While we’re all well aware of the many advantages of the Linux operating system, not least in the realms of security, scalability, and open-source, PC gamers can sometimes feel let down. However, there is no need to feel limited when gaming on Linux. Here are some important things to keep in mind.
No-download Games Work Great
If you want a large variety of games in one place that require zero downloads and therefore work great on Linux, you have plenty of options. One place to start is online casino games since most reputable online casinos offer hundreds if not thousands of games in one, browser-based library.
Nearly all online casino games run on HTML5, making them a stellar option for any Linux gamer seeking zero-hassle entertainment. No matter what online casino you choose, it is more than likely that you can play the full range of games, from poker and blackjack to slots and bingo, on offer with any Ubuntu Linux OS.
AAA Games Can Be Tricky
One important thing to keep in mind as a Linux user is that your gaming options are not the same as those who operate souped-up Windows gaming PCs. Remember, Linux only commands around 2% of the market share, so it is simply not economical for developers to go through the effort of ensuring that their games are compatible with Linux OS.
Recently, there has been a strong turn within the gaming community to adapt games for Linux, so we should see more Linux games in the future. However, as we shall see, there are plenty of globally popular and acclaimed titles that happen to have full Linux compatibility, as long as you know where to look.
But You Have Plenty of Options
That being said, there are plenty of options for gamers who are sticking to Linux and want to enjoy the full gamut of computer and online gaming. First off, all of the top online multiplayer games generally run perfectly on Linux, especially if you stick to browser play. These include:
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Rocket League
- Insurgency
- Minecraft
- Starcraft
- Dota II
In addition, there are games that have been designed with Linux in mind and have a very strong and loyal following about the Linux community. One of the most well-known examples is the city sim game Cities Skylines, which allows you to build and operate cities in stunning realistic environments.
Then there are popular PC games that have been adapted for Linux, many of which are a few years old at this point. These include:
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Borderlands 2
- Hitman 2
- Portal II
- Bioshock: Infinite
- Grid: Autosport
- Mad Max
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider
These are just some of the most prominent examples. By knowing how to access them and where to look, you can find hundreds of PC games and online games that run smoothly on Linux.
Know Your Linux-friendly Game Libraries
As a gamer, you will need to know which libraries and stores are friendly to Linux users. Chief among these is, of course, Steam. The Steam platform has long made space for Linux users and allows anyone to filter through their thousands of games according to the OS that they use. In addition, Steam frequently offers special deals exclusively for Linux users, including discounts and virtual events.
You can also use GOG.com’s extensive Linux library to find pretty much every game in existence that is now compatible with Linux, as well as the latest news and rumors from the world of Linux-friendly gaming. You can also use the dedicated site Portable Linux Games to find free, instantly accessible 32-bit games that you can run on your Linux OS.
You Can Convert Windows Games to Linux
Obviously, the vast majority of games on the market right now for desktop gamers are for Windows. However, this does not mean that you are shut off from 98% of games for all eternity. Thanks to some incredibly enterprising developers and gamer geeks, you can use a range of secure software tools to convert Windows games for Linux.
The most famous and effective example is Wine, which is free to use and allows you to convert any program from Windows to Linux OS in just a few minutes. What’s more, Wine even comes with an extensive library of games that you can convert to Linux with its user-friendly tool.
You Can Actually Play Games in the Linux Command Terminal
Finally, if you are pleased with the simpler things in life, just head to the Linux command terminal and start playing some retro games in there. There is a wealth of command terminal-only games that you can access, including obvious contenders such as Snake, Pac Man, and 2048. You can also choose from a surprisingly large range of complex games that really push the small confines of this medium to its absolute creative limits.
So, this is everything that you need to know about playing games on your Linux OS. Enjoy!