. My Linux programming experience is creating windows in GTK and Xlib, and that''s it I did do a GLUT window through MESA, but my knowledge of OpenGL calls is also nil. As for DirectX, I''ve made some spinning cubes but that''s it. So my knowledge is woefully lacking from a programming perspective...either in system calls, API''s, or other middleware.However, I enumerated those points because they seem to be commonly held beliefs. As I learn more about Linux, I realize that in some aspects it is easier, and others it is harder. It''s nice that everything is open so I can examine what''s going on. But it does seem more obscure in others. All I know is that I love the freedom, and I''ve decided to concentrate on learning Linux rather than M$ first.
So I''ll defer others judgements on the first 3 points. As for #4 and #5, I honestly don''t know how to change the situation. Loki seems to have been run poorly, but I still think the sales overall were poor. It doesn''t help that these were "clones" (ports would be more accurate I guess) of Windows games, and that may have hurt their prospects greatly.
Perhaps I should add a 6th theory:
#6 WIne and Winex are stifling native linux game development.
Which is the more valid business approach to Linux gaming: Supporting emulators like Wine and winex, or creating native games on Linux? I think games are the killer app for Windows, and is what really drives people to continuely upgrade their machines. If all people wanted was an office suite, internet access, and multimedia apps, then Linux is a serious contender to Windows (though the Multimedia apps are still very rough around the edges....I can''t wait for Xine to get more polished...or Ogle). I know of 3 people at work who would love to try Linux, but the lack of games just sours their interest. Why invest in a steep learning curve for something that doesn''t offer them what they want most in an OS?
But if creators rely on emulators to intercept win32 and directX calls, then why create original concepts on a Linux platform when you can just make it on windows, and play it through WineX? Since games are in many ways a killer app for Windows, I think Linux needs to move in this direction as well. If it wants to succeed on the desktop, it must offer what people expect: apps, simplicity, and support. And unfortunately it fails on all three counts. I think if developers create games for the Linux market that are cool enough, perhaps other designers will sit up and take notice, and maybe consumers will too. If the gaming public can see the potential games that can be made on Linux, they may slowly be weaned off of Windows. I actually think it will be a detriment to Linux gaming if native games in Linux are ported to Windows. If it comes out on windows, the average person will think, "I''ll just wait till the windows version comes out". I''m seriously thinking of getting an Xbox just to play HALO....if it''s released for the PC, I won''t buy an Xbox, it''s the same thing.
