Linux and Software

[k0n5t4nt]

Was just curious why more developers(game developers), do not release their games for Linux. It seems to me if they did they would sell even more copies of the games. It also seems like it would create more jobs at the company making the games, hiring Linux people to port game over or to develop title for this OS.  Just a thought I had.

Please discuss
Jimi

[Black Viper]

This is actually one of the many up and coming rants that I have. To really shorten it up, I feel it is due to the amount of people using Linux as a desktop OS. Linux is big on the server side, but no where near the penetration of Windows, or even OS X, would be my guess.
Several companies do offer Linux games... but they are few and very far between.

[Josh780]

For most companies, it's really not so much about what the consumer wants, but rather what makes the most money. Sad...but true. 

[Black Viper]

For most companies, it's really not so much about what the consumer wants, but rather what makes the most money. Sad...but true. 

Especially with the development cycle of "today's" games. It does not make any sense to develop on a platform with relatively few users.

[trashy]

For most companies, it's really not so much about what the consumer wants, but rather what makes the most money. Sad...but true. 

It is true, but I would not necessarily say "sad".  It's called doing good business.  It is not cost effective for companies to offer a product to a very narrow group.  Look at it this way.  There are very few people using Linux, and the people that do are not really big into gaming.  The software development is the easy part.  Keep in mind, you also have to produce the disks, packaging, shipping, etc.  In simple terms, why spend a dollar to make a dime?

[Josh780]

I think it's sad because I'm sure there are a lot of people that avoid Linux because of the lack of software that is compatible. Linux will then take longer to build up a positive rep with the masses. If you love Linux and want to run software that is only compatible with Windows or Mac, you're most likely to give one of those companies money for their OS and either use it exclusively or have a dual boot setup. Most people don't know anything about dual booting or know that it's an option.

I'm not familiar with Linux at all. Until now, I've avoided it because of the lack of software and the "comfort" of being part of the MS bandwagon. I've been into computers for years (Windows-based) and am just now getting to a point of where I have my own system where I can try it out and still be able to boot into XP when I want to.

I'm not familiar with VM software either. I don't know if you can use it to run Linux under Windows, or Windows under Linux. If it's possible either way, that'd be great if it worked well....I, for one, don't care to reboot to use a different app in a different OS.

[Black Viper]

I'm not familiar with VM software either. I don't know if you can use it to run Linux under Windows, or Windows under Linux. If it's possible either way, that'd be great if it worked well....I, for one, don't care to reboot to use a different app in a different OS.

Yes, yes you can. I have been doing this very same thing for years. VMware workstation has better support for Linux then Microsoft's Virtual PC (surprised?) but with a bit of tweaking or install hoop jumping (current VPC version does not support 24 bit color and Linux ((Ubuntu)) defaults to that after install) it can be done. VMware, however, works great with Linux in every distro I tried (which by far is not all of them, but still).

[Josh780]

Thanks BV. Will definitly have to check out VMware now so I can try and tinker with Linux.

[Black Viper]

Thanks BV. Will definitly have to check out VMware now so I can try and tinker with Linux.

Have you tried the trial version or purchased VMWare yet?

[Josh780]

Downloaded the trial, but haven't checked it out yet. Been busy the last couple of weeks with a couple client computers and trying to find work that is more full time.

I have a buddy's computer right now that had a video issue. Fixed that and found out the guy he got it from put a bootleg copy of XP Pro on it...At least it has a legit product key sticker for XP Home. After waiting days for a response, he decided he wants to put Linux on it and sent me a link for the Fedora download.

So, awfully nice of him to let me use his system to get my feet wet with it. I've seen a bit of talk here about the Mint and Ubuntu distributions, but nothing about Fedora. Anyone have anything good or bad input on it?

Here's the link that he sent me for it. http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Distribution/Download

[trashy]

Fedora is a very good Linux release, but may be a bit advanced for someone new to Linux.  I haven't done a Red Hat (Fedora) install in quite some time, but I'm willing to offer any advice or suggestions if I can.

[Josh780]

Thanks trashy, I appreciate it.

I downloaded the DVD iso for Fedora and then realized that the Gateway it's going on only has a CD-Reader...shame on me for assuming. So, now I just need to sit and wait for my PC to finish a few things up so I can borrow the DVD drive from it.

Will let you know if I have any questions at all. Thanks again.