Hey there!
I’m a solo dev working on a sci-fi grand strategy game (I didn’t manage to find if self-promo is allowed so I’ll keep the name for myself).
I was updating my planning and started to think: since my game will be published on Steam, it will be playable on Linux using Compatibility Mode even if I don’t specifically target Linux itself. I myself play on an Ubuntu and this allows me to play almost every Windows game (old ones are more capricious, but recent ones are ok).
So I’m wondering, is there really an advantage to have native Linux support nowadays? As a solo dev, the thing I lack the most is time. The days/weeks/months it would take me to add it and fix all the probable bugs it entails could be used to improve the game itself or add features instead for example.
On a more general note, what do you other Linux players expect from a Linux game?
I personally am fine with Proton, the native Linux build usually doesn’t work as well as the Windows one because devs don’t usually care because of smaller market share (or don’t have the time as is often the case with indie studios).
What’s the name of the game? I’ll add it to my wishlist if it sounds like something I’d enjoy.
Also, if I may ask, do a GOG release, I do 90% of my gaming there.
Proton it will probably be then :) The game is Uncharted Sectors, I don’t have a Steam page public yet, but you can subscribe to the mailing list if you are interested, subscribers get access to the beta (https://uncharted-sectors.com/)
I’m not that familiar with GOG, I’ll take a look at it. Does it have a similar Linux compatibility layer? Because if not I do need to make a native build then
Proton is usable even without Steam, you simply publish the Windows version only and people will figure it out. If you make sure it works with the Steam Compatibility layer (Proton), it’s easy to run anywhere on Linux.
For GOG the easiest would be Heroic Games Launcher which also uses Proton.
Noted, thank you :)