Epic Games Levels Up Linux Gaming: Steam Deck and Beyond Get Official Launcher Support

Gamers leveraging Linux-based operating systems, particularly those eyeing Valve's popular Steam Deck, have reason to celebrate. Epic Games has officially confirmed that its Epic Games Launcher now provides direct support for SteamOS and a range of other prominent Linux distributions, significantly broadening the horizons for PC gaming beyond traditional Windows platforms.

For years, playing titles from the Epic Games Store on Linux often involved workarounds or third-party tools. This official endorsement means a smoother, more integrated experience for users. Jake Jones, Communications Director at Epic Games, confirmed the expanded compatibility to GamingOnLinux, stating that the new launcher, currently in preview, aims to support “as many Linux distributions as possible,” explicitly listing Fedora, Cachy, Omarchy, and, crucially, SteamOS.

A Smoother Path to Epic's Library

The move indicates Epic's commitment to widening access to its vast library, which includes free weekly titles and exclusives, to a growing segment of the PC gaming community. While the launcher itself is the gateway, the company also confirmed the restoration of AppImage packaging this month, alongside evaluating other formats like Debian/Ubuntu .deb downloads. This flexibility in distribution methods is key to reaching a diverse Linux user base.

However, a significant caveat remains, especially for fans of Epic's flagship title, Fortnite. While the launcher's compatibility is a major step, full support for Fortnite on the Steam Deck is still pending due to Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) Linux v2 requirements. Epic Games previously noted that the Steam Deck “does not support the required features for our EAC v2 solution.” Despite this, discussions with Valve are ongoing, offering a glimmer of hope for future Fortnite integration.

The South Africa Angle

For South African tech enthusiasts and gamers, this development has several practical implications. While Steam Decks are not officially distributed in South Africa, a robust grey market and direct imports have made them accessible, albeit at a premium. Pricing for various Steam Deck models, when imported, typically ranges from ZAR 12,000 to ZAR 25,000, depending on storage capacity and vendor markups. Official Epic Games Launcher support adds significant value for these local owners, expanding their portable gaming library beyond Steam-native titles.

Furthermore, South Africa boasts a dedicated, albeit niche, Linux user base. Professionals and developers who rely on Linux for work can now more easily switch to gaming on their preferred operating system without needing a separate Windows partition or machine. This could foster growth in the local Linux gaming community and encourage more users to explore alternative OS options.

Connectivity remains a critical factor. While games are increasingly large, the improving fibre infrastructure across metropolitan areas means downloading Epic's extensive titles is becoming less of a hurdle for many. For those in areas with limited or costly data, large game downloads will still require careful planning. Ultimately, Epic's move enhances choice and accessibility, making high-end PC gaming a more versatile and potentially more affordable proposition for some South African consumers and professionals.

Source: The Verge