Top Linux Gaming Trends: Must-Read Articles of 2024!

Happy New Year! Here’s a brief overview of the most viewed articles on GamingOnLinux in 2024. It’s a simple way for you to jog your memory and gear up for 2025.

Here’s what captured our readers’ attention:

Steam games must now fully reveal kernel-level anti-cheat on store pages

“Valve has disclosed a modification today for Steam that will clarify matters for everyone, as developers are now required to explicitly list the kernel-level anti-cheat on Steam store pages.”

Stop Killing Games is an initiative to prevent developers from rendering games unplayable

“We’ve all experienced it, haven’t we? You bought a game, it needed an active internet connection, and a few years later, the publisher decided they were finished with it and discontinued support, leaving you with a nonfunctional game. Frustrating.”

AYANEO NEXT LITE handheld introduced with SteamOS Linux

“At last, we’re witnessing another handheld manufacturer entering the Linux scene. The AYANEO NEXT LITE was unveiled today, and similar to the Steam Deck, they intend to ship it with SteamOS!”

And soon afterward…

AYANEO NEXT LITE will no longer include SteamOS-like HoloISO Linux – Windows 11 will take its place

“We were so close to seeing another gaming handheld ship with Linux pre-installed besides the Steam Deck, but it appears AYANEO and the AYANEO NEXT LITE didn’t feel convinced enough and changed their decision.”

The original SteamOS-like Linux distribution HoloISO is now discontinued, replaced with an immutable version

“After a period without updates to the actual HoloISO ISO download, the creator of this SteamOS-like Linux distribution has announced that the original version is now defunct, as it is being supplanted by the newer immutable HoloISO.”

Microsoft donates the Mono Project to the Wine team

“Well, this is unexpected, isn’t it? Microsoft is transferring the Mono Project to the Wine developers along with a note of appreciation.”

Game over for Roblox on Linux / Steam Deck as it is now restricted

“So, there it is, the update for Roblox has been released that now forcefully blocks it from operating with Wine on Linux systems (such as the Steam Deck).”

Changes in the Microsoft Windows kernel do not instantly imply significant improvements for Linux gaming

“Numerous blog posts and news articles are currently being produced regarding Microsoft’s plans for updates to Windows 11 and anticipated kernel alterations, with some suggesting this could mean significant advancements for Linux gaming.”

Valve (Steam) begins a direct partnership with Arch Linux

“This is rather thrilling news! The Arch Linux team has announced a new direct partnership with Valve (Steam).”

GitLab removes Nintendo Switch emulator suyu due to the DMCA

“Well, that was short-lived. After the initial release, GitLab has already taken down the Nintendo Switch emulator suyu, prompted by a DMCA notice due to it being a fork of yuzu which Nintendo discontinued.”

Riot Games discusses Vanguard anti-cheat for League of Legends, noting it’s a no-go for Linux

“While you’ve historically been able to play League of Legends on Linux, and there are some dedicated fans employing Wine, that option will soon come to an end with the introduction of Vanguard.”

Unified Linux Wine Game Launcher (UMU) sees its first official release

“Unified Linux Wine Game Launcher (UMU) from Thomas “GloriousEggroll” Crider version 1.1.1 is now available as the first official release aimed at enhancing Linux desktop and Steam Deck gaming.”

Linux approaches nearly 4% desktop user share according to Statcounter

“As reported by Statcounter, and should be taken with a grain of caution like any statistical sampling, Linux’s desktop share reached almost 4% in December 2023.”

Linux user share on Steam exceeds 2% thanks to the Steam Deck

“A moment many Linux enthusiasts have likely been anticipating. The Linux user share on Steam has crossed the 2% threshold.”

Yuzu agrees to pay Nintendo $2.4 million and will shut down entirely (Citra for 3DS included)

“After Nintendo recently initiated legal action against the Yuzu team, this outcome seemed almost unavoidable, right?”

Steam Deck officially surpasses 13,000 games that are Playable and Verified

“Shortly after reaching 12,000 games, the Steam Deck has now officially accommodated over 13,000 games designated either Verified or Playable. There must be a little something for every type of gamer now, right? My backlog is quite daunting.”

Proposed Windows NT sync driver leads to significant Wine / Proton performance enhancements

“Zeb Figura of CodeWeavers has proposed a Windows NT synchronization primitive driver to boost the performance of running Windows-designed games and applications on Linux using Wine / Proton.”

Valve experiences increasing bug reports linked to Steam Snap, other methods suggested

“Canonical revealed some time ago their Steam Snap which was advertised as stable with Ubuntu 23.04, as they continue to promote their advancements…own packaging format with Snap but it seems this has been creating issues for Valve.”

Valve still anticipating a ‘generational leap’ for Steam Deck 2 – but it’s on the way

“Valve has given the clearest indication yet that a Steam Deck 2 is indeed genuine, although it’s evidently going to take some time before a substantial enhancement is available.”

Nexus mods seek feedback from Linux / Steam Deck users on their new cross-platform application

“I previously discussed the newly released Nexus mods application, as it represents a promising and thrilling advancement for the future of modding (particularly for Linux and Steam Deck). Now they are eager for your opinions.”

First Steam Deck plugin on Steam will introduce GOG and Epic Games compatibility

“In a truly unexpected decision, the creators behind the Decky Loader plugin Junk Store, which allows the installation of games from GOG and Epic Games, are officially bringing the plugin to Steam.”

Marking 6 years since Valve announced Steam Play Proton for Linux

“Today signifies 6 years since Valve chose to revolutionize everything, particularly for Linux enthusiasts, with the introduction of Steam Play Proton. Thanks to this, the Steam Deck and Desktop Linux gaming have flourished.”

Sober is a fresh way to experience Roblox on Linux from the Vinegar team

“Although Roblox remains inaccessible on Linux through Wine, as usual, the community finds a solution. The Vinegar team has recently unveiled Sober, a currently closed-source specialized runtime for the Android version of Roblox.”

EmuDeck withdraws Yuzu And Citra emulator support

“The announcement regarding the Yuzu team agreeing to compensate Nintendo $2.4 million in damages and shut down all operations caused a stir in the emulation community. EmuDeck will also be discontinuing support for Yuzu and Citra.”

Black & White (2001) open-source game engine achieves its first release

“Black & White from Lionhead Studios, which originally launched in 2001 to great acclaim and numerous awards, sadly became a relic of the past. However, the openblack project intends to resurrect it as an open-source title.”

XZ tools and libraries affected by a critical vulnerability

“An urgent security notification has been disseminated in various areas today within the Linux community regarding the XZ tools and libraries with liblzma, as certain versions have been compromised.”

Valve implements a significant enhancement for Native Linux games in a Steam Beta update

“Valve rolled out a new update for the Steam Client Beta for Steam Deck and Desktop, introducing some Steam Input adjustments and enhancements for Linux as well.”

Grand Theft Auto V receives BattlEye anti-cheat, disrupting online play on Steam Deck / Linux

“Unexpectedly, Rockstar has incorporated BattlEye anti-cheat into Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online, and unfortunately, it seems that support for Linux desktop and Steam Deck within Valve’s Proton has not been enabled.”

EA / Respawn now prevents Apex Legends from operating on Linux and Steam Deck

“The developers behind Apex Legends have revealed that they will be blocking access to the game entirely on Linux platforms, including Steam Deck.”

Nintendo takes action against Switch emulator yuzu in recent lawsuit

“Well, here we go. Nintendo has officially lodged a lawsuit against the developers of the widely used open-source Switch emulator yuzu.”

We published a total of 2,094 articles last year! Thanks once again to all our readers and supporters. See how you can assist us on this dedicated page.

What was your preferred Linux and Gaming news from 2024?

Currently, GamingOnLinux is gradually emerging from holiday slumber, so regular updates will commence shortly after a rejuvenating break. We’re shaking off the drowsiness, staying hydrated, and catching up on correspondence before embarking on another year. And what a year it’s poised to be! There’s already a lot to cover and some thrilling announcements ahead.

Article sourced from GamingOnLinux.com.