
From
Valve's Linux blog: "That the Linux version runs faster than the Windows version (270.6) seems a little counter-intuitive, given the greater amount of time we have spent on the Windows version. However, it does speak to the underlying efficiency of the kernel and OpenGL." If it wasn't obvious before, it should be now: Valve has started its marketing campaign for Linux. With the Windows platform in the process of closing itself off, Valve has to look to greener pastures. This is all to motive third parties to get their stuff ready for a possible Linux-powered 'Steambox' - not a console, but a set of generic PC specifications. Remember: the Xbox is the only machine tied to DirectX - OpenGL runs everywhere else, including Windows (the PS3 is an oddball, and has a sort-of Sony-specific
FrankenOpenGL). OpenGL simply makes more sense for developers, and now Valve is working very closely with Nvidia, AMD, and Intel to optimise their Linux drivers. Do the math, people.
Member since:
2005-07-06
Small and indy probably mostly simply won't port - so they'll have it easier, in a way.
And actually, much easier if they build on "very Microsoft" XNA (which got kinda popular in ~indy stuff) ...the process of porting those might be even the simplest ( http://monogame.codeplex.com/ with existing examples in various app stores), most straightforward - to the point that I wouldn't be surprised if many indy devs might stayed with the nice & comfy XNA.