Valve Corporation’s Steam Deck has sent shockwaves through out the gaming industry. The handheld device, released in December 2021, runs on a custom version of SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, and has the potential to change the game for Linux on desktops.

Linux has always been the underdog of the operating system world, with most PC gamers opting for Windows or MacOS. But the Steam Deck could change all that. The device is designed to allow users to play their Steam library of games on-the-go, making Linux gaming more accessible and user-friendly than ever before, but the real game-changer could be the potential for a bigger user base for Linux. If the Steam Deck is successful, it could encourage more game developers to create games for Linux, which could in turn lead to more people using Linux on their desktops to play games. A bigger user base for Linux could also attract more developers to create native Linux software, not just for gaming, but for other applications as well.

Take Adobe’s Creative Suite, for example. Currently, it’s only available for Windows and MacOS. But if there is enough demand for it, it could potentially be ported to Linux. This could be a game-changer for creative professionals who prefer Linux for its stability and customization options.

Additionally, the open-source nature of Linux-based operating systems allows for better integration with other software and hardware, which can be beneficial for Valve’s future products. It also means that Valve can work more closely with the Linux community to improve the operating system and fix any issues that arise, leading to a more stable and reliable platform for Valve’s games and applications. An open operating system like Linux-based OS’ offers a lot more flexibility in terms of customization, making it easier for users to modify their system according to their preferences. Leading to more user-driven development and features from Valve’s user base, as they can develop and share their own customizations, patches, and tweaks to the system. This creates a sense of community around the operating system and can lead to new ideas and features that Valve may not have thought of.

In contrast, Windows operating systems are notoriously closed and restrictive, which can limit what developers can do with the platform. This can be frustrating for both developers and users who want to customize their systems or add new features.

Moreover, Linux-based operating systems offer free updates, something that Windows users can only dream of. This could be a major selling point for users who are tired of constantly shelling out money for new versions of Windows. Additionally, Linux is known for its stability and security, which could be another attractive feature for users who are concerned about these issues.

The Steam Deck could be the catalyst that Linux needs to gain a foothold on desktops. With its user-friendly interface, free updates, and potential for attracting more developers, Linux could become a more popular choice for users who are looking for a stable, secure, and customizable operating system. The Steam Deck could be just the beginning of a new era for Linux on desktops. As the Linux community continues to grow and innovate, this could ultimately benefit Valve’s products. The potential for user-driven innovation could be a major advantage for Valve as they continue to expand their product offerings and grow their user base. A very symbiotic relationship.

So, will the Steam Deck be the game-changer for Linux on desktops? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the future of Linux has never looked brighter.