18 Extra Hot Linux Commercial Games (Part 1 of 3)
One of the things we really want to witness is Linux
making a significant penetration in the desktop market share. Whilst
most supercomputers use the Linux platform, it is lamentable that the
vast majority of desktops continue to run Microsoft Windows. Current
surveys put Linux's desktop share at a miniscule 1-2%.
Yet modern Linux distributions offer so much for the
typical computer user with an unparalleled range of open source
software, combined with shining desktop environments that make
the operating system extremely user friendly.
There are a number of different reasons why Linux has not
gained a greater market share. It is often put forward that
there are too many different distributions with fragmented user bases,
too many desktop environments to choose from, and that
developers do not concentrate on normal everyday users. Yet
Linux vendors have made momentus strides in improving the usability of
the desktop, with the installation and operation of software often
as seamless as in Windows.
If Linux is to achieve a prominent place on the desktop, we
believe there needs to be commercial titles ported to
this platform as a matter of routine. For example, many desktop users
like to play games. There are thousands of free games available for
Linux. Yet there is also a place for commercial games. However, one of
the
disappointments faced by Linux gaming enthusiasts is the promise of
commercial titles from video game publishers that are never released or
are continually being delayed. For example, we were particularly
looking forward to the port of Unreal Tournament 3 to Linux. Yet this
will never see the light of day.
However, indie games could help to turn the tide.
Indie games are video games created by individuals or small teams.
They are becoming more popular and successful, in part because
they rely more on innovative ideas rather than large budgets. A good
range of indie games could be an important element for Linux becoming
mainstream on the desktop.
This article identifies commercial Linux games that are
definitely worth the money, with the focus being on indie games in the
main.
To be eligible for inclusion in this article each game needed
to
be:
Released under a proprietary license with a fee required either to
purchase the game, or a monthly charge
Not require Wine to run. Wine is a compatibility layer
for running Windows software
This article is the first in a three part series. Parts 2 and
3 will be available shortly. You may also be interested in reading our
previous articles about commercial Linux games. These can be read in
the Gaming section of our Group
Tests homepage.
Now, let's scrutinize the 6 games at hand. For each game we
have compiled its own portal page, providing screenshots of the game in
action, a full description of the game, with an in-depth analysis of
the features of the game, together with links to relevant resources and
reviews.
Return to our complete collection of Group
Tests, identifying the finest Linux software.
Last Updated Friday, May 25 2012 @ 06:17 PM EDT
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