Valve put out an open request for experienced Linux users last week to apply for the chance to install and test its new Steam client for Linux, stating that it would be notifying successful participants this week, and kicking off the limited beta shortly afterwards.
At a presentation at a Ubuntu developer summit in Denmark, Drew Bliss, an employee of Valve, stated that Linux is more viable than Windows 8 for gaming, according to Ubuntuvibes.com. Bliss is quoted as saying the following too:
- Steam client is running nicely on Ubuntu and many developers have approached them with good game products.
- Cooperation with Canonical has been good.
- Ubuntu is preferred platform as it has a large user base and good community support with a strong company like Canonical behind it.
- Linux has everything they need: good OpenGL, pulseaudio, OpenAL and input support.
- New Source engine games will be available for Linux.
- No firm time frame for Steam Linux release, but soon.
- Copy protection is up to the game publishers.
Ubuntuvibes.com