About video game platforms
Video game platforms are digital distribution and emulation services designed to provide gamers access to a variety of video games and related content. Two notable examples of such platforms include Steam and PCSX2.
Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is one of the most prominent digital distribution platforms for video games, software, and multimedia services. Launched in 2003, Steam allows users to purchase, download, and play games from a vast library, featuring titles from major developers and independent studios. Steam also offers community-centric features such as forums, user reviews, and social networking options. The platforms Steamworks suite of tools provides developers with resources to integrate various functionalities like achievements and cloud saves into their games. Essentially, Steam has become an essential ecosystem for both gamers and developers within the PC gaming community.
PCSX2, on the other hand, is an emulator focused on recreating the PlayStation 2 gaming experience on modern computing hardware. This platform allows users to play PlayStation 2 games on a PC by emulating the console’s hardware and software environment. Emulators like PCSX2 play a crucial role in video game preservation, as they enable access to classic games that might otherwise become obsolete or unplayable due to the aging hardware of original consoles. Although it requires BIOS files from the original PlayStation 2, PCSX2 supports a wide range of PS2 games and offers enhanced graphics capabilities, customizable controls, and save-state functionality, making it a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Both Steam and PCSX2 exemplify different aspects of the modern gaming landscape: digital distribution and game preservation. While Steam drives the current gaming market forward with a plethora of new content and community features, PCSX2 aims to keep the history of video gaming alive by making older titles accessible on contemporary hardware.
Best video game platforms for elementary OS
| Platform | Description | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| PCSX2 | PCSX2 is a PlayStation 2 emulator which allows you to play PS2 games on your computer. It supports high-definition graphics, external plugins for controllers, and has a built-in game database for enhanced compatibility. | PCSX2 Official Site |
| Steam | Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. It offers a vast library of games for various genres, multiplayer gaming, and community features like friends list, groups, and cloud saves. | Steam Official Site |
| RetroArch | RetroArch is an open-source project that acts as a frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players. It provides a polished interface for running classic games and supports advanced features like shaders, netplay, and rewinding. | RetroArch Official Site |
| Lutris | Lutris is an open-source gaming platform for Linux that allows you to gather and manage your (console, arcade, and PC) games in one interface. It supports multiple emulators and is designed to be an all-in-one solution for game management. | Lutris Official Site |
| PlayOnLinux | PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for Wine, designed to simplify the installation and operation of Windows games and software on Linux. It offers automated installation scripts and configuration tools. | PlayOnLinux Official Site |
| PPSSPP | PPSSPP is a PlayStation Portable (PSP) emulator that allows you to play your favorite PSP games on your computer in high definition. It supports enhanced graphics, save states, and a customizable UI. | PPSSPP Official Site |
Comparison
Video Game Platforms Available for Elementary OS
| Program | Type | Description | Official Website | Installation Method | Controller Support | Frame Rate | Graphics Quality | Multiplayer Support | Emulation Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Game Distribution | Platform for purchasing and downloading games. | Steam | Flatpak, APT | Yes | Up to 120 FPS | High | Yes | N/A |
| PCSX2 | Emulator | PlayStation 2 emulator that supports a wide range of games. | PCSX2 | Flatpak, APT | Yes | Variable | Medium to High | No | High |
| Lutris | Game Manager | Open-source gaming platform that allows managing different game types. | Lutris | Flatpak, APT | Yes | Up to 120 FPS | Variable | Yes | N/A |
| RetroArch | Emulator | Frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players. | RetroArch | Flatpak, APT | Yes | Variable | Variable | Yes | High |
| Wine | Compatibility Layer | Enables running Windows applications on Unix-like operating systems. | Wine | APT | Yes | Variable | Variable | Yes | N/A |
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