It’s clear that the arrival of the Steam Deck marked a significant turning point for those involved in Linux gaming. This handheld device operates on SteamOS 3.0, which is based on the efficient Arch Linux. It utilizes the Proton compatibility layer to allow users to play Windows games, a feature that has been met with enthusiasm from both FOSS and Linux gaming fans.
Exciting News for Linux Gamers
In more good news for Linux gaming, Arch Linux has announced a forthcoming partnership with Valve, the creators of the Steam Deck (currently available for $540 on Amazon) and the Proton compatibility layer. Developer Levente Polyak shared that Valve will provide financial support for two major projects that could significantly influence Arch's future. He stated, “We are thrilled to share that Arch Linux is starting a direct partnership with Valve. They are generously funding two important projects that will greatly affect our distribution: a build service infrastructure and a secure signing enclave.” He also mentioned, “We think this collaboration will be greatly advantageous for Arch Linux, and we are eager to provide updates on development through this mailing list as we make progress.”
The Importance of Funding
While the specific amount that Valve is willing to invest in Arch remains undisclosed, the importance of this deal is undeniable. This is not only a victory for Arch, but also great news for the entire Linux community. Gabe Newell, Valve's founder, has been a supporter of Linux gaming for over a decade, famously stating at LinuxCon 2013 that “Linux and open source are the future of gaming.” Valve’s collaboration with Arch indicates a stronger commitment to the Linux environment.
Why Arch Linux?
One might wonder why Valve chose Arch. This choice wasn’t random; Valve’s preference for this streamlined, efficient distribution for SteamOS 3.0 is well-founded. Arch Linux is designed to be minimalistic, has a small resource footprint, and offers extensive customization options, making it an ideal base for a gaming platform. The collaborative effort will not only advance expectations for Linux gaming but also enhance SteamOS and, consequently, the Steam Deck.
ArchLinux.org
