Linux is the primary OS for more than 2% of the Steam community

If it keeps up this way, Windows might be in trouble.

3 min. read

Published onJune 5, 2024

published onJune 5, 2024

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A big achievement in the constantly changing gaming realm has come forth, and it might catch you off guard. The Linux group, typically viewed as an underdog in the gaming industry, has some good news.

The number of Linux users on Steam in 2024 is now over 2%, which may seem small but is important for various game platforms. This rise is not merely a temporary fluctuation; it shows the increasing attraction of Linux as an operating system for gaming, partly due to the impact made by Steam Deck.

The newest details fromSteam’s Hardware & Software Survey for May 2024demonstrate a precise split of OS usage among its users.Windows continues to rule with a vast share at 96.21%, but Linux stands out here, climbing up to 2.32%. This growth is not only reflected in numbers; it signifies a larger group of gamers exploring beyond the regular platforms.

Examining the Linux gaming landscape in 2024 shows that 45.34% of these users are running SteamOS, which matches the operating system on Steam Deck. This statistic confirms how much Linux gaming has been enhanced by Steam Deck and highlights its increasing impact in this field.

Additionally, it seems that AMD hardware is widely preferred by gamers using Linux as their operating system; a large majority select AMD CPUs and GPUs for gaming. This likely is due to AMD’s open-source backing and Ryzen processors’ better performance.

The talk about this is lively, with forums and social media platforms interacting with the news. Queries such as “Did you ever play games on Linux?” and “What games did you play?” spark conversations among gamers, highlighting the diverse experiences within the Linux gaming community.

This isn’t only a statistical change; it reflects the altered situation in the gaming field. When around 80% of PC games available on Steam can work with Linux, this operating system is becoming more established as an option for those who want to play on their personal computers. The story about gaming on Linux is changing, as performance tests demonstrate that some distributions of Linux can perform better than Windows 11 in terms of playing games.

The increase in Linux users within Steam demonstrates a more encompassing gaming system when considering what lies ahead (yes, we’re talking aboutWindows Recall, which might make many Windows users leave the OS behind). Though not large, the progress in Linux’s portion shows progress towards acknowledging the value of different operating systems for providing good gaming experiences.

The Steam Deck’s push forward is making the world of PC gaming wider and bringing more variety into it, giving gamers an array of options like never before.

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Linux is the primary OS for more than 2% of the Steam community