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GOG: Linux "the next major frontier" for gaming as it works on a native client (xda-developers.com)

738 points by franczesko · 173 days ago · 412 comments on HN

Article summary

GOG is planning to release a native Linux client for its gaming platform, GOG Galaxy, and is hiring a senior engineer to help with the development. This move is seen as a significant step in making Linux a viable gaming platform. GOG's decision is a response to the growing demand for Linux support and the advancements in technology that have made it possible. The company aims to provide a seamless gaming experience for Linux users.

Main themes

  • GOG Linux support
  • Gaming on Linux
  • Native client development
  • DRM and game distribution
  • Linux gaming community

What commenters say

  • GOG's claim of being DRM-free is disputed, with some arguing that their use of Galaxy for online features and content unlocking constitutes a form of DRM.
  • The requirement for some games to use Galaxy for multiplayer features is seen as a necessary evil, but others argue that it is a form of DRM that restricts user freedom.
  • Some commenters believe that GOG's use of encryption and secure enclaves could potentially be used to implement DRM in open-source software, while others argue that this would be trivially broken.
  • There is disagreement over whether GOG's current implementation of Galaxy and game distribution is truly DRM-free, with some pointing out that games can be played without Galaxy and others arguing that the presence of Galaxy-related code and dependencies constitutes a form of DRM.
  • The use of secure enclaves and encryption to protect game payloads is seen as a potential solution to the DRM problem, but others argue that this could be circumvented by supplying a fake public key or exploiting other vulnerabilities.
  • Some commenters argue that GOG's decision to support Linux is a positive step, but others are skeptical about the company's commitment to the platform and the potential for future restrictions or DRM implementation.