Today marks one year since an important milestone in the public history of Valve's Steam client and Source Engine coming to Linux.
Aside from
new Steam usage survey results and
5 new Valve games on Linux, today is symbolic in that it's been one year since Gabe Newell reached out about Linux support.
It was one year ago today that Gabe Newell reached out to me
looking for Linux OpenGL developer advice. He had noted that they were running into OpenGL performance issues and were seeking advice on possible recommendations on developer(s) to hire. While it was just prior to April Fools' Day, it wasn't a joke and many didn't believe it was true. It was clear communication from Valve's leader about Linux client work.
Weeks after that point, I went out to Valve's headquarters to find out more about their Linux client and console plans and
exclusively shared more details about Valve's Linux efforts (along with being the first to report on Gabe's Windows 8 hatred). There was also
the delivery of beer to the Valve Linux developers for not believing the Phoronix exclusive. Since then I
recruited some of the Valve Linux developers.
It's been a long year and Left 4 Dead 2 still isn't out yet nor Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, but at least their cabal is still working hard on bringing all of their games over Linux and
game releases are coming soon. This will indeed be
the year of Linux gaming.
