GOG Galaxy is Getting Native Linux Support. Here's What it Means [2025]

Introduction: A Shift in PC Gaming's Landscape

Linux gaming has been the underdog for years. For decades, gamers using Linux systems faced a harsh reality: most games simply didn't work natively on their OS. They relied on compatibility layers like Proton, ran virtual machines, or dual-booted into Windows just to play their favorite titles. It wasn't ideal, and it definitely wasn't mainstream.

But something's changing.

GOG, one of the PC gaming world's most respected digital platforms, just announced they're developing native Linux support for GOG Galaxy, their desktop gaming client. This isn't vaporware either. The company has already started recruitment for senior engineers to handle the port, and during a Reddit AMA, founder Michał Kiciński confirmed that work is actively underway.

Now, you might be thinking: "So what? Isn't Linux gaming already supported through other means?" Technically yes, but this move represents something far bigger. It signals that Linux has graduated from niche enthusiast territory to something major platforms take seriously. When GOG commits engineering resources to native Linux support, it's not just about compatibility—it's a vote of confidence in the entire Linux gaming ecosystem.

Here's the thing: most major gaming platforms still treat Linux like a second-class citizen. You've got Epic Games Store, Steam (which does support Linux), and various others, but native support is still rare. GOG's decision matters because they're one of the few companies that can challenge the status quo in gaming distribution.

The timing is interesting too. Windows has become increasingly bloated with AI features nobody asked for, forced updates that break things, and telemetry that users find invasive. At the same time, Linux distributions have matured into genuinely usable desktop operating systems. Ubuntu, Fedora, and others are becoming attractive alternatives for users tired of Microsoft's direction.

This article dives deep into what GOG's Linux support announcement means for gamers, the gaming industry, and the future of PC gaming itself. We'll explore the technical challenges GOG faces, the current state of Linux gaming, why this matters now more than ever, and what you should expect down the road.

TL; DR

• Native Linux Support Coming: GOG Galaxy is actively being ported to Linux with senior engineers already hired for the project
• Early Stages: There's no ETA yet, but GOG has confirmed development is underway and support "will appear on GOG one day"
• Industry Significance: This represents a major commitment to Linux as a gaming platform, signaling its growing importance in the PC gaming landscape
• Timing Matters: The announcement comes as Windows frustrates users with AI bloat while Linux distributions mature into genuinely usable desktop systems
• What's Next: Expect a phased rollout starting with the Galaxy client, likely followed by expanded game library support on Linux

Approximately 85% of the top 1,000 Steam games are fully compatible with Linux through Proton, making Linux gaming more viable than ever. Estimated data.

The Current State of Linux Gaming: More Viable Than Ever

Linux gaming wasn't always this close to mainstream. For the longest time, it was genuinely niche. You had a handful of native Linux games, most of which were indie titles or older classics. AAA games? Forget about it. They were Windows-only, full stop.

Then Valve changed everything with Proton, their compatibility layer that lets Windows games run on Linux. Suddenly, the entire Steam library became theoretically available to Linux users. Not everything worked perfectly, but the percentage of working games kept climbing. Today, something like 80-90% of the top 1,000 games on Steam run on Linux through Proton. That's not just viable—that's a genuine library.

But here's the catch: compatibility layers work, but they're not the same as native support. There's a performance cost. There can be graphical glitches. Some anti-cheat systems still don't play nice with Proton. And for a company like GOG, which prides itself on offering a different experience from Steam, relying on Proton isn't really an option.

GOG's entire brand is built around giving gamers genuine ownership of their games. No DRM, no subscriptions, no corporate overlords deciding whether you can play tomorrow. They've also cultivated a reputation for supporting older games and making them compatible with modern systems. Their philosophy is fundamentally about respecting the gamer and respecting the game.

Native support aligns with that philosophy much better than relying on compatibility layers. When GOG commits to native Linux support, they're saying: "We're not just kluging compatibility—we're genuinely supporting this platform as a first-class citizen."

The Linux desktop market has also been growing steadily. While still dwarfed by Windows, Linux's market share has been climbing. Desktop Linux adoption hit around 4-6% globally in recent years, and that number keeps increasing as more users get frustrated with Windows and look for alternatives. For gaming specifically, the growth is even more pronounced.

Why GOG Cares Now: Windows Pushing Users Away

One of the biggest reasons GOG is investing in Linux support right now comes down to Windows itself. Microsoft has been steadily making Windows less appealing to power users and gamers.

Start with Windows 11's hardware requirements. The TPM 2.0 mandate locked a lot of people out of upgrades unless they bought new hardware. That was frustrating but not a dealbreaker for most. Then came the AI stuff. Recall, Copilot, all these AI features nobody asked for getting shoved into the OS. Forced updates that keep breaking things. Telemetry that makes users uncomfortable.

Gamers, in particular, are getting tired of it. They don't want AI summarizing their screenshots. They don't want updates forcing new UI paradigms. They want an OS that gets out of the way and lets them play games. Windows has been moving in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, Linux has matured significantly. Distributions like Ubuntu have become remarkably user-friendly. NVIDIA and AMD have improved their driver support for Linux substantially. Desktop environments like GNOME and KDE are genuinely polished. The barrier to entry for switching to Linux has never been lower.

GOG's leadership clearly sees this trend. Michał Kiciński's statement that "personally, I'm a big fan of Linux" isn't throwaway PR talk—it reflects a genuine belief that Linux is becoming essential for their future. The job posting calling Linux the "next major frontier" in gaming isn't hyperbole. It's strategic vision.

From a business perspective, supporting Linux makes sense too. You're not displacing Windows users—you're capturing people who've already switched or want to switch. You're growing your addressable market without cannibalizing existing revenue. That's a win for GOG.

Estimated data shows that forced updates and Linux maturity are major factors influencing users to switch from Windows to Linux.

The Technical Challenge: Porting GOG Galaxy to Linux

Here's where things get interesting from a technical standpoint. GOG Galaxy isn't a simple web app. It's a full-featured desktop client with game launching, cloud saves, achievements, social features, and deep OS integration. Porting something that complex to Linux isn't a trivial task.

First, there's the architecture question. GOG Galaxy was likely built originally for Windows, with Windows APIs baked throughout the codebase. To port it to Linux, they need to either rebuild substantial portions using cross-platform frameworks or maintain parallel codebases. Neither option is quick or cheap.

The most likely approach is using cross-platform frameworks like Qt or Electron, or potentially rebuilding core components to use standard Linux libraries and APIs. This is actually what Valve did with Steam—they maintained separate codebases for Windows and Linux, treating them as distinct products that share the same backend services.

Then there's the dependency chain. Modern applications rely on countless libraries and frameworks. Some of these have excellent Linux support. Others don't. GOG's team needs to audit their entire dependency tree and figure out workarounds for anything that's Windows-only.

Game launching is another complexity. On Windows, GOG Galaxy can deeply integrate with how games launch, manage settings, and run. On Linux, the process is different. Games might be using different graphics APIs. Anti-cheat might work differently or not at all. Settings directories are in different locations. Achievements and social features need to integrate with Linux' different architecture.

Then there's the fragmentation problem. Linux has dozens of distributions. While most share common ground, they can differ significantly. GOG needs to decide: do they support Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, Pop!_OS, and others individually? Do they focus on one or two major distributions initially? Do they use container technologies like Flatpak to abstract away distribution differences?

This is probably why GOG is hiring specifically for a "Senior Software Engineer" to handle the port. This isn't a junior-level project. This requires someone with deep Linux systems knowledge, porting experience, and the authority to make architectural decisions.

What GOG's Linux Support Means for Gamers

Let's be practical here: what actually changes for you as a gamer if GOG Galaxy comes to Linux?

The most obvious benefit is legitimacy. No more worrying about whether you're using an "unofficial" setup. No more relying on third-party tools or hacks to make things work. You get GOG's full feature set, officially supported, on your Linux machine.

Performance potential is another factor. While Proton is impressive, native support is always faster. You eliminate the compatibility layer overhead. You potentially get better graphical fidelity and frame rates. For demanding games, this could be meaningful.

There's also the philosophical element. GOG's brand promise—"games that are yours"—becomes stronger when they officially support your OS. You're not getting a workaround; you're getting a first-class experience.

However, don't expect miracles overnight. When Galaxy initially launches on Linux, the game library will likely be limited. Some older games might not port easily. Some AAA titles might still require Windows. The catalog will grow over time, but it won't be instant parity with Windows.

DRM-free games should port more easily than DRM-protected ones. This is actually one of GOG's advantages—their DRM-free stance means fewer technical complications when porting to a new OS. Valve's proprietary DRM adds complexity; GOG's approach actually makes cross-platform support easier.

For Linux enthusiasts and developers, this is huge. It's validation that Linux deserves mainstream support. It's proof that major platforms are taking Linux seriously. It might inspire other game publishers to invest in Linux ports.

The Timeline: When Will This Actually Happen?

GOG has been clear: it's too early for an ETA. The team is "at a very early stage right now." They're still in hiring and planning phases. This isn't something you should expect in 2025 or even 2026 necessarily.

Based on how similar projects have unfolded, here's a realistic timeline estimate:

Months 1-6 (Current Phase): Recruitment, architecture planning, dependency auditing, initial proof-of-concept work. The goal is to understand the scope and establish a technical roadmap.

Months 6-18: Core client development. Building the main GOG Galaxy interface and launcher for Linux. Integrating with Linux system libraries. Setting up testing infrastructure.

Months 18-24: Expanded game support, third-party integration, performance optimization. Working with game developers to get titles ported or tested.

Months 24+: Beta testing, refinement, and eventual public release.

This suggests we might see a functional beta in 2026 or 2027, with a full public release sometime after that. That's speculative, but based on how other companies have handled similar ports, it's realistic.

One thing that could accelerate the timeline: if GOG focuses on a minimal viable product first. Rather than porting every feature, they could launch with core functionality—library management, game launching, basic achievements—and expand from there. This is the smart approach and the one they'll likely take.

Estimated data suggests a steady increase in Linux gaming support as platforms like GOG commit to native support, indicating a promising future for Linux gaming.

Game Publishers and Linux: The Chicken-and-Egg Problem

Here's the real challenge GOG faces: the chicken-and-egg problem with game publishers.

Game developers ask: "Why should we port our game to Linux if there's no audience?" Linux gamers ask: "Why should we switch to Linux if there are no games?" This creates a stalemate.

GOG's move helps break this deadlock, but not immediately. When Galaxy launches on Linux, there still won't be a massive Linux gaming audience. Publishers will be skeptical about investing in Linux ports for games that sell 95% on Windows anyway.

However, GOG has advantages here. Their DRM-free model means developers who port to Linux don't have to worry about implementing and maintaining DRM systems on that platform. That's fewer technical hurdles.

GOG also has a history with older games and indie titles—categories where Linux support is more common. They can build a strong initial library from games already available on Linux or that are easy to port.

Over time, as the Linux gaming market grows through Steam Deck adoption, desktop Linux growth, and other factors, the pressure on major publishers to support Linux will increase. GOG's support won't drive that overnight, but it contributes to the momentum.

Some publishers might even see GOG's Linux support as an opportunity. They could reach new markets with minimal additional investment, especially if they're already committed to Linux support through Steam or other channels.

Comparing GOG's Move to Competitor Platforms

To understand the significance of GOG's announcement, it helps to look at what competitors are doing.

Steam: Already supports Linux through Proton and even has native Linux support for some games. However, it's not prioritized the way this new GOG initiative will be. Steam treats Windows as the primary platform.

Epic Games Store: Minimal Linux support. Epic has shown little interest in native Linux support for their store client, though individual games might support Linux.

Microsoft Store: Exclusively Windows-focused. Microsoft has no plans for Linux versions of their gaming platform.

Indie Platforms: Many smaller game platforms and storefronts either support Linux from the start or have added support over time. But none have GOG's market presence or catalog.

This makes GOG's move genuinely significant. They're the most major platform to commit to native Linux support with actual engineering resources backing it up.

The Broader Industry Shift: Why This Matters Beyond Gaming

GOG's Linux investment isn't happening in a vacuum. It's part of a larger shift in how the tech industry views Linux.

Cloud computing runs on Linux. Most servers are Linux. Developers increasingly use Linux or mac OS for development instead of Windows. The Steam Deck brought Linux gaming to millions of casual gamers. Even Apple moved away from Intel and toward their own chips, making mac OS less of a Windows competitor and more of its own ecosystem.

Windows, by contrast, feels increasingly stuck defending its legacy position. It's trying to be a cloud platform, a gaming platform, a productivity platform, and an AI platform all at once. That fragmentation is showing.

For people who value control, privacy, and simplicity—which increasingly describes both gamers and developers—Linux becomes more attractive. GOG's move aligns with this broader industry trend.

There's also a philosophical alignment. GOG's core value proposition—you own your games—aligns perfectly with Linux's values of user control and open-source transparency. A company betting on Linux is betting on users who care about those values.

Currently, Windows dominates the game sales market with an estimated 85% share, while Linux holds a small 5% share. Estimated data.

Potential Obstacles and Realistic Concerns

We should be honest about potential challenges GOG might face.

Anti-Cheat Complications: Many modern games use anti-cheat systems that are difficult to support on Linux. Games like Valorant, Fortnite, and others might not work even after GOG Galaxy reaches Linux. This could limit the library significantly.

Driver Issues: While GPU driver support has improved, there can still be edge cases where NVIDIA or AMD drivers don't behave identically to Windows. Performance differences might exist for some games.

Publisher Reluctance: As mentioned, publishers might be slow to port or test their games on Linux. GOG might launch with a smaller library than Windows users expect.

Fragmentation: Linux distribution differences could create support nightmares. GOG might need to focus on specific distributions initially.

Maintenance Cost: Unlike Steam, which was built with Linux in mind from day one in some respects, porting a mature Windows application is expensive. GOG needs long-term commitment.

These aren't dealbreakers, but they're real. GOG's success depends on managing expectations while steadily improving the platform over time.

What This Means for Linux Desktop Adoption

Here's where GOG's move becomes important beyond just gaming.

One of the biggest reasons people stay on Windows despite frustrations is gaming. If GOG Galaxy comes to Linux with decent game support, it removes one of the last major barriers to desktop Linux adoption.

This could accelerate a trend that's already happening: mainstream users getting tired of Windows and actually considering alternatives. Ubuntu, Fedora, and others would see increased adoption. This benefits the entire Linux ecosystem.

More users on Linux means more developers learning Linux. More developers means more applications being built or ported to Linux. More applications means Linux becomes more practical. This is a virtuous cycle.

For companies involved in Linux (Canonical, Red Hat, etc.), GOG's move is indirect validation of their market strategy. It shows that major platforms are betting on Linux as a future platform.

The Competitive Advantage for GOG

Strategically, this move gives GOG several advantages.

Differentiation: Steam won't prioritize Linux the same way. This becomes a GOG unique selling point. "True native Linux support" is something they can advertise.

Market Expansion: They're not just fighting Steam for Windows gamers. They're going after an entirely new market—Linux users who currently have limited options.

Developer Relations: Indie developers and smaller publishers will appreciate GOG's commitment to Linux support. This could strengthen relationships and exclusive deals.

Brand Alignment: This reinforces GOG's brand as the platform that respects users and their choices. Linux users value that messaging.

Future-Proofing: As the industry slowly shifts, being early on Linux positions GOG well. They're not reactive; they're proactive.

Steam Deck holds a significant share of the Linux gaming market, with an estimated 50% of users. Estimated data.

The Developer Perspective: What Linux Support Means

For game developers, GOG's Linux support creates new opportunities and responsibilities.

Developers who've already committed to Linux support (through Steam or other means) suddenly have another distribution channel without extra work. That's valuable.

Developers who haven't supported Linux yet face a question: do they start? If GOG Galaxy becomes a significant Linux platform, the incentive increases.

Independent developers, who often have more flexibility than AAA studios, will likely be early adopters. Indie games are already well-represented on Linux. GOG can build on that foundation.

Modern game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine have solid Linux support. This makes it easier for new developers to target Linux from the start rather than porting later. GOG's Linux support removes distribution friction for these developers.

Over time, this could shift the industry baseline. What's currently "Windows + maybe Linux through Steam" could become "Windows and Linux natively as standard."

User Experience Expectations: What to Expect

When GOG Galaxy launches on Linux, what should users expect from a user experience perspective?

Ideally, it should feel almost identical to the Windows version. Same interface, same features, same performance (or better, given native support). Users shouldn't feel like they're using a second-class port.

However, achieving this is harder than it sounds. Linux desktops have different conventions than Windows. File browsers work differently. System integration works differently. The team will need to make decisions about whether to follow Windows conventions or adopt Linux conventions.

The smart approach is native Linux conventions. Users who've chosen Linux did so for reasons—they prefer how it works. Forcing Windows conventions onto Linux would feel wrong.

Performance expectations should be realistic too. While native support should improve performance over Proton, any gains might be modest for well-optimized games. In some cases, performance might vary game-by-game depending on how well they've been ported.

The Role of Steam Deck in Accelerating Linux Gaming

One context that makes GOG's timing perfect: Steam Deck.

Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device running a Linux-based operating system. It's been a massive success—over 5 million units sold as of 2024. That's 5 million people who've gotten comfortable with Linux-based gaming.

Many of those users would love to continue their gaming experience on desktop Linux. They're not Windows users frustrated by AI bloat—they're already Linux users who want consistent experiences across their devices.

GOG Galaxy on Linux appeals directly to this audience. Steam Deck owners are exactly the kind of people who value GOG's approach to game ownership. This is a ready-made market.

Valve created the market; GOG is smart to address it. This isn't cannibalization of Steam—it's complementary services addressing different needs.

The Economic Case: Does Linux Support Make Financial Sense?

Business-wise, does Linux support actually make sense for GOG?

Short answer: yes, with caveats.

The direct revenue opportunity from Linux users isn't huge yet. Linux represents maybe 4-6% of desktop users, and not all of them are gamers. But that number is growing, and the growth trajectory suggests this will be meaningful.

The strategic value is more important. By positioning themselves as "the gaming platform for Linux," GOG gains brand value that extends beyond direct Linux revenue. They become the alternative platform to Steam, not just a smaller version of Steam for Windows users.

This attractiveness extends to developers and publishers. Companies analyzing where to distribute their games see GOG + Linux as a unique combination. It's easier to justify support when it's on GOG because it's not redundant with Steam.

There's also the long-term argument. Microsoft is pushing Windows in increasingly unpopular directions. If Windows continues degrading, more users switch to Linux. GOG being early on Linux positions them to capture market share when that happens.

Conclusion: A Significant Step Forward for Linux Gaming

GOG's commitment to native Linux support for Galaxy represents a meaningful milestone for the entire Linux gaming ecosystem.

It's not a sudden revolutionary change—Linux gaming is already viable through Proton and existing ports. But it's an important validation. When a major platform commits engineering resources to native Linux support, it sends a clear signal: Linux matters.

For gamers frustrated with Windows, it means hope. Rather than being stuck choosing between an OS they like and games they want to play, they might soon be able to have both. That's genuinely important.

For the Linux community broadly, it's evidence that the operating system is reaching maturity in the gaming space. Professional game companies are betting on it. That self-perpetuates growth.

For GOG specifically, it's a smart strategic move that differentiates them from Steam while addressing a genuine market need. It aligns with their brand values and positions them for long-term growth as computing trends shift.

The timeline remains uncertain. There's no ETA for release. The rollout will be gradual, and the library will start smaller than Windows. But GOG's leadership has been clear: this is happening, and it will arrive.

If you're a Linux user who's been waiting for better gaming support, or a Windows user considering making the switch, GOG Galaxy for Linux represents a reason to be optimistic. The infrastructure supporting mainstream Linux gaming is coming together, and GOG just committed to being part of it.

The next few years will tell us how well they execute. But the intention is solid, the timing is right, and the market is ready. That's a combination that tends to produce good outcomes.

FAQ

What exactly is GOG Galaxy?

GOG Galaxy is the digital distribution client and gaming platform developed by GOG (Good Old Games). It functions similarly to Steam, allowing you to download, install, and manage games, track achievements, join multiplayer sessions, and access your game library from a single interface. Unlike Steam, GOG games are traditionally DRM-free, meaning you own them completely without digital rights management restrictions.

When will GOG Galaxy be available on Linux?

GOG has not provided a specific timeline or estimated release date. The company is currently in early development stages, actively hiring senior engineers to lead the Linux port. Based on typical software porting projects, realistically you shouldn't expect a public beta until 2026 at the earliest, with full release potentially coming in 2027 or later. GOG leadership has emphasized the project is at "a very early stage right now."

Will all GOG games work on Linux when Galaxy launches?

No, the initial library will likely be significantly smaller than the Windows version. Games already ported to Linux or easy to port will likely be available at launch, but many AAA titles and games with proprietary anti-cheat systems may not work initially. The library will expand over time as developers add Linux support, but full parity with Windows could take years to achieve.

How does native Linux support differ from using Proton compatibility?

Native Linux support means the software is specifically developed and optimized for Linux rather than running through a compatibility layer like Proton. Native versions typically offer better performance, more reliable functionality, and better integration with Linux system conventions. However, the difference for end users may be subtle in many cases—Proton has become quite sophisticated. The key advantage is legitimacy and long-term support rather than necessarily dramatic performance gains.

Do I need to switch to Linux to use GOG Galaxy on Linux?

Yes, you'll need to have Linux installed on your computer. However, you can test Linux through a live USB drive without installing it first, allowing you to see if it works for your needs before making the switch. Many users also choose to dual-boot, keeping Windows while adding Linux to another partition.

Why is GOG supporting Linux when Steam already does?

While Steam supports Linux through Proton and some native Linux games, it doesn't prioritize Linux the way GOG is committing to with a dedicated, native Galaxy port. GOG's approach represents a first-class, strategically important commitment to Linux as a primary platform, not an afterthought. Additionally, GOG's DRM-free model makes porting simpler in some ways, and their brand values align better with Linux philosophy of user control and transparency.

Which Linux distributions will GOG Galaxy support?

GOG hasn't announced specific distributions yet. They'll likely focus initially on the most popular distributions—Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch—before expanding. Some developers use Flatpak or Snap to abstract distribution differences, allowing single builds to work across multiple distributions. GOG will likely announce their distribution strategy as development progresses.

Will I lose my Windows game library if I switch to Linux?

Your GOG game library will be accessible from the Linux version of Galaxy since it's tied to your GOG account. However, not every game in your Windows library will work on Linux initially. You'll need to check individual game compatibility. Many games will run through Proton, but some won't. This is why dual-booting or keeping a Windows partition might be wise initially.

How will anti-cheat systems work on Linux with GOG Galaxy?

Anti-cheat compatibility is complex on Linux. Some modern anti-cheat systems work through Proton, while others don't. Games using proprietary anti-cheat developed specifically for Windows may not work on Linux without developer investment in Linux support. This could limit multiplayer game availability initially, though single-player and indie games will likely have fewer compatibility issues.

Is GOG committed to long-term Linux support after launch?

Based on leadership statements and the hiring of senior engineers, GOG appears genuinely committed to Linux support as a strategic priority, not a temporary project. The company's brand values around user ownership and openness align with Linux philosophy, suggesting they'll maintain this support long-term. However, like any software company, priorities could shift depending on market conditions and adoption rates.

Will GOG Galaxy on Linux be free like the Windows version?

Yes, GOG Galaxy is free to download and use on all platforms. You'll only pay for individual games you purchase. The application itself has always been free, and there's no reason to expect that to change on Linux.

Last updated: January 2025 | This article reflects current information about GOG's announced Linux support initiatives and the broader Linux gaming landscape.

Key Takeaways

• GOG has confirmed native Linux support for Galaxy is in active development with senior engineers already hired, though no ETA has been provided
• Linux gaming has become viable with Proton and 80-90% of top Steam games working, creating a foundation for GOG's expansion
• Windows frustration with AI bloat, forced updates, and telemetry is pushing power users and gamers toward Linux alternatives
• The technical challenge of porting Galaxy to Linux is substantial but manageable with cross-platform frameworks and proper architecture decisions
• GOG's move gives them strategic differentiation from Steam while addressing a growing market, aligning with their brand values around user ownership

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