as CEO, many are left questioning the platform’s direction, especially with Humam Sakini taking the reins. With a past rooted in the gaming industry, where he played key roles at Activision, Sakini has been associated with the decline of beloved franchises such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.
Many users are concerned that this shift marks the beginning of a troubling trend for Discord. With aspirations to go public, it’s likely that the platform will seek to maximize profit at the expense of user experience. There are fears that features will become paywalled, limiting access for non-subscribers and potentially introducing mechanisms that could compromise the community’s spirit.
For those discontent with Discord’s trajectory, alternatives like Revolt offer a promising solution. As a free and open-source option, Revolt mirrors Discord’s functionalities while maintaining a user-focused ethos. It’s crucial for users to consider making the switch now, rather than waiting for a future that may prioritize profit over community.
Deals of the Week
Switching gears to some exciting gaming deals, this week features the ID and Friends Bundle, which is perfect for fans of classic titles. Priced at just $28, this bundle includes:
- Doom Eternal
- Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
- Doom (2016)
- Doom 1 & 2 (Night Dive Port)
- Wolfenstein: The New Order
- Wolfenstein: The New Blood
- Doom 3
- Doom 64
For avid gamers, Doom Eternal stands out as one of the best experiences available on the Steam Deck. Many of these titles not only function seamlessly on the device but also provide hours of entertainment.
Another great option is the Return to Metroidvania Bundle, featuring eight titles for just $14, including:
- Grime
- Berserk Boy
- Shantae and the Seven Sirens
- Islets
- Aland: The Tears of Earth
- Monster Sanctuary
- Gate Robboto
If you’re a fan of Metroidvania-style games, this bundle offers fantastic value and a chance to explore new adventures.
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Release
In further news, Ubuntu has released version 22.04 LTS, codenamed Plucky Puffin. This latest iteration brings several enhancements, particularly for gamers utilizing the Linux operating system. With the introduction of the Linux kernel 6.14, gamers can expect improvements related to asynchronous system calls, especially for those using Wine for game compatibility.
Despite these upgrades, it’s essential to note that users of Proton may not experience the same level of improvement, given that developments like F-Sync are tailored specifically for that platform. Nonetheless, the Ubuntu release is a significant step forward for Linux gaming, and many users are eager to upgrade, even amidst reports of initial rollout issues affecting KDE desktop environments.
SteamOS Updates
On the SteamOS front, Valve has also been busy with updates. The latest preview version, 3.7.4, known as Triple Frog, includes crucial fixes that enhance the overall user experience. Improvements include:
- Restoration of the auto self-repair feature
- Corrections to GPU metrics displayed in performance overlays
- Fixes for bootloader crashes on non-Steam Deck devices
- Frame rate limiting added for VR displays
These updates are particularly exciting as they lay the groundwork for upcoming devices like the Legion Go S, which is set to run on SteamOS. For those interested, I’ll be exploring the installation of SteamOS on a Lenovo handheld, with an exclusive hands-on review coming soon.
Conclusion
This week in Linux gaming has been packed with significant news, from Discord’s questionable leadership changes to exciting updates for Steam Deck and Ubuntu. As the landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adapting to new tools and platforms will be crucial for gamers. Whether you choose to stick with Discord or explore alternatives, or upgrade your gaming setup with the latest software, the future of gaming on Linux looks bright. Stay tuned for more updates and insights in the coming weeks!
Credit: Gardiner Bryant on YouTube
