Linux has never been the top choice of gamers. But it’s also true that Linux has never been in a better position for gaming than it is right now.
A decade or so ago, gaming on Linux was a niche pursuit, full of technical hurdles that made it challenging. Today, thanks to solutions like Proton, Linux offers a gaming experience second only to Windows. In fact, nearly all titles developed for Microsoftโs operating system are now playable on Linux, too.
One of the best gauges of Linux’s popularity among gamers is the Steam Hardware & Software Survey, which provides monthly summaries of various technical stats about its users.
Back in August 2021, we shared exciting news: Linux had reached a milestone by hitting 1% usability on the Steam platform. Hereโs how things looked then:
Now, get ready for an even bigger update. Three years and three months later, Linux has doubled that achievement, nailing the number at exactly 2% usability!
If this number seems small at first glance, I hasten to tell you that it is actually a huge achievement.
When we convert these percentages into actual user counts, the breakdown looks like this: Considering the platform’s active user base of over 130 million, the number of Linux users has more than doubled since 2021, growing from 1.3 million to over 2.5 million.
But that’s not allโthere are even more fascinating details. For over two years now, Arch has held its place as the top choice among Linux gamers. With that in mind, don’t miss our guide on transforming your Arch system into a true gaming powerhouse.
Moreover, Linux is steadily gaining ground over macOS in usage on the Steam platform, with Apple’s OS seeing a more than 1% drop in users over the past three years.
What can we say in conclusion, except that as a Linux-focused media, we are very happy to inform you about these numbers. Weโre confident this is just the beginning, and our beloved OS will keep growing, attracting an ever-increasing community of gaming enthusiasts.
Check out the Valve’s Steam Hardware & Software Survey for more information.
