Epic Games is finally dragging its store towards Linux, which could make Steam Deck faffing about a lot less grim.
According to PCguide Epic Games has confirmed work on a Linux version of its storefront.
That could remove the need for third-party launchers on handhelds and Linux boxes, including Valve’s Steam Deck. The confirmation came during an Ask Me Anything session on the Epic Games Store community Discord server.
A user asked whether Epic had plans for a Linux launcher, and an Epic staffer replied that it was coming “soon(TM)” in emoji form. That is not a date, roadmap or anything dangerously close to a promise, but it is still official confirmation.
TechRadar dubbed the move part of “a rosier future for Linux gamers.”
Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming app for Linux has emerged from beta and is now official. OpenAI’s preview ChatGPT app for Linux is another platform marker, even though it has nothing to do with gaming.
“Linux has been one of the most-requested platforms for the desktop app, and this launch extends ChatGPT and Codex across every major desktop operating system.”
For Linux gamers, including those on SteamOS, a native Epic Games Store would mean less fiddling with workarounds. At the moment, many users rely on third-party apps such as Heroic Games Launcher to prod Epic titles into behaving.
The awkward bit is Fortnite, which still does not work on Linux because Epic blocks it over cheating concerns. That decision remains controversial, especially as Epic now appears willing to ship its launcher for Linux.
Some Reddit gamers are not convinced Fortnite will follow, and one doubter put it neatly: “I wouldn’t hold my breath.”
