Despite the surging popularity of Linux gaming, driven largely by Valve’s Steam Deck, GOG has yet to release a native Linux version of its Galaxy client. For years, a native client has been the most requested feature on the GOG community wishlist, yet the CD Projekt-owned storefront remains officially exclusive to Windows and macOS.
Why hasn’t GOG developed a native Linux client?
The absence of a Linux client is primarily a matter of resource allocation and technical complexity. While GOG sells many games that support Linux via standalone installers, the Galaxy client itself—which handles cloud saves, achievements, and auto-updates—is a complex piece of software. In previous statements, GOG representatives have indicated that maintaining a Linux version would require significant QA and engineering resources that the company has chosen to prioritize elsewhere.
Unlike Valve, which has a vested hardware interest in Linux via the Steam Deck, GOG operates as a software-only storefront. With the Linux market share hovering around 2% to 4% on Steam, GOG likely views the investment as disproportionate to the potential return, especially given that the community has created its own solutions.
What are the alternatives for Linux users?
Nature abhors a vacuum, and the open-source community has stepped in to fill the gap left by GOG. Linux gamers primarily rely on third-party launchers to manage their GOG libraries:
- Heroic Games Launcher: An open-source launcher that supports both Epic Games and GOG. It is widely considered the gold standard for non-Steam gaming on Linux.
- Lutris: A gaming preservation platform that manages libraries from multiple sources, including GOG, Humble Bundle, and Steam.
- Minigalaxy: A simple, lightweight GOG client specifically designed for Linux.
How does this impact Steam Deck users?
For Steam Deck owners, the lack of an official client adds a layer of friction but does not prevent access. Users cannot simply install GOG Galaxy from the Steam store; instead, they must switch to Desktop Mode to install tools like Heroic. Once set up, these tools can add GOG games directly to the Steam interface, allowing for a relatively seamless experience.
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