Linux
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Linux.
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Linux head says "AI tools are great" but they're making the security list "almost entirely unmanageable"
Linux head Linus Torvalds has stated that while AI tools are beneficial for finding bugs, they are making the security list for the Linux kernel unmanageable due to duplicated reports. He emphasized that AI-detected bugs are not secret and that developers should add value by reading existing documentation and creating patches rather than submitting redundant reports.
Proton is getting some "horrible" workarounds for Forza Horizon 6 on Linux
Forza Horizon 6 is experiencing significant compatibility issues on Linux, with developer Hans-Kristian Arntzen describing the situation as "extremely broken" and requiring "horrible" workarounds. Reports on ProtonDB and GitHub indicate widespread problems for Linux and Steam Deck users, suggesting a potential Proton Experimental update or hotfix from Valve may be necessary.
New "low_latency_layer" brings Reflex and Anti-Lag 2 to AMD and Intel GPUs on Linux
A new open-source Vulkan layer called "low_latency_layer" has been released for Linux, bringing NVIDIA Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag 2 technologies to AMD and Intel GPUs. This layer aims to reduce click-to-photon latency by implementing both companies' latency reduction technologies, potentially offering performance comparable to or better than native Windows implementations. Initial benchmarks suggest it performs well in games like The Finals and Counter-Strike 2.
Heroic Games Launcher v2.22 brings library editing, big screen console mode improvements
Heroic Games Launcher version 2.22 has been released, introducing significant new features for managing game libraries on Linux. Users can now edit game details, including names and cover images, for titles from GOG and Epic Games. The update also enhances the big screen console mode with support for installing and updating games.
Space colony building sim Space Haven 1.0 is finally here
Space Haven, a colony building simulation game developed by Bugbyte Ltd., has officially launched its 1.0 version after several years in Early Access. Inspired by titles like RimWorld and series such as Battlestar Galactica, the game offers deep colony management, spaceship construction, and crew simulation. The 1.0 release provides a complete survival sandbox experience, featuring ship-to-ship combat and away missions, with procedurally generated elements ensuring replayability.
Germany cuts Steam Deck desktop devs a $1.5 million cheque, they declare an end to 'insecure spyware-riddled software imposed by the likes of Microsoft'
Germany's Sovereign Tech Agency has awarded €1.3 million (approximately $1.5 million) to the KDE community to support its free and open-source software development, including the Plasma desktop environment used on the Steam Deck. KDE expressed that this funding signifies a global shift away from proprietary software from companies like Microsoft and Google towards more secure and user-controlled alternatives.
Proton 11.0-1 Beta 3 brings FEX upgrades for Linux ARM64 (like the Steam Frame)
Valve has released Proton 11.0-1 Beta 3, which includes an upgrade to FEX, an emulator enabling x86 applications to run on ARM64 Linux devices like the upcoming Steam Frame. This update brings performance improvements, controller crash fixes, and better support for the Snapdragon X2 Elite processor. Proton Experimental also incorporates these changes.
KDE gets over €1 million in funding from the Sovereign Tech Fund
Germany's Sovereign Tech Fund has awarded over €1.2 million to KDE for the development of its Plasma desktop and Linux-related projects. This funding, spanning 2026 and 2027, aims to bolster open-source technology and digital infrastructure resilience. Fiona Krakenbürger of the Sovereign Tech Agency highlighted KDE's crucial role in providing access to digital services for millions.
Discord joke that it's The Year of the Linux Desktop
Discord has made significant improvements to its Linux desktop application over the past few months, including enhanced Go Live video support, hardware accelerated video encoding, and the addition of an auto-updater. These updates aim to improve the user experience for Linux gamers and users, with the company humorously acknowledging the long development time for features like the updater.
Popular emulator Cemu was recently compromised with malware in Linux downloads
The popular Nintendo Wii U emulator Cemu was compromised, with malware found in certain Linux builds distributed via GitHub. The malicious code targeted user credentials and security keys, with a special payload for users in Israel. The developers have since removed the affected versions and are working to secure their distribution channels.
Further expanded AMD HDMI 2.1 support is coming to Linux now with FRL and DSC
AMD's Linux GPU kernel drivers are expanding their HDMI 2.1 support with the addition of FRL and DSC features. These updates aim to enable higher resolutions and refresh rates for AMD graphics cards on Linux, potentially appearing in future Linux kernel releases. This development is significant for Linux gamers and the Steam Machine platform.
A 'JobStealer' Trojan virus has popped up that attacks PCs via fake job interviews
A new Trojan virus named 'JobStealer' is targeting PCs by posing as a fake job interview invitation. Attackers use spoofed video conferencing apps and social media accounts to trick users into downloading malicious software that steals data, including cryptocurrency wallets. Versions for macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux are also noted, though not yet widely distributed.
Don't forget to claim your Amazon Prime games for May via Amazon Luna
Amazon Prime members can claim a selection of free games for May through Amazon Luna, including titles like Mafia II: Definitive Edition and Survival: Fountain of Youth. These games are available to keep via GOG, Amazon Games, Epic Games Store, and Legacy Games codes.
BL Fandisc 'Hadaka Shitsuji: Spice and Sugar' Coming West in June 11
MangaGamer announced that the BL fandisc Hadaka Shitsuji: Spice and Sugar will be released on June 11, 2026 for PC, Mac, and Linux. Developed by MADA Labo, the game continues the story of the original Hadaka Shitsuji: Naked Butlers with new spicy content and sweet epilogues, featuring uncensored adult scenes with a mosaic toggle option.
Demos and Freebies
Fleet Hunters, a modern take on classic naval battles, is available on Steam for PC, macOS, and Linux. The game emphasizes constant action over turn-based gameplay, allowing players to strategically place their fleets.
Dusk is a reverse-engineered reimplementation of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
A new open-source project called Dusk has been released, offering a reverse-engineered reimplementation of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for PC. This project allows players to experience the game on platforms like PC and Steam Deck, with a native Linux version available. Dusk does not include copyrighted assets, requiring users to provide their own copy of the original game.
The Jackbox Party Pack 12 announced for release later this year
Jackbox Games has announced The Jackbox Party Pack 12 for release in Fall 2026, featuring five new party games playable on smartphones, tablets, or browsers. This announcement follows a partnership with Netflix to bring select games to their streaming service and Jackbox Games' first foray into publishing with Toot Games' debut title, My Arms Are Longer Now.
An unofficial PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess just released
An unofficial native PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, named Dusk, has been released. This project, built on a decompilation effort that began in 2020, supports PC, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux, offering features like higher framerates, custom models, and various gameplay tweaks.
Dark and Darker gets a fix for Linux / Steam Deck being unable to play certain modes
Dark and Darker has received a fix for an issue that prevented players on Linux and Steam Deck from accessing certain game modes due to new anti-cheat measures. The Season 9 update also introduced new content like a revamped Inferno, skills for Rogue and Ranger, an in-game ping system, and a new party finder. The developer, Ironmace, has also reportedly resolved previous legal disputes with Nexon.
Alabaster Dawn from the developers of the excellent CrossCode is now in Early Access
Alabaster Dawn, a new top-down 2.5D action RPG from Radical Fish Games, has launched in Early Access on May 7, 2026, for PC and Linux. The game features a deep combat system, challenging puzzles, and an epic story, building upon the foundations of the developers' previous title, CrossCode. The developers plan for at least two more years of development, incorporating community feedback.
