About video game platforms
Video game platforms such as Steam and PCSX2 serve distinct roles in the gaming ecosystem, offering unique functionalities and benefits to players.
Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. It serves as a comprehensive marketplace where users can purchase, download, and manage a vast array of video games and other digital content. One of Steams standout features is its robust community integration, which includes forums, reviews, and friend lists. Additionally, Steam Workshop allows users to create and share game modifications, fostering a rich culture of user-generated content. Described as the ultimate destination for playing, discussing, and creating games, Steam has become an essential part of modern gaming life.
On the other hand, PCSX2 is an open-source PlayStation 2 emulator. Unlike digital distribution platforms, emulators like PCSX2 are software programs that mimic the hardware of older gaming consoles, allowing users to play classic PlayStation 2 games on their modern PCs. PCSX2 offers a suite of customization options, including improved graphics and resolutions, cheats integration, and the ability to save game states at any moment. This platform provides gamers with the nostalgia of classic titles, all while taking advantage of the superior processing power and functionality of current computer systems.
Both platforms have significantly broadened the accessibility and enjoyment of video games. While Steam aims to bring a vast library of modern and classic titles to the users fingertips, PCSX2 preserves and enhances the legacy of older games, enabling them to be enjoyed on contemporary hardware. Together, they embody the diverse nature of gaming, catering to a wide range of preferences and interests within the gaming community.
Best video game platforms for Linux From Scratch
| Platform | Description | Features | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Steam is one of the most popular digital distribution platforms for PC gaming, including Linux. It offers a vast library of games, ranging from indie titles to AAA blockbusters. |
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Steam Official Website |
| Lutris | Lutris is an open-source gaming platform for Linux that helps you manage and play games from different sources, including Steam, GOG, and more. |
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Lutris Official Website |
| PCSX2 | PCSX2 is a PlayStation 2 emulator that allows you to play PS2 games on your Linux system. It supports a wide range of games and offers extensive customization options. |
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PCSX2 Official Website |
| RetroArch | RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players. It allows you to run classic games on a wide range of computers and consoles through a slick graphical interface. |
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RetroArch Official Website |
| Wine | Wine (Wine Is Not an Emulator) allows you to run Windows applications on Linux, including many popular PC games. It translates Windows system calls into POSIX-compliant calls on-the-fly. |
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Wine Official Website |
Comparison
Video Game Platforms Available for Linux From Scratch
| Platform | Description | Genres Supported | Developer | Open Source | Official Website | Multiplayer Support | Controller Support | System Requirements | Installation Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Popular digital distribution platform focusing on games and software. | All genres | Valve Corporation | No | Steam | Yes | Full | Moderate | Moderate |
| PCSX2 | PlayStation 2 emulator enabling the use of PS2 games on Linux. | Console | PCSX2 Team | Yes | PCSX2 | No | Partial | High | High |
| Lutris | Open source gaming platform for Linux supporting many game sources. | All genres | Lutris Team | Yes | Lutris | Yes | Full | Moderate | Moderate |
| RetroArch | Frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players. | Retro | The Libretro Team | Yes | RetroArch | Yes | Full | Low | Moderate |
| Wine | Compatibility layer for running Windows applications on Unix-like OSes. | All genres | WineHQ | Yes | Wine | Yes | Partial | High | High |
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