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Why would Steam even need a survey? Because they need permission from the user to collect the data. Even if the data is undercounting Linux (maybe Linux games
by WillPostForFood 9y ago
Why would Steam even need a survey?
Because they need permission from the user to collect the data.
Even if the data is undercounting Linux (maybe Linux games are less likely to take the survey) the trend is consistently down for ~4 years now. So you might make a case that the size is bigger than the survey shows, but not that it is growing.
- shmerl 9y agoTrend down doesn't mean the number of Linux gamers is decreasing. Even if you assume the survey is correct and representative, it can simply mean the number of Windows gamers on Steam is increasing faster. Besides, Linux gamers are less likely to use Steam than Windows ones (DRM-free preference). From DRM-free stores, GOG unfortunately don't publish any stats, and stats from HB show pretty good Linux percentage.
- WillPostForFood 9y agoI agree, it only means the share is shrinking, not the absolute numbers. Given the large overall Steam growth rate, it is certain the absolute number has increased. Nonetheless, it isn't a great story for Linux gaming.
- shmerl 9y agoI don't see how it's any story really. Steam grew. So? What's more relevant, is how much Linux gaming has grown. And it has quite a bit in the last several years.
- oblio 9y ago> Even if you assume the survey is correct and representative, it can simply mean the number of Windows gamers on Steam is increasing faster. Unlikely, as the PC market is basically stable or even shrinking slowly.
- shmerl 9y agoIt's not shrinking, it's just not growing very rapidly. Besides, gaming is only a small portion of PC market, so it has its own dynamics.