In a development few saw coming, Linux has now surpassed macOS to secure the position of the second most favored operating system on Steam. Data from the latest Steam Hardware & Software Survey for July provides compelling evidence of this shift in user preference.
Windows’ Dominance Remains Unchallenged
Unsurprisingly, Windows remains the unparalleled giant in the gaming realm, boasting a whopping 96.21% user base on Steam. Yet, the spotlight now shines on Linux, which surged to a 1.96% adoption rate, reflecting an impressive 0.52% jump from just a month ago. In comparison, macOS seems to have taken a back seat, with a slightly lesser adoption rate of 1.84%.
Steam Deck: The Catalyst for Linux’s Rise
The Steam Deck, Valve’s recent foray into handheld gaming, emerges as the central protagonist in the Linux success story. A deep dive into the numbers reveals that the Linux-based SteamOS Holo, native to the Steam Deck, stands behind 42% of all Linux users on Steam. These figures become even more striking when considering that the Steam Deck currently reigns as the sixth top-selling product on the Steam platform.
Beyond just numbers, the Steam Deck has been lauded for its innovative design, power-packed performance, and exceptional user experience. Its influence in reshaping the gaming landscape cannot be understated.
macOS’s Gaming Efforts Still Underway
macOS, once the unchallenged second-in-command on Steam, now grapples with a changing scenario. But Apple isn’t resting on its laurels. Their innovative M1 and M2 chips, known for their breakthrough graphics performance, as well as incoming M3 chips, reflect Apple’s commitment to redefine gaming on Mac. Collaborative ventures with top-tier game publishers, which brought titles like “Resident Evil Village” and “No Man’s Sky” to Mac, further bolster their intent. Apple’s upcoming gaming porting tool, which aims to emulate the functionality of Steam Deck’s Proton tool, will be another crucial piece in Apple’s gaming puzzle.
Valve’s Commitment to Seamless Integration
Valve’s reputation for innovation is further solidified with Steam’s recent updates. These changes, particularly beneficial for Linux and macOS, have optimized the platform for a richer gaming experience. Dive deeper, and one finds Valve’s Steam OS, conceptualized in 2013, at the heart of their vision. Offering gamers a swift, console-like experience, it beautifully amalgamates the best of both PC and console worlds. Its Big Picture mode, designed for seamless gaming on TV screens, further underlines Valve’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
The Future of Gaming with Linux
The future trajectory of Linux in the gaming ecosystem seems promising, especially when focusing on niche gaming systems. Although desktop adoption may pose challenges, handheld gaming presents a silver lining. Industry analysts project sales nearing 3 million Steam Deck units by the end of 2023. Given that 1.6 million of these units were already active as of April 2023, it’s an optimistic forecast. As anticipation around the Steam Deck continues to swell, the gaming community eagerly awaits the evolution of the Linux-based handheld gaming narrative.
