About video game platforms
A video game platform is a type of software environment or hardware system designed to facilitate the playing of video games. These platforms often serve as a crucial intermediary between game developers and players, offering a range of services from game distribution to community features. Some popular examples of video game platforms include Steam and PCSX2.
Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. It serves as one of the most prominent venues for purchasing, downloading, and playing video games on PCs. Besides its extensive library of games, Steam offers various features such as user reviews, multiplayer gaming, and cloud saves. One of its key aspects is the Steam Workshop, where users can create and share game modifications. According to Valve, Steam had 120 million monthly active users in 2020, underscoring its widespread influence in the gaming community.
On the other hand, PCSX2 is an emulator specifically focused on running PlayStation 2 games on various computer systems. As an open-source project, PCSX2 boasts contributions from numerous developers, continually improving its compatibility and performance. While it is mainly used by those who wish to relive classic PlayStation 2 titles, the emulator also supports enhancements such as higher resolution rendering, texture filtering, and cheat codes. It is worth noting, however, that users must legally own the games they wish to play on PCSX2 to comply with copyright laws.
Both Steam and PCSX2 highlight distinct aspects of what video game platforms can offer. Steam’s digital marketplace and community features make it a comprehensive service for modern gamers, whereas PCSX2’s focus on emulation provides a gateway to nostalgic experiences. Each platform thus serves different but equally valuable roles in the broader video game ecosystem.
Best video game platforms for Redcore Linux
| Platform | Description | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCSX2 | PCSX2 is a free and open-source PlayStation 2 emulator that allows users to play PS2 games on their computer with high compatibility and enhanced graphics. It is highly customizable, offering various plugins and settings to optimize performance. |
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PCSX2 Official Site |
| Steam | Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation, offering a vast library of games, from AAA titles to indie games. It provides various community features and cloud saves for game storage and syncing. |
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Steam Official Site |
| Lutris | Lutris is an open-source gaming platform for Linux which helps manage and install games from a variety of sources including Steam, GOG, and Humble Bundle. It also supports emulators for retro gaming. |
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Lutris Official Site |
| PlayOnLinux | PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for Wine. It enables easy installation of Windows-based games and software on Linux systems, offering a user-friendly interface to manage and optimize Wine configurations. |
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PlayOnLinux Official Site |
| RetroArch | RetroArch is an open-source project that makes use of powerful development interfaces such as Libretro. It can run classic games on a wide range of computers and consoles through its slick graphical interface. |
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RetroArch Official Site |
Comparison
Video Game Platforms Available for Redcore Linux
| Platform | Latest Version | Supported Games | Graphics Support | Controller Support | Online Multiplayer | Installation Method | Open Source | Official Site | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | 2023.09.18 | Thousands | DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan | Yes | Yes | Repository, Flatpak | No | Steam Official Site | Most popular platform |
| PCSX2 | 1.6.0 | PS2 Games | OpenGL, Direct3D | Yes | No | Built from source, Repository | Yes | PCSX2 Official Site | PS2 Emulator |
| Dolphin | 5.0-18498 | GameCube, Wii | OpenGL, DirectX 12, Vulkan | Yes | Yes | Built from source, Repository | Yes | Dolphin Official Site | Highly compatible |
| RetroArch | 1.10.0 | Multiple Consoles | OpenGL | Yes | No | Repository, Flatpak | Yes | RetroArch Official Site | Multi-system emulator |
| PlayOnLinux | 4.3.4 | Windows Games/Software | OpenGL | Yes | No | Repository | Yes | PlayOnLinux Official Site | Uses Wine |
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