GOG, the DRM-free digital game retailer owned by CD Projekt, has introduced native Linux support for its GOG Galaxy client. This move addresses long-standing requests from Linux gamers and aligns with the growing popularity of Linux-based gaming, particularly driven by Valve's Steam Deck. The change could enhance GOG's appeal in a competitive market dominated by platforms like Steam.
For years, Linux users in the PC gaming world have relied on compatibility layers and workarounds to access games from major storefronts. GOG's announcement this week marks a significant shift, providing native support for its platform and the GOG Galaxy client, which manages libraries and launches games.
The decision comes after a decade of community requests, as reported by The Verge. Previously, while GOG sold Linux-compatible titles, the Galaxy client was unavailable natively on Linux. Users had to run the Windows version through tools like Wine or Lutris, or download games manually via the web interface, missing out on features such as automatic updates and cloud saves.
This pivot coincides with the rising adoption of Linux in gaming, fueled by Valve's Steam Deck, launched in February 2022. The handheld device, which has sold millions of units, runs SteamOS, a Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. Valve's Proton compatibility layer has enabled thousands of Windows games to run smoothly on Linux, as tracked by the community database ProtonDB. Steam's hardware surveys indicate Linux's market share among users at around 2%, equating to millions of active players.
For GOG, owned by CD Projekt—the studio behind The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077—this represents a strategic opportunity. The retailer has faced challenges competing with giants like Steam and the Epic Games Store, which lacks native Linux support. By offering a seamless experience including achievement tracking and friends integration, GOG aims to attract Linux's engaged user base, which values its DRM-free philosophy.
However, implementation poses challenges. GOG must ensure stability across diverse Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora, and decide on packaging formats such as Flatpak or AppImage. It may also need to integrate a Proton-like layer for Windows-only titles to meet user expectations set by Valve's innovations, which began with Steam for Linux in 2013.
Overall, this step validates Linux gaming's maturation and could strengthen GOG's position as an alternative to Steam for open-source enthusiasts.
