[–] JimmyJimRyan 0 points 7 points 7 points (+7|-0) ago
A few more gamers use linux, a few more people make games for linux, then a few more gamers use it and on and on. Even in the last year or two the number of games available has exploded.
[–] ReverendJ1 0 points 9 points 9 points (+9|-0) ago
You have that backwards. It's not that Linux is incompatible with most AAA games, it's that most AAA games are not compatible with Linux. It's the developer's choice to use locked in frameworks and/or not port to other OSes. It is not the fault of the OSes that get left behind.
Valve is making incredible strides working with devs to get games ported to Linux and developing games on multiple platforms from the start. Valve is also producing their own frameworks to allow devs to create cross-platform games easier.
Right now we have the chicken and egg problem. Devs don't want to produce games for Linux because there aren't as many Linux gamers. But, there aren't as many Linux gamers because devs don't produce games for Linux. Now, the change in the last two years has been insane, and we will continue to see Linux get more and more AAA games and more and more Linux gamers.
[–] G392 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
For gaming-related questions, I recommend you ask them in Linux-gaming next time!
It is not that Linux is incompatible with most AAA games, but the opposite. SteamOS is a distribution, distro of Linux.
There are currently over 1300 Games on Linux, including AAA titles such as Shadow of Mordor, Bioshock Infinite, Civilization V, Borderlands 2 and presequel, with way more to come. Of course there aren't this many AAA games yet, since Linux hasn't been a 'gaming platform' for nearly as long as Windows. Also with Vulkan almost there, porting windows games is only going to get easier.
[–] fry_hole 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Tl;Dr valve is also a developer of AAA games and they are committing to developing for Linux as well. They are also building the tools to more easily develop for linux. As more AAA games are released, it gets easier (because of the tools) and more fruitful (as more people switch) for developers to release on Linux as well.
It's basically a snowball effect. The success of steamOS will look pretty spotty initially but valve are playing the long game here.
[–] ximian 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
For Voaters who are looking to buy some steam based games on the cheap, keep a lookout on Humble Bundle you really get some great deals, pay whatever you want to. As a bonus you can contribute to cool orgs like EFF or some other great people who do good work
[–] sakuramboo 0 points 11 points 11 points (+11|-0) ago
Porting companies like Feral and Aspyr are porting as many AAA titles as they are being contracted to do. Furthermore, some AAA devs and publishers are developing for Linux along side their Windows and OSX versions.
For older titles that won't see a port, you won't see them. This is the same as how you can't play NES games on your SNES, etc. It is a different platform.
Valve's workaround is to use in-home streaming to allow you to play the games on your Windows computer from your Steambox.
It's not great, but that's what happens when developers and publishers fall victim to vendor lock-in.