Games On LInux

I've been using some form of Linux since around 1994 at about the same time I started using Windows NT. A lot has changed since then in both worlds. Back then, it was a dream to be able to use *nix on a regular computer. The stumbling blocks then were mainly storage. Hard drives were small, and so on. In the year 2000, I did dual boots and lilo boots until the year 2000 when I decided that Windows was not getting better, certainly not cheaper, and Linux, on the other hand was improving, what seemed to be, daily. Needless to say, I wasn't the faint of heart.

Well it has improved daily for the last 10 years. I do a smattering of everything in it from DVD authoring to gaming to audio production. People ask me if they should use Linux. I say, a qualified, yes. Since I can't be their only support, I say if you are able to sort things out with a computer, and aren't afraid of looking for answers, you will like it. However, if you aren't able or willing, then perhaps Mac OS X or Windows is a better choice for now. If you only play games, perhaps Windows. That being said, many games play in Linux just fine and that list is growing. Several game companies have supported Linux for years, and I hope for many more.

So here's a list of games that are great, and work well, and happen to work on Linux too:
(this isn't a comprehensive list, but ones that are somewhat recent or, at least, played by a large number of people

• Unreal Tournament 2004 and Unreal Tournament 3
• Quake 3 (live), and Quake 4
• Enemy Territory
• Guild Wars
• Rain Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode 1 and 2

I'll add more when I get around to it

update: 2011/02/05

Wine

Wine has come a long way over the last 2 years. Many people were so frustrated with Wine (winehq.org) that they don't want to try it again. Well, friends, that time has passed, and the success rate for games working on linux is pretty darn good. It isn't perfect mind you. It is still a compatibility layer, but it is worth checking out.

If you want a tool to assist you in setting up a successful environment to run games (and other software) check Play On Linux out. It does a pretty nice job of getting games to work using Wine.

http://www.playonlinux.com

The games I've been able to use are growing each time I try. The latest one I've played is Fallout 3. It works pretty nicely. Others older games I've tried and did not notice any difference from running the games in Windows.

It certainly is nice not having to dual-boot to play a game for an hour or so.

Happy gaming!