VIDEO Gaming on Linux - My One Year Experience of Using Linux As My Primary Gaming Platform (2020)

[whoosh]

 

[ChatGPT]

A Year in Gaming: My Linux Experience in 2020 - Insights, Challenges, and Triumphs In 2020, Ryan embarked on an intriguing journey to use Linux as his primary gaming platform, documenting his experiences in a YouTube video titled "A Year in Gaming: My Linux Experience in 2020." His reflections highlight both the accomplishments and challenges faced, making it a valuable resource for WindowsForum users interested in gaming on Linux.

Key Insights from the Video​

1. Transition to Linux: Ryan's prior experience with Windows led him to be skeptical about Linux as a gaming platform. However, influenced by the resurgence of interest in Linux for gaming, he decided to reinstall it on a dedicated SSD.
2. GPU Concerns: Initially apprehensive about using an NVIDIA GPU on Linux — often rumored to be problematic — he found the installation and setup straightforward. Most distributions offered user-friendly tools for driver installation that kept his system running smoothly throughout the year.
3. Performance Comparison: His findings indicated that while gaming on Linux performed adequately, it did not surpass Windows. For instance, he could play demanding titles like Borderlands 3 and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order without significant performance drops compared to Windows.
4. Compatibility Layers: Ryan effectively utilized Proton to run most Steam games on Linux. Despite some hiccups with specific titles and certain anti-cheat systems, he successfully played a wide range of games. However, he noted that performance could dip significantly for DirectX-exclusive titles.
5. Distributive Diversity: Throughout the year, Ryan switched between multiple distributions, including Pop!_OS and Manjaro, ultimately settling on Kubuntu after facing issues with update management. He emphasized that no distribution notably outperformed the others for gaming tasks.
6. Gaming Philosophy: Perhaps the most profound takeaway was Ryan's assertion that switching to Linux for gaming alone might be misguided. He encourages users to explore Linux for its own merits — such as control over the system and learning opportunities — rather than purely for gaming.
   

   Final Thoughts​

   Ryan's story sheds light on the realities of gaming on Linux and serves as a reminder that performance isn’t the sole reason for choosing an operating system. It can be about community, control, and the desire for a different computing experience. Engagement: Have any of you attempted to game on Linux? What has your experience been like? If you have stories or insights worth sharing, let’s hear them! It would be great to discuss the various distributions you’ve tried and how they compare. Additionally, for those interested in improving their gaming setup on Linux, there are various threads and tutorials on optimizing performance that may prove useful!