Linux
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Linux.
Latest coverage
Breath of Fire IV plus classic Resident Evil 1-3 from GOG arrive on Steam - but with DRM
Classic titles Breath of Fire IV and the original Resident Evil trilogy have been released on Steam, with GOG credited as a co-developer. These re-releases feature enhancements for modern systems but include "The Enigma Protector" DRM, which is absent in their GOG versions. Linux and Steam Deck users may require additional tweaks for these games.
Steam store home page gets a refresh in Beta, plus another Linux SteamRT3 Beta fix
Valve has released an updated Steam store home page in the latest Steam Client Beta, featuring higher resolution art, a wider and more responsive layout, and improved discovery features. Additionally, a fix for the Linux SteamRT3 Beta has been implemented, enhancing Steam's compatibility within a 64-bit container on Linux distributions.
NVIDIA announce a preview of "DRM Per-Plane Color Pipeline API" support on Linux (good for HDR)
NVIDIA has announced a preview of its support for the DRM Per-Plane Color Pipeline API on Linux, designed to accelerate color processing, particularly for High Dynamic Range content. This API allows compositors to leverage GPU hardware capabilities directly. NVIDIA utilized AI tools, including Claude Sonnet/Opus, for much of the code generation during development.
OptiScaler tool gets a huge new release with more upscaling and frame generation goodies
The open-source tool OptiScaler has received a major update, version 0.9, introducing significant improvements to upscaling and frame generation technologies. This release enhances compatibility with AMD FSR 4.1 and XeSS 3.0, adds Vulkan and DirectX 11 support for various upscaling methods, and includes new features like a process filter and DLL blacklisting for broader game compatibility, including on Linux and Steam Deck.
Sprint City from the creators of SpeedRunners arrives on Steam
Sprint City, a new Early Access 2D competitive platformer from the creators of SpeedRunners, has launched on Steam and Linux. The game features momentum-based movement, online multiplayer for up to 8 players, and solo time trials. It is set to officially release on March 31, 2026.
The Long Dark story reaches the finale with episode five out now and a big discount
Hinterland Studio has released the fifth and final episode of The Long Dark's WINTERMUTE story, concluding the episodic narrative. The game is now split into the completed story mode and its survival mode. The developer has also hinted at future content for the series, potentially including a sequel titled BLACKFROST: The Long Dark 2.
Demos and Freebies
The game Martial Law is available as a demo on Steam for PC, macOS, and Linux. The demo features elements of militia, tanks, and a narrative focused on the desire for a better tomorrow.
Money is life and everything in SUPER DEBT, an unrelenting horror themed bullet-hell roguelike
SUPER DEBT is a new horror-themed bullet-hell roguelike where players must manage money to pay off debt, with every action costing in-game currency. The developer, previously known for Garbanzo Quest, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the game, which will be supported on Windows, Linux, Steam Deck, and macOS.
Heretic II has a new reverse-engineered source port
A new reverse-engineered source port, Heretic2R, has been released for the classic 1998 first-person shooter Heretic II. This community-driven project brings several enhancements including widescreen support, improved loading times, and bug fixes. While it currently runs via Proton on Linux, efforts are underway to create a native build.
Morning Tech Bits
Microsoft has pulled its latest Windows 11 update due to a critical error causing installation failures and missing files. Separately, Linus Torvalds commented on the perceived calm surrounding Linux 7.0.
GeForce NOW 2.0.83 brings improved display scaling for Linux
NVIDIA's latest GeForce NOW update, version 2.0.83, introduces significant improvements including enhanced UI scaling for the Linux beta, 90 FPS streaming for supported VR headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest, and greater user control over network adaptation settings. The update also adds customizable in-game overlay shortcuts, expanded HOTAS support, and improved H.265 streaming for browser clients.
OldUnreal release new preview update for the classic Unreal Tournament 2004
The OldUnreal team has released a new preview patch, version 3374, for the classic shooter Unreal Tournament 2004, with Epic Games' blessing. This update introduces full Linux support, improved installer options, and numerous bug fixes for graphics, stability, and mod compatibility across Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms.
Less Miserables, a point-and-click parody of Les Miserables gets a demo
Less Miserables, a point-and-click parody of Les Miserables, has released a demo for Linux. Developed by College Fun Games, the game features hand-drawn locations, historical characters, and parody puzzles. A Kickstarter campaign is planned for April 2nd.
Mission is Go for stylish spy adventure Puzzle Spy International, launching today on Steam
Indie developer Travel-Friendly Cake has launched the 1960s spy adventure puzzle game, Puzzle Spy International, today on PC, Mac, and Linux. Players take on the role of Agent Epsilon to solve puzzles across continents and uncover a diamond thief plot. The game features witty conversations, retro art, a spy soundtrack, and a hint system, with a 15% launch discount available for two weeks.
Plague Inc: Evolved is getting a big new Aliens & Anti-Vaxxers DLC and free update
Plague Inc: Evolved is receiving a new DLC titled 'Aliens & Anti-Vaxxers' and a free update in April. The DLC introduces new plague types like Xenolith: The Alien Crystal, and scenarios such as Anti-Vax, Hell on Earth, and Zombies vs. Earth. The free update will add Leprosy as a new disease.
The Anbernic RG Vita is now available, but I'd be tempted to pick up an original PS Vita handheld instead
The Anbernic RG Vita, a modern handheld designed for emulation, is now available but may not be the best choice compared to an original PlayStation Vita. While the RG Vita Pro offers impressive specs for its price, other devices like the Retroid Pocket 5 provide superior performance. The author suggests that for those seeking a Vita-like experience, an actual PlayStation Vita might be a more compelling option.
Demos and Freebies
The point-and-click adventure game Less Miserables has released a demo on Steam for PC, supporting both Windows and Linux. This parody of Les Miserables aims to blend the humor of 'Allo 'Allo with the style of 'Monkey Island'.
Lincity - A SimCity style game is in development for the Amiga 68k by paulthetall
Developer paulthetall is porting the free and open-source city-building simulation game Lincity to the Amiga 68k platform. This port includes added soundtracks and will feature multiple versions optimized for different Amiga hardware configurations, including the Apollo Vampire.
Pollution-Cleaning Active Incremental Title Sludgineers Drops Its Demo on Steam
The indie game Sludgineers, developed and published by Snickerdoodle Games and Funk Games, has released a demo on Steam for PC, Mac, and Linux. This cozy, active incremental title focuses on cleaning, mining, and refining pollution, with players improving their equipment and expanding their refinery. While the demo offers a glimpse into the core gameplay loop of gradual progression and efficiency building, a full release date has not yet been announced.
Planetary Annihilation: TITANS gets revived as the devs ask for Linux help and feedback
A new community team is working on updates for Planetary Annihilation: TITANS and is seeking help from Linux users to resolve issues with the game's Linux version. The team has released an update with numerous changes but is experiencing problems with Linux support, asking players to submit logs and system specifications to aid in troubleshooting.
