THQ looking at Linux as a platform

[charlesr]

http://www.polygon.com/2012/12/16/3773718/thq-weighing-costs-and-benefits-of-linux-for-upcoming-releases

Nothing guaranteed, but it's about time publishers started addressing non Windows PC platforms a bit better.

[EvilBoris]

Looking at it because it's free.

If they think PC piracy is bad, I bet they will be horrified by Linux piracy when it comes round.

[Brad]

Re: THQ looking at Linux as a platform

Weighing up the costs and benefits. Apparently.

I'll make it easy for them. Are there any costs? Yes? Then it's not worth it.
Anyone who wants to game on pc will run Windows. It might not be their only os or even their preferred os but it'll be on there. Any sales of thq games on linux are simply lost windows version sales.

[charlesr]

But is that due to any inherent amazingness of Windows? Or is it just because it's the defacto platform?

[Brad]

Re: THQ looking at Linux as a platform

It's because ALL the games are on Windows. Only some games are on mac or linux.

I want this to happen. There's no reason for it not to but i don't think thq are in the best position to head up the exodus. They've got no money! Let valve kick it off.

What should happen is valve should make a steam Linux distribution and put half life 3 only on that platform.

[kryss]

Steam beta is already out for Linux isn't it?

[sj33]

It'll be interesting to see if more publishers see Linux as a viable platform due to the Steam client, especially if Valve can get it bundled with distros such as Ubuntu. I think many people have been surprised by how many publishers have embraced Steam for OSX.

Regardless of whether or not Linux is a viable alternative to Windows for a gamer, it's important that we see work put into creating alternatives.

[briareos_kerensky]

But is that due to any inherent amazingness of Windows? Or is it just because it's the defacto platform?

DirectX do not run on Linux, and they are a de facto standard now, not just for graphics API, but for sound and input as well. OpenGL (and probably OpenAL) could give DirectX a run for their money but a lot of heavy-weight developers must move to these libraries. Considering that the whole development process is centered around DirectX and the ancilliary services MS give (like video card drivers certification), it won't be easy.

[Brad]

Re: THQ looking at Linux as a platform

Direct x doesn't run on anything except Microsoft stuff. Many devs are moving to open gl now. They need to if they want to support ps3 wiiu or mac. There is no other option. Valve reckon (take this with a pinch of salt) that open gl is faster too. Any game made on a multi platform engine will already support open gl. Most devs not using middleware for the gfx likely have their own gfx lib on top of something else anyway i'd have thought so they'd just need a new layer?

Not sure what you're talking about re driver certification. Why is that important at all?

[EvilBoris]

Ps3 doesn't use OpenGL

[Brad]

Re: THQ looking at Linux as a platform

It doesn't use direct x either :-) plus it has an open gl wrapper round its native api so devs can use open gl.
Point is, i don't think the underlying gfx library is that important and the fact thay portal 2 now runs on pc mac xbox and ps3 and Linux highlights this.

I think this is all about getting pcs in the living room. To keep the cost down you need to eliminate the windows licence fee.

[sj33]

The broader point that Open GL and it's derivatives are more widespread than Direct 3D is correct. Direct 3D can only be found on 360 and Windows.

[Brad]

Well that's the crux of it. You can target Direct 3D in which case you're making a Windows / Xbox game or you can target Open GL and you are ready for Windows, XBox, PS3, WiiU, OSX and Linux, iOS and Android and anything else which supports Open GL.