Rock, Paper, Shotgun

The chaps at Phoronix have confirmation from Valve that the developer are working on a Linux version of their platform-bestriding distribution system, and are even hiring new Linux developers. Phoronix have apparently spoken directly to Mr Newell, who was quite keen on the open-source platform. They report: “His level of Linux interest and commitment was incredible while his negativity for Windows 8 and the future of Microsoft was stunning. In fact, as soon as I return to my office this weekend I plan to try out Windows 8 simply to see if it’s as bad as Gabe states…” I think that says quite a lot, eh Linux fans? It’s also incredibly significant in terms of the viability of Linux as a gaming OS, and I am certain there will be an enormous amount of speculation about what that could mean.

Thanks to everyone who sent in this story. I am certain there will be more news from the horse’s mouth in the coming weeks.

KillFunYeah, three words made one, the first of which makes me a bit nervous, the second of which I’m all for and the third I imagine being said with a slight shrug in between sips of coffee. As a name, it’s not the sort I’d want to yell out loud, that is until developers Arctic Anteater add at least two exclamation marks on the end. KillFunYeah!!!!! sounds like a blast. As it stands, the relatively unexcited KillFunYeah is a 2D arena-based shooter with destructible blocks, guns, grenades and saxophones. Jazzocide is the new Jazzercise. It’s in alpha and currently available for free on Windows, Mac and Linux. Observe the below trailer and tutorial, the latter demonstrating the attract and deflect powers that are KFY’s USP.

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I woke up extremely early this morning, intending to have a substantial breakfast, catch up on the news and slowly ease myself into the day, but then I found a note I’d written in the far-off land of 2011 on which I had scrawled: “Remember to check when Defender’s Quest releases”. The demo’s entertaining blend of story, levelling and tower defense strategy was far more time-devouring than I ever expected it to be and when the intended release date passed, I was determined to make sure I didn’t miss the eventual launch. Then I did miss it, although not by much. If you haven’t already tried it, the demo runs in a browser, and is both substantial and convincing. As for the rest…

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So think codey types snooping around in the current closed beta of Steam for Macs. They’ve found explicit mention of Linux in the launcher, and claim there’s no reason for that to be in there if this was purely a Mac thing. Certain, hoofing the Source engine over to OpenGL for Macs makes it platform non-partisan, so there’s nothing other than business decisions really limiting Valve from supporting Linux. While there has been previous evidence to suggest Valve have been sniffing around the penguin platform (including a call for a Linux software engineer a few years back), it’s merely wild rumours and speculation until the house of Seattle thumps down a mighty hand and proffers answers. There’s a really good chance this is smoke on the Unix-water, but it would most certainly be lovely to easily play Team Fortress 2 or L4D on any personal computer.

Who here’s using Linux, then? How’s the gaming?