5 Months And Still No UT3 For Linux

[phoronix]

Phoronix: 5 Months And Still No UT3 For Linux

Five months ago from today, Unreal Tournament 3 for the PC was released in North America. Linux gamers around the world, however, were let down with the lack of an available Linux client and all UT3 gamers were impacted by the lack of any Linux server for this game...

http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=NjQ0MA

[deanjo]

Dugged http://digg.com/pc_games/5_Months_And_Still_No_UT3_For_Linux

[moonlitfire]

Dugged http://digg.com/pc_games/5_Months_And_Still_No_UT3_For_Linux

In the process of signing up for digg to diggit! I don't know if any of this will amount to anything but I certainly don't mind letting a company know what I want as a customer. Five months is unacceptable.

[bugmenot]

http://www.epicgames.com/jobs/engine_programmer.html
It seems like Epic is looking for programs with OpenGL knowledge for future games... I can only hope it means Epic will have Linux ports for more games.

(Digg article: http://digg.com/pc_games/Epic_Games_May_Continue_To_Port_Future_Games_to_Li nux)

[marakaid]

OpenGL is used in PlayStation3 console, it does not mean Linux games.

[deanjo]

OpenGL is used in PlayStation3 console, it does not mean Linux games.

Wii and Mac as well.

[Svartalf]

OpenGL is used in PlayStation3 console, it does not mean Linux games.

It means an easier path for someone to make one. While one doesn't mean the other, it doesn't always preclude the other. In the case of UT3, there's no good reason, apparently, other than their legal department not signing off on something- if it's a license, I might forgive them.

[moonlitfire]

The hangup isn't an abstraction layer or portability of the game.....Its almost never those two things because those problems can be worked out(and we would likely be getting a steady stream of progress reports on top of it). Its a-holes and their copyrights or patents. Its the usual suspects using their government granted privileges to jerk us Linux users around and ensuring they don't actually have to compete in a true free market place.

[Dandel]

I know this happens, and moonlitfire actually gave a valid reason that could be used... I think it's legal department of Epic trying to get the legal department of the other company to let the game be released... just look at some of the integrated solutions that they have, i notice right away that at least 4 of em don't list linux anywhere on their site... anyways is Unreal tournament 3 actually playable with ease on linux using wine?

[KohlyKohl]

I think it is about time to start demanding your money back if you purchased this game with the promise that there would be a Linux port.

[Redeeman]

I agree, it will be interresting to see the response.. perhaps a petition to have epic refund it?..

im just glad i didnt buy it, i almost did..

[Smurphy]

I have actually entered a request on the UT3 Forums ...
Needless to say - they have been removed quite fast.
Check out: My Blog (https://stargate.solsys.org/mod.php?mod=blog&op=view&view=161&expand=yes). I took some screenshots to actually prove the censorship. Now - what could we do about that ?
Involve even more press ???

I'll check it out with some german magazines ...

[Redeeman]

keep on adding posts?

[Kano]

Well how about asking for an OpenGL renderer for the Windows version? That should work with wine much faster than DX9 emulation.

[Fixxer_Linux]

Well how about asking for an OpenGL renderer for the Windows version? That should work with wine much faster than DX9 emulation.

Or run the game using vmware or any other kind of virtualization ??
I don't know anything about virtualization, just guessing.

Whatever, this won't never be the same as owning a true linux client.

However, we can think that Epic is working on providing a Linux version, as well as a Mac OS version, as they said they would do.
The only thing one can charge against Epic is that they don't provide any information at all on the topic. And that they are deleting posts from the official forum, as Smurphy experienced earlier. This last point is really a shame for them. It's censorship and it's untolerable. :mad:

Thanks again to phoronix for welcoming those threads on the forum, that would have been deleted by Epic straight forward...

[moonlitfire]

Or run the game using vmware or any other kind of virtualization ??
I don't know anything about virtualization, just guessing.


It'll be like running the game on an 8mb video card, and don't forget about the resources being tapped by the Host OS while the VM is running. There is supposed to be some sort of virtualization software thats made for games, but it'll be a long time before I actually buy it.

[Svartalf]

The only thing one can charge against Epic is that they don't provide any information at all on the topic. And that they are deleting posts from the official forum, as Smurphy experienced earlier. This last point is really a shame for them. It's censorship and it's untolerable. :mad:


Well, we'll see what happens. Michael's placed a post prominently in the forums, asking for information as there's been allegations of deleted posts and inquiries about the status. I expect dead silence at this point- even if they've been deleting stuff. That's a political landmine, that... >:-) :D

[oneman]

Yeehh ARGG I feel like an asshat having bought the game already, havn't even opened it.

I've got over 100 hours logged in quake wars because of this :PPPP

http://stats.enemyterritory.com/profile/rawdod

[Smurphy]

Well, we'll see what happens. Michael's placed a post prominently in the forums, asking for information as there's been allegations of deleted posts and inquiries about the status. I expect dead silence at this point- even if they've been deleting stuff. That's a political landmine, that... >:-) :D
Do you by chance have a direct link to this post ???

[Thetargos]

Well, we'll see what happens. Michael's placed a post prominently in the forums, asking for information as there's been allegations of deleted posts and inquiries about the status. I expect dead silence at this point- even if they've been deleting stuff. That's a political landmine, that... >:-) :D

And the thread got closed after being pointed to the November FAQ entry. There's one thing that's very clear: Epic doesn't want people asking about Linux around their forums. The thread from Michael got closed, mind you, not deleted.

The thread would be this (http://utforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=610471), and you can read all about it in Michael's eloquent speech here (http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=NjQ0Mg)

[Shakey_Jake33]

It's a big shame. I do dual-boot with Windows, but only because I cannot let go of FFXI. I keep getting very tempted to buy UT3, since I still play both UT and UT2004 today - that decision would be so much easier if they released a Linux client. I do not like dual-booting, it's a pain having to switch between OS's, so being able to play previous UT's without having to log back into Windows is great.

I'm not overly surprised about Epic's reaction, they've been the centre of some pretty shoddy PR handling over the past 2 years, Mark Rein especially has a habit of speaking without considering the consequences and how it will be taken. The guy just has no idea about how to approach PR. Knowing Rein's past record, he probably didn't mean to describe the Linux client as a 'pet project' in the frankly insulting way it came across, it's just so typical of Mark to say something like that, but not actually mean it quite like that.

Here's another conspiracy theory to throw into the works, Epic is one of the key players in the recently established 'PC Gaming Alliance', an alliance that seems to be very Windows-centric.

[Thetargos]

Here's another conspiracy theory to throw into the works, Epic is one of the key players in the recently established 'PC Gaming Alliance', an alliance that seems to be very Windows-centric.

For all intents and purposes, in the gaming scene "PC" is but a synonym of "Windows" (with just two letters), but term PC encompasses x86(_64) Linux, Mac and Windows "PCs"... and even in that context it is used "wrong", PC is simply "Personal Computer" regardless of the architecture (PowerPC, SPARC, x86[_64], IA64, PA-RISC, MIPS, etc), so long as it remains personal.

At any rate, wasn't there a Microsoft "initiative" to label and market "Games for Windows" to give Vista big push?

[Smurphy]

Oh - yes ... Windows centric alliance.
However - note that Microsoft is having big issues with Vista anyway. So - if they're not carefull - they'll ground.

According to my research - Microsoft is in the phase of Fighting :D according to this First they Laugh at you ... (https://stargate.solsys.org/mod.php?mod=blog&op=view&view=159&expand=yes). Here some more links available on this ...Check it out (https://stargate.solsys.org/mod.php?mod=blog&op=view&view=162&expand=yes)
Now - if that really is phase 3 we are talking about - it will really be only a matter of Cash until they admit they lost ;)

I could even link this beheaviour of Epic to Microsoft's inability to really get Vista on the Market as expected. NOw imagin UT3 would run better under Linux than Windows Vista - what then ??? :D

[bell]

The only thing most companies understand is money. So lets make a "boycott" list of companies which are not taking Linux users seriously and stop buying games and stuff from them. Epic has just made it to my list.

(My problem is actually that I don't have enough time to play the games I buy, I bought QW:ET when it came to Linux, and still have only logged 4-5 hours playing it :( I actually make it a point to buy games that look half-decent and which support Linux, even if I almost never play them...)

The only thing I don't like about most Linux-games is that they don't have a dedicated Linux-game, so there is no way for the developers to know how many Linux-only games they have sold.

[Smurphy]

WE should just make sure no more linux servers are used to host the games ... Imagine how unstable and Virus prone the new game-servers would be ...

Guess that would be a direct Strike to all of them !

[Thetargos]

As if... Official game servers (you know, the ones run by the publishers and studios that developed the game?) more often than not use Linux to host those servers, so what then?

[deanjo]

Looks like it's getting coverage on linux today now.

http://www.linuxtoday.com/news_story.php3?ltsn=2008-04-23-017-26-NW-GM-SW

[Svartalf]

It's gotten coverage on LinuxGames...

http://www.linuxgames.com/archives/10256#comment-328265

[kriko]

Is there going to be a linux client at all?

[Licaon]

some speculations near the end: http://blog.sillica.com/2008/05/30/valve-source-engine-to-hit-linux-soon/

[Svartalf]

some speculations near the end: http://blog.sillica.com/2008/05/30/valve-source-engine-to-hit-linux-soon/

I've seen more retarded commentary in forums regarding Linux and what it really is- but not by much. Seems they feel the need to put down that "hobbyist" OS at every turn...wonder why? :D

[kriko]

OMG, comments are really juicy. Funny MS fans.

[Aradreth]

I've seen more retarded commentary in forums regarding Linux and what it really is- but not by much. Seems they feel the need to put down that "hobbyist" OS at every turn...wonder why? :D
What you mean he isn't right and it isn't just six people posting under lots of different user names? Man you've rocked my world to the core I better start just using one account.

[Thetargos]

I couldn't help but laugh at the comments made by one of those guys who thinks that because someone might use Linux, automatically you can't afford a gaming rig... I would say "au contrarire, mon ami, just because I save those 300+ dollars (which otherwise would go to Vista), I'm able to pack more steam under my rig, without hampering performance"... But that's just me, and I don't think it is even in MY best interest to reply to someone like that.

[Redeeman]

not to mention that linux performs considerably faster than anything microsoft ever had, especially their degraded vista..

$300 + linux is a giant boost

[yoshi314]

I couldn't help but laugh at the comments made by one of those guys who thinks that because someone might use Linux, automatically you can't afford a gaming rig...same here :]

Transgaming has been known to license their Cedega (Wine derivative) backend to console game developers, they did so for The Sims on the PS2 and some others too I believe.best joke ever :]

[Thetargos]

That bit about Transgaming licensing their code for The Sims for the PS2 caught my eye... I thought Wine was only effective on x86 architectures to run Windows x86 code, not that it couldn't be possible to have it run x86 Windows code on another architecture, but the overhead would be too high, wouldn't it?

[Svartalf]

That bit about Transgaming licensing their code for The Sims for the PS2 caught my eye... I thought Wine was only effective on x86 architectures to run Windows x86 code, not that it couldn't be possible to have it run x86 Windows code on another architecture, but the overhead would be too high, wouldn't it?

This depends entirely on whether you're using Cedega in a libwine type manner or as the emulator. If you're doing the former, it can run decently well enough, for varying degrees of "well enough", natively on some other CPU IA. You just don't have good access to external stuff when you do that. It just injects it's overhead for the stuff as if it were running on x86 for the stuff that's native.

[Aradreth]

best joke ever :]
I think he got confused with the linux port that used Cedega to run. (I'm pretty sure there was a linux port using cedega). The console version was, to my knowledge, not a straight port as they had to limit some area's to cope with the consoles limitations. (Fewer items and the lark.)

[deanjo]

Hmmm, 2 Duke Nukem video's in the span of when UT3 for linux was supposed to be out. I think Duke is gonna beat UT3 for linux on a release date. I guess pigs do fly.

[Malikith]

Hmmm, 2 Duke Nukem video's in the span of when UT3 for linux was supposed to be out. I think Duke is gonna beat UT3 for linux on a release date. I guess pigs do fly.

Well.. Not pigs, pig cops, hehe.

[Aradreth]

Hmmm, 2 Duke Nukem video's in the span of when UT3 for linux was supposed to be out. I think Duke is gonna beat UT3 for linux on a release date. I guess pigs do fly.
Not just footage Jason "Jace" Hall actually got hands on time with it!

[Thetargos]

Care to share a link? :D

[Huenengrab]

I really hope my thread on their forums will live: [img=http://img3.imagebanana.com/img/ebfmmkk/screenshot1.png] (http://img3.imagebanana.com/)

[Aradreth]

Care to share a link? :D
Read about it here (http://www.hardocp.com/news.html?news=MzI4NjEsLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdCwsLDE=) and the video is here apparently. (http://crackle.com/c/jacehall) I've not watched it as it would not play under gnash.

[Thetargos]

Read about it here (http://www.hardocp.com/news.html?news=MzI4NjEsLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdCwsLDE=) and the video is here apparently. (http://crackle.com/c/jacehall) I've not watched it as it would not play under gnash.

Thamks. I watched it and looks interesting and intriguing. indeed.

[deanjo]

I would absolutely pee my pants if they announced it was for linux as well (and actually release it).

[xav1r]

"It's time to kick ass and chewbubblegun (in linux), and I'm all out of gum."

[marakaid]

I think UT3 client could came around second week of July 2008, maybe first.

[deanjo]

I think UT3 client could came around second week of July 2008, maybe first.


At this point in time I would have to say it's dead. Should have heard at least something by now.

[marakaid]

A videogames salesman told me today that UT3 for XBOX360 could be available 4th July, maybe the theory about releasing consoles versions before Linux client is correct.

[b15hop]

For some reason I'm not that phased about the ut3 engine. When I first saw it a while back I was. But after playing the windows demo I couldn't care less. Not really a great game compared to ut2004. Pretty graphics only goes so far.

[Aradreth]

A videogames salesman told me today that UT3 for XBOX360 could be available 4th July, maybe the theory about releasing consoles versions before Linux client is correct.
If that is why it's been delayed for so long I'll thank epic for saving me some money as I'll not being buy their games again.

[xav1r]

But, the x360 version of quake wars is out now, and it came out way after the linux client was out.

[marakaid]

Is not the same, Splash Damage is in good relations with ID Software (that means linux support) and Epic is in good relations with Microsoft (Gears of Wars).

[Mardok]

But, the x360 version of quake wars is out now, and it came out way after the linux client was out.

That was from ID software and they have been great with their Linux ports.

Epic games had their run with Linux, but I think their ties with Microsoft will prevent them from releasing any more of their games with Linux, Mac, or the PS3. I'm quite sure they WANT to release the UT3 client for Linux, however. I absolutely refuse to believe they've gone twisted and evil with their culprit MS brainwashing their once glorious brains.

Oh well, at least we have a Steam port to speculate about :D
It would be really cool to just type:

# steam tf2
>> You have chosen to download Team Fortress 2
>> $30 will be charged to your account, do you accept? Y,N : Y
>> Downloading: "============>" 100%
#

Or something like that. I don't use Steam because of a shortage of cash (thank you college), but I most likely will make an account this summer and go on a downloading spree.

[Thetargos]

This is a rumor, but AFAIK, after GoW2 is released, Epic will cease all relationship with MS... Apparently the deal wasn't that good for them.

[xav1r]

Is not the same, Splash Damage is in good relations with ID Software (that means linux support) and Epic is in good relations with Microsoft (Gears of Wars).

Yea, but you know, GoW and UT are completely different games under completely different licenses. GoW is a MS exclusive title, property, etc, WTF. Thats why im not interested in playing it, and besides the fact that i dont like 3rd person games. UT otoh, it's not, it's EPIC's game, and they can do with it what they want.

[xav1r]

This is a rumor, but AFAIK, after GoW2 is released, Epic will cease all relationship with MS... Apparently the deal wasn't that good for them.

Really? Where did you hear that? I hope it's true. Not even Bungie liked to be too related to MS. I can imagine why.

[Thetargos]

Really? Where did you hear that? I hope it's true. Not even Bungie liked to be too related to MS. I can imagine why.

I can't find where did I first came across this information, it was a Blog, of that I'm sure, which means in itself, TAKE IT WITH A BIG GRAIN OF SALT, but if true... AFAIK the reason behind this was that Epic's image had been "damaged" in some way or another... Gee I wonder if this delay hadn't done already its share of damage :D

[Huenengrab]

What I don't understand is how you can blatantly lie in front of a camera and in magazines, promising a Linux-client ("we love all platforms equally"...) and then jump into bed with Microsoft, release GoW as "Games for Windows" and let them frack up your plans on releasing a completely different game that's not published by Redmond.

Sure, the game-industry is full of lies, but mostly it's about "the game is finally done", while it isn't and needs patching to be even playable on more than 70% of the consumers computers, but the promise of a linux-client without delivering it even after more than half year, that's just sad. Ignoring questions regarding the client is even more frustrating.

At the very least, they're not cancelling their support and tell their customers to "**** off" and lay off their studios mistakes as the fault of the evil warez-downloaders, like a known german studio did.

That's no way to treat your customers and I'm very glad I never bought the game, without being able to install it on the platform of my choice.

If the client ever gets released, I'll just grab the cheap 10€-version of the game, just to support their linux-client-statistics. Maybe they'll wake up in a few years, when releasing Unreal 3 or something like that and acknowledge the customers, that supported their previous franchise and brought them where they are now.

If not, they'll just end up like everyone who ever was in bed with MS. It's like the arrogant prick who shags the naive beauty, not remembering her name in the morning and feeling good about that. ;)

[Aradreth]

I can't find where did I first came across this information, it was a Blog, of that I'm sure, which means in itself, TAKE IT WITH A BIG GRAIN OF SALT, but if true... AFAIK the reason behind this was that Epic's image had been "damaged" in some way or another... Gee I wonder if this delay hadn't done already its share of damage :D
Actually I think it was more then "PC gaming is dead long live consoles!" when PC gamers are what made epic as well as the other crap that they have spewed in regards to PC games.

[WarTourist]

Hi guys. Work on the UT3 linux client most defintely is progressing, albeit a lot slower than we anticipated. We don't discuss the status of patches until we know they're ready to be released. No conspiracy, just challenging work.

Thanks!

[marakaid]

Hi guys. Work on the UT3 linux client most defintely is progressing, albeit a lot slower than we anticipated. We don't discuss the status of patches until we know they're ready to be released. No conspiracy, just challenging work.

Thanks!

Thanks for the update, it must be stressful your work inside UT3 forums.

[WarTourist]

Thanks for the update, it must be stressful your work inside UT3 forums.

No problem. The UT3 forums are some of the most civil and on-topic I've ever seen. They're a pleasure to visit.

[xav1r]

Hey WarTourist, glad to see you here! Do you know if epic plans to release some sort of beta flavor of the client at some point? It'd be great if linux users could try the client out and help betatest it, you know, provide positive comments about it, and on how to improve it. Maybe kind of like croteam which released a beta of the serious sam 2 linux client.

[WarTourist]

Do you know if epic plans to release some sort of beta flavor of the client at some point?

I think it's likely that when we're getting close, we'll release it to the UT3 Servers and Mods mailing lists for semi-open public testing. That system works well for patches and I can't think of a reason we wouldn't do the same for the Linux client.

[Vadi]

Thanks for dropping by and updating us!

[xav1r]

Cool, thanks!

[Fixxer_Linux]

I think it's likely that when we're getting close, we'll release it to the UT3 Servers and Mods mailing lists for semi-open public testing. That system works well for patches and I can't think of a reason we wouldn't do the same for the Linux client.

Thanks a lot for these news on the development of UT3 client.
I'm speaking only as a customer / end-user and I'm very glad to have such news about the fact that UT3 client is still on his way.
I'll be glad to purchase my copy as soon as the linux client is out !
:D

[Thetargos]

This is a very interesting turn of events... For which I'm actually thankful. I appreciate someone from Epic Games to actually step up and if not be very verbose at least tell something about the client. Which is actually very appreciated.

[Huenengrab]

I'm speechless.

As soons as it's out, UT3 will be mine.

[xav1r]

And it only took 6 months and 8 pages of a thread in phoronix to make it a reality. :)

[Licaon]

so many months of cursing and saying that UT3 won't be worthy anyway erased in just one post?

oh, how things change, now UT3 is the second coming, and Epic rullz Linux gaming...

:(

[deanjo]

Hi guys. Work on the UT3 linux client most defintely is progressing, albeit a lot slower than we anticipated. We don't discuss the status of patches until we know they're ready to be released. No conspiracy, just challenging work.

Thanks!


Sorry, but until something more concrete surfaces, these are empty words for me. We've all seen promises from various vendors promising linux support in both hardware and software only to see it never materialize. In fact most of the time they will point to a FAQ that says support was anticipated for linux years ago.

[Huenengrab]

so many months of cursing and saying that UT3 won't be worthy anyway erased in just one post?

oh, how things change, now UT3 is the second coming, and Epic rullz Linux gaming...

:(
Not really. I'm still not happy about their handling of the UT3-client for Linux and all these closed threads pointing to an outdates FAQ are nothing but a stab in the back of each customer who purchased UT3, in the hoping of getting it to run on Linux a few weeks after the release.

Now we hear that "there's no news to report" was a complete lie, as WarTourist stated "Work on the UT3 linux client most defintely is progressing,..", which would have been great news for everyone asking in Epic's forums.

Still, just to support their Linux-sales, I'll get the game as soon as there's a stable client.

WarTourist, can you tell if there'll be an (already patched!) Linux-demo?

[WarTourist]

Sorry, but until something more concrete surfaces, these are empty words for me.

A perfectly reasonable approach for a consumer to take.

Now we hear that "there's no news to report" was a complete lie, as WarTourist stated "Work on the UT3 linux client most defintely is progressing,..", which would have been great news for everyone asking in Epic's forums.

But that's exactly what the FAQ says!

We are currently working on a linux UT3 client that players will be able to use with the retail Windows version. As soon as it's available we'll announce it here.

I don't understand why people didn't believe it there, but believe it slightly differently worded version here :).

WarTourist, can you tell if there'll be an (already patched!) Linux-demo?

TBD.

[Svartalf]

A perfectly reasonable approach for a consumer to take.


Isn't it, though? :D


But that's exactly what the FAQ says!


Heh... That FAQ entry was HOW old and HOW behind the official release are we at this time? ;)

A little bit of honest delta in things with a mea culpa on the delay would go many, many miles in the PR department.



I don't understand why people didn't believe it there, but believe it slightly differently worded version here :).


Because it's a person speaking on behalf of Epic, indicating that, no, we've not discarded it, yes, we're still working on it, and sorry, it's a bit later...for all intents and purposes. The FAQ is from NOVEMBER of last year. Which month is it right now? I'm not going to get into trying to tell a business how to handle it's PR relations- but that's a bit overmuch without something from you guys. What you're posting in here was something resembling what you needed to do to partly defuse the building bad situation.

[Svartalf]

so many months of cursing and saying that UT3 won't be worthy anyway erased in just one post?

oh, how things change, now UT3 is the second coming, and Epic rullz Linux gaming...

:(

Heh... Why do you think I called out the same behavior in the LGP DRM discussion thread. If you've got a problem with things, you need to either stick to your guns ALL THE WAY, or keep your trap shut- hypocrisy only breeds contempt and furthers the cause of the people you're trying to change or make a point to. :D


All in all, I've been of mixed opinions on this. I'm none too happy about the amount of delay or the mishandling of the situation by Epic. Them coming in here and saying, 'Hey, we're still working on it!' helps their position some, but they've hindered themselves with the poor handling otherwise. Right now, I'm willing to talk with them and POSSIBLY consider buying the title- but for right now, it's just little more than the time of day, metaphorically, from me.

[deanjo]

I think this pretty much sums up how we have felt for the last 7 months after asking for an update

http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/2421/faqcustomnn7.jpg


This "When it's done" BS has been done before and gives no credibility to if or when a product will be released.

[Svartalf]

I think this pretty much sums up how we have felt for the last 7 months after asking for an update

Damn, dude...

I almost got in trouble laughing too hard up here at work reading that. :D

And yes, that strip pretty much sums up how most of the community feels about the whole thing.

[yoshi314]

people should start demanding money back. that'll make them try harder, assuming there will be enough people (not likely).

epic is trying to cover things up, by censoring their forums. fortunately they cannot do the same with news sites.

[Licaon]

Heh... Why do you think I called out the same behavior in the LGP DRM discussion thread. If you've got a problem with things, you need to either stick to your guns ALL THE WAY, or keep your trap shut- hypocrisy only breeds contempt and furthers the cause of the people you're trying to change or make a point to. :Di hear you! :)

Epic toys with Linux, id showed their full support, with fast linux binaries releases, and even better, it has opened their engines as GPL, which beyond any (casual) gamers' wish

i do appreciate the fact that a UT3 linux version (will) exists, yet i find no reason for a purchase at more than 8 months after the Windows release, looks like it was a smart decision to wait for the Linux release to get it, i'll test the Demo anyway, if such one exists afterall

[MamiyaOtaru]

Thanks for the update WarTourist. Of course, a few sentences are only something to be grateful for when compared with a half year of silence ;) And having finally said something, if the client doesn't come out you're really dug yourself one.

UT3 is about the only reason I reboot anymore, and I'd really appreciate not having to.

[WarTourist]

Thanks for the update WarTourist. Of course, a few sentences are only something to be grateful for when compared with a half year of silence ;)

Thanks. I think we'll just have to agree to disagree about the silence bit. The FAQ was up to date with what we publically discussed about the linux client (last updated on 4/22/08). Between cutting and pasting that answer into every thread about the Linux client and linking to the FAQ, we choose linking to the FAQ.

Guess it's the personal touch :-).

[Vadi]

Damn, dude...

I almost got in trouble laughing too hard up here at work reading that. :D

And yes, that strip pretty much sums up how most of the community feels about the whole thing.

Can't confirm, but don't count me in.

[Aradreth]

Hi guys. Work on the UT3 linux client most defintely is progressing, albeit a lot slower than we anticipated. We don't discuss the status of patches until we know they're ready to be released. No conspiracy, just challenging work.

Thanks!
I though the client was being held up due to legal issues... are you guys removing the offending code and implementing something in house then?

I think this pretty much sums up how we have felt for the last 7 months after asking for an update
This "When it's done" BS has been done before and gives no credibility to if or when a product will be released. Haha brilliant!

[deanjo]

Thanks. I think we'll just have to agree to disagree about the silence bit. The FAQ was up to date with what we publically discussed about the linux client (last updated on 4/22/08). Between cutting and pasting that answer into every thread about the Linux client and linking to the FAQ, we choose linking to the FAQ.

Guess it's the personal touch :-).

Updated? It says the same thing it did way before that date.


http://utforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=584654

Q: Will there be a linux or Mac version of UT3?
A: We are currently working on a linux UT3 client that players will be able to use with the retail Windows version. As soon as it's available we'll announce it here. Work is also being done on a Mac retail version of UT3.04-16-2008, 06:24 AM
http://utforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=609987&highlight=linux+client

Q: Will there be a linux or Mac version of UT3?
A: We are currently working on a linux UT3 client that players will be able to use with the retail Windows version. As soon as it's available we'll announce it here. Work is also being done on a Mac retail version of UT3.02-09-2008, 07:28 PM
http://utforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=602276&highlight=linux+client

Q: Will there be a linux or Mac version of UT3?
A: We are currently working on a linux UT3 client that players will be able to use with the retail Windows version. As soon as it's available we'll announce it here. Work is also being done on a Mac retail version of UT3. 12-17-2007, 10:15 AM
http://utforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=593364highlight=working+linux+UT3 +client+players

Q: Will there be a linux or Mac version of UT3?
A: We are currently working on a linux UT3 client that players will be able to use with the retail Windows version. As soon as it's available we'll announce it here. Work is also being done on a Mac retail version of UT3.
You haven't updated bubkus concerning the linux client.

[WarTourist]

I though the client was being held up due to legal issues

This is an excellent example of why we don't discuss patch development publically until it's close to release. This information that didn't do anyone any good by being released.

Updated? It says the same thing it did way before that date.

Right, because that statement is (and has been) accurate and up to date.

It sounds like the disconnect is people want to know more about the development of patches than we're willing to make public. I love that you guys are interested, but we've tried it both ways. In the end announcing things when they're guaranteed to happen generates less controversy and angst than announcing our "current plans" and having it change 15 times before the release because of standard development churn.

[deanjo]

generates less controversy and angst than announcing our "current plans" and having it change 15 times before the release because of standard development churn.

Announced delays are better then leaving people to wonder what the status is. It doesn't take much to see what silence breeds. I can find examples all over the place where linux support was planned and never followed through (some places still have eta's saying their support will arrive Q2 of 2002).

Before the game was released we were told that it would be out shortly after the the game launch, then we were told that there was legal issues, and as it still sits you have done nothing but said it's being worked on.

Well there are examples all over the gaming world with games being "worked on" often that equates to someone having the sourcecode laying on their harddrive working on it "when they get around to it". Hell you guys let all the windows users know when there was a delays and gave a approx ETA. This smells more and more like a "Duke Nukem Forever" or "Falcon 4.0" timeline every day.

It's no wonder why Silicon Knights served you guys with a lawsuit for the delays and lack of promised features.

[WarTourist]

Announced delays are better then leaving people to wonder what the status is.
We disagree, but I respect your opinion.

then we were told that there was legal issues
Not by Epic.

It's no wonder why Silicon Knights served you guys with a lawsuit for the delays and lack of promised features.
Unnecessary. I'm trying to explain our perspective but if you're not interested I'll stop.

[Licaon]

Unnecessary. I'm trying to explain our perspective but if you're not interested I'll stop.you should be prepared for these types of remarks from users that waited for your words for 8 months or so

you're a PR guy/gal or a TECHie ? :)

'cause either way, this remark you made is bad for Epic, if you're a PR guy/gal then you should know how ( better ) to take and handle criticism, if you're a TECHie you should know at least that words sold your games for Linux ( even UT3 at launch time ), but these words ( or the lack of ) can make a Linux version tank, not because it's bad or something, but because you already drove/frustrated the users to the edge... IMHO :)

[deanjo]

Unnecessary. I'm trying to explain our perspective but if you're not interested I'll stop.


Hey I would be the EXACT same way if I had bought any other software with a promise that it would be working on my system.

Say adobe came out and said "Yes CS3 will be supported in linux, you will just have to download the binaries". So I merrily go buy CS3 when it's released and wait for the binaries. Meanwhile ........ 7 months later ........ still no binaries but the f*ckers already have my money. Sure there maybe an issue or two but dammit I deserve to know what the hell is the delay because I already bought the product on good faith.

If you guys didn't want to get the backlash then you should NEVER of announced a port in the first place until it was done. Once you let the cat out of the bag, it becomes a selling feature, and expectations are set, if those expectations cannot be met then you are obligated to let the people what have already purchased your merchandise what is the delay.

If I go and pay a contractor to come put a new roof on my house, I pay him a deposit, if he doesn't come around for 7 month's don't you think I'm going to be asking "WTF?" and asking for an explanation?

If I go and buy a sound card that says it will support the next version of windows and when it comes out I still have to wait 7 months for even a first driver don't you think I'm going to be raising some hell?

[gilboa]

I think this pretty much sums up how we have felt for the last 7 months after asking for an update

http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/2421/faqcustomnn7.jpg


This "When it's done" BS has been done before and gives no credibility to if or when a product will be released.


ROTFLOL!
Thanks, I needed that.


In the end announcing things when they're guaranteed to happen generates less controversy and angst than announcing our "current plans" and having it change 15 times before the release because of standard development churn.

Where do I start, Ugggh...

A. Lack of -updated- news, any news, generated a lot conspiracy theories. The different forums were/are full of horror (?) stories about Epic being abducted by Microsoft-using-aliens and licensing problems with UT3's DVD sticker. (To be honest, I had my money on the MS story...)

B. The deleted threads story further fuelled the speculation-war by making Epic look like it got something to hide.

C. Having Ryan C. Gordon on a short leash - instead of letting him post single-liner-updates (E.g. "Still working on it, having problems, will released when it's done") created it's share of wild speculations. (Especially given icculus standing in the Linux community)

D. Last and not lease, while it's true that Epic never claimed that there are legal problems behind the UT3 delays (icculus did, [1]) - Epic never said anything else. (Beyond the sending people to read a six month old FAQ)

We all live in the software world; we all have delays and we all have highly annoyed clients that don't really care why we are late.
Never the less, you can either keep your clients "in the loop" and reduce the noise - or you can keep them in the dark and let them speculate. The choice was yours to make and IMHO, Epic made the wrong choice.

- Gilboa
[1] http://planetunreal.gamespy.com/fullstory.php?id=145570

[gilboa]

If you guys didn't want to get the backlash then you should NEVER of announced a port in the first place until it was done. Once you let the cat out of the bag, it becomes a selling feature, and expectations are set, if those expectations cannot be met then you are obligated to let the people what have already purchased your merchandise what is the delay.

You are wrong.
Epic did the -right- thing announcing the port but did the -wrong- thing keeping it's client in the dark as for the reasons for the delay.

- Gilboa

[Vadi]

Let's just say that deanjo doesn't represent everyone's view.

Thanks for dropping by and giving a word - if you could keep letting us known of small, but confirmed updates, that would be great.

[Michael]

Let's just say that deanjo doesn't represent everyone's view.

Thanks for dropping by and giving a word - if you could keep letting us known of small, but confirmed updates, that would be great.

Agreed, thank you WarTourist.

Hope you stick around the forums :)

Best,
Michael

[niniendowarrior]

Welcome, Wartourist. You do understand that since the Linux client was announced, and since gone dark, you have to understand the restlessness people have with it.

Please stay around and keep us posted.

[Fixxer_Linux]

Agreed, thank you WarTourist.

Hope you stick around the forums :)

Best,
Michael


Agreed here as well !

I thank very much an Epic member to dispatch information about the client status, even how thin this information can be.

Moreover, as I'm waiting UT3 linux client to change my computer (it's too old to play UT3), the more the client is delayed, the more I can get a powerfull computer for the same bucks !
If I had bought my computer 7 months ago, I only would have a Q6600 with some GeForce 8800.
Now, I'll get a Penryn Q9450 with a powerfull 4850 ATI/Opensourced driver for the same price !

Everything is fine in fact ! :D

[xav1r]

Agreed here as well !

I thank very much an Epic member to dispatch information about the client status, even how thin this information can be.

Moreover, as I'm waiting UT3 linux client to change my computer (it's too old to play UT3), the more the client is delayed, the more I can get a powerfull computer for the same bucks !
If I had bought my computer 7 months ago, I only would have a Q6600 with some GeForce 8800.
Now, I'll get a Penryn Q9450 with a powerfull 4850 ATI/Opensourced driver for the same price !

Everything is fine in fact ! :D

Which will be old in 7 months, and there'll be a much more powerful computer for that exact price. :D:D Sorry, im bitter, since I have a q6600