Posted August 19, 2016
There is something in horizon for linux gaming. It is vulkan api. A library for graphic programming.
Its equal to directx12. From what I read directx12 was partially influenced by vulkan.
Dx12 is only for Windows10. Vulkan on other hand covers linux, osx, windows and mobile.
Opengl, the api that is used for linux games is still viable but if developers want to maximize performance Vulkan or dx12 is way to go.
That means triple a games need to use dx12 or vulkan.
And so if you as developer had to pick a graphic tech and you want to go with the best one...Vulkan is the choice.
Not only is vulkan bettet performance in general for future linux ports, compared to opengl, it could make developers port more to linux.
Valve is supporting linux with their steamos and also Vulkan.
The conditions for Linux gaming to flourish are present! What is lacking is users.
Currently estimate of linux gamers is between 1-5%. most companies dont want to chase that with Opengl api.
But if Vulkan tech truly makes porting easier and there is a proof that now 10% gamers on Linux it could persuade developers.
So if you can endure Linux flaws gamingwise for two years then now is very good time to change to it. Devs wont be convinced by how good Linux is, they probably know.
Note that Vulkan is not complete. Currently 1.0 and developers are working on next release which will improve the api more. Also be aware that just because a game is using or supporting Vulkan api it doesnt guarantee that developers have tapped into everything that makes it good.
The api will be easier to use for devs too when they have learned its ins and outs.
If you want an example of a Vulkan game that has decent implementation look towards latest Doom game.
Still even Doom is not perfect example as it used Vulkan 1.0 and ID software (doom devs) had things they wanted to improve after Vulkan use.
Its equal to directx12. From what I read directx12 was partially influenced by vulkan.
Dx12 is only for Windows10. Vulkan on other hand covers linux, osx, windows and mobile.
Opengl, the api that is used for linux games is still viable but if developers want to maximize performance Vulkan or dx12 is way to go.
That means triple a games need to use dx12 or vulkan.
And so if you as developer had to pick a graphic tech and you want to go with the best one...Vulkan is the choice.
Not only is vulkan bettet performance in general for future linux ports, compared to opengl, it could make developers port more to linux.
Valve is supporting linux with their steamos and also Vulkan.
The conditions for Linux gaming to flourish are present! What is lacking is users.
Currently estimate of linux gamers is between 1-5%. most companies dont want to chase that with Opengl api.
But if Vulkan tech truly makes porting easier and there is a proof that now 10% gamers on Linux it could persuade developers.
So if you can endure Linux flaws gamingwise for two years then now is very good time to change to it. Devs wont be convinced by how good Linux is, they probably know.
Note that Vulkan is not complete. Currently 1.0 and developers are working on next release which will improve the api more. Also be aware that just because a game is using or supporting Vulkan api it doesnt guarantee that developers have tapped into everything that makes it good.
The api will be easier to use for devs too when they have learned its ins and outs.
If you want an example of a Vulkan game that has decent implementation look towards latest Doom game.
Still even Doom is not perfect example as it used Vulkan 1.0 and ID software (doom devs) had things they wanted to improve after Vulkan use.
Post edited August 19, 2016 by ZeroDrm