GOG, the DRM-free gaming platform, has begun work on bringing native Linux support to its Galaxy desktop client. The company's CEO expressed enthusiasm for the open-source operating system amid growing Linux gaming popularity. Details remain sparse, but recruitment for a dedicated engineer is underway.
GOG.com, owned by CD Projekt, has long offered Linux-compatible games, aligning with its DRM-free philosophy that resonates with the open-source community. However, the absence of a native Galaxy client—GOG's game launcher and library manager—has forced Linux users to rely on third-party tools like Lutris, Heroic Games Launcher, or Minigalaxy.
This changed with recent announcements confirming active development on native Linux support. In a Reddit AMA, GOG revealed that work is underway, though it's too early for an ETA. Founder and CEO Michał Kiciński stated, “personally, I’m a big fan of Linux,” and elaborated:
“We’re at a very early stage right now, but we of course see the rising popularity and importance of this OS for gamers and agree on its value. We’ve started the recruitment process for a Senior Engineer who would help handle it. When it comes to specifics, we can’t share much at the moment. Nonetheless, the work has started, and this will appear on GOG one day. That much we can say.”
A job listing describes Linux as the “next major frontier” in gaming. This push comes amid the rise of Linux gaming, boosted by Valve's Steam Deck and Proton compatibility layer, which has made thousands of Windows games playable on Linux. Steam holds about 75% of the PC game distribution market, intensifying competition for platforms like GOG and Epic Games Store.
Technical hurdles remain, including Linux's fragmented ecosystem across distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora. Community reactions are cautiously optimistic, given past unfulfilled promises, but the timing aligns with broader industry shifts toward open-source gaming.
For GOG, enhancing Linux support could attract technically savvy users and strengthen its niche against larger rivals, potentially benefiting CD Projekt's titles like The Witcher series.
