About video game platforms
Video game platforms are software environments that facilitate the distribution, access, and running of video games. They vary in function and form, and can primarily be categorized into digital distribution platforms, emulators, and native gaming environments.
Steam is one of the most popular digital distribution platforms. Created by Valve Corporation, it offers a robust ecosystem for gamers to purchase, download, and play games. Besides being a marketplace, Steam also provides features such as cloud saves, social networking, and digital rights management (DRM). Its prominent role in the gaming community is underscored by its big picture mode, which allows users to play games on their television screens with a console-like experience.
PCSX2, on the other hand, is an emulator specifically designed to run games developed for the Sony PlayStation 2 on personal computers. Emulators like PCSX2 replicate the hardware of older gaming consoles, enabling users to enjoy retro or console-exclusive games without requiring the original hardware. This legal gray area of emulation often requires users to own the physical game copies and BIOS files to stay within copyright laws.
Other examples of gaming platforms include native environments such as consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch) and PC gaming. Consoles offer a closed environment with hardware and software specifically optimized for gaming. PCs, by contrast, provide a more flexible but fragmented landscape where users can tailor their hardware and software configurations to suit their specific gaming needs.
In summary, video game platforms like Steam and PCSX2 reflect the diverse avenues through which users engage with video games, each offering unique advantages and experiences that cater to different segments of the gaming community.
Best video game platforms for Ubuntu DesktopPack
| Platform | Description | Features | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCSX2 | PCSX2 is a free and open-source PlayStation 2 emulator. It allows you to play PS2 games on your computer by using the power of modern PCs. |
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PCSX2 Official Site |
| Steam | Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. It offers a wide range of games and entertainment content to its users. |
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Steam Official Site |
| Lutris | Lutris is an open-source game manager for Linux that makes it easier to install and manage games, whether they are Linux-native, from Steam, or Windows games via Wine. |
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Lutris Official Site |
| PlayOnLinux | PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for Wine that allows Linux users to easily install and use numerous games and software designed for Microsoft Windows. |
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PlayOnLinux Official Site |
| 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 its slick graphical interface. |
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RetroArch Official Site |
| Wine | Wine is an open-source compatibility layer that enables Linux users to run Windows applications, including many video games, without a copy of Microsoft Windows. |
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Wine Official Site |
Comparison
Video Game Platforms Available for Ubuntu DesktopPack
| Platform | Description | Installation Ease | Performance | Game Library | Compatibility | Community Support | Cost | Updates | Official Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Digital distribution platform | Simple installation | High performance | Wide game selection | Excellent Linux compatibility | Large community | Free | Regular updates | Official Site |
| PCSX2 | PlayStation 2 emulator | Moderate installation | Good performance on modern hardware | Extensive game compatibility | Good after configuration | Active forums | Free | Frequent updates | Official Site |
| Lutris | Gaming platform for all games in one place | Simple installation | Varies by game | Supports multiple sources | Unified gaming libraries | Strong community | Free | Regular updates | Official Site |
| RetroArch | Frontend for emulators and game engines | Moderate installation | Good performance on most hardware | Supports many older games | High compatibility | Dedicated forums and Discord | Free | Frequent updates | Official Site |
| Wine | Allows Windows apps on Unix OS | Advanced installation | Variable performance | Windows game support | Good compatibility with tweaks | Extensive documentation | Free | Frequent updates | Official Site |
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