The recent flurry of handheld gaming announcements saw one significant development overshadowed by the hype surrounding the Legion Go S and Switch 2 rumors: Nvidia’s commitment to developing a native GeForce NOW app for the Steam Deck. This unexpected move from a corporation often at odds with the Linux community marks a potential turning point in the landscape of Linux gaming. The decision to create native software for a single Linux gaming device speaks volumes about the growing recognition of the Steam Deck’s influence and the burgeoning Linux gaming market.
GeForce NOW, Nvidia’s cloud gaming service, allows users to play games purchased from various platforms like Steam, Ubisoft, EA, and Epic Games on virtually any internet-connected device. The service eliminates the need for a high-end gaming PC, making it particularly appealing for less powerful handhelds like the Steam Deck. The benefits for Steam Deck users are manifold. It simplifies access to non-Steam libraries, bypassing the need for complicated workarounds and technical maneuvers. It also unlocks the possibility of playing games that are currently incompatible with the Steam Deck’s hardware limitations. Furthermore, GeForce NOW promises efficient battery usage and the ability to stream games at up to 4K/60FPS on external displays connected to the Steam Deck.
Currently, installing GeForce NOW on the Steam Deck requires navigating through desktop mode, downloading and extracting scripts, and then executing the installation. This cumbersome process likely deters many users from utilizing the service. The arrival of a native app promises a more user-friendly experience, simplifying access to cloud gaming. While the exact distribution method for the native app, slated for release later this year, remains unclear, it undoubtedly represents a significant step towards wider adoption and ease of use. This seemingly small change carries substantial weight, signaling a potential shift in how major software developers approach Linux support.
This development raises several intriguing questions. What does this mean for the future of Linux gaming? Will it encourage other prominent software developers to look beyond Windows and embrace Linux? To gain a broader perspective, insights were gathered from key figures within the Linux community. Thomas Crider (GloriousEggroll), known for his contributions to Proton-GE, Nobara Linux, and Lutris, views this move as a validation of SteamOS and the broader Linux ecosystem. He believes that increased vendor support for SteamOS strengthens Linux, as contributions often benefit other distributions. He sees a positive feedback loop where vendor involvement encourages user adoption, ultimately creating a more robust Linux gaming experience.
Gardiner Bryant, a Linux content creator and game developer, sees Nvidia’s commitment as a testament to the growing financial viability of Linux gaming. The native GeForce NOW app addresses a significant gap in the Linux gaming library, enabling access to multiplayer titles from developers who have traditionally lacked Linux support, particularly in the area of anti-cheat compatibility. This, according to Bryant, is a commendable achievement that strengthens the Linux gaming ecosystem.
Liam Dawe, a long-time Linux gaming journalist, attributes Nvidia’s move to the Steam Deck’s continued success and the expanding reach of SteamOS. He sees this as a strategic decision by Nvidia to establish an early presence in a growing market, potentially paving the way for other developers. Dawe hopes for seamless integration, ideally through the Steam platform itself, or failing that, through Flathub, a popular Linux application distribution platform. This would maximize accessibility across various Linux distributions and SteamOS devices.
The general consensus among these Linux experts is that Nvidia’s decision is a significant positive development for the Linux gaming community. The arrival of a native GeForce NOW app not only streamlines the user experience but also symbolizes a growing recognition of the viability and potential of the Linux gaming market. It is hoped that Nvidia will opt for the widest possible distribution, ideally integrating the app directly into Steam. This would make GeForce NOW seamlessly accessible on all current and future SteamOS devices, including the Lenovo Legion Go S and other forthcoming handhelds. Such a move would further solidify the position of Linux as a legitimate gaming platform and potentially encourage greater support from other major software developers. The ripple effects of this decision could be substantial, shaping the future of Linux gaming and broadening access to a wider audience.
