Linux support for games, Alienware Alpha introduces HiveMind, and more

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Hello, open gaming fans! In this week's edition, we take a look at Linux support for CRYENGINE, Alienware Alpha introduces HiveMind, and more.

Open gaming roundup for June 21 - 27, 2015

CRYENGINE 3.8.1. adds OpenGL and Linux support

Crytek has released CRYENGINE version 3.8.1., which adds support for OpenGL and Linux. Not only that, but support was added for Oculus Rift as well. This makes this release interesting for developers looking for a cross platform engine. As Chris Hoffman reports for PCWorld, this is "the latest big game engine to support Linux, following in the footsteps of Valve’s Source engine, Epic’s Unreal Engine 4, and Unity 5."

CRYENGINE is an all-in-one game development solution with scalable computation and benchmark graphics technologies for console, PC and mobile devices.

Alienware Alpha introduces HiveMind

Dan Ackerman writes for CNET, about Alienware Alpha, who updates its custom gaming PC with an improved interface, called HiveMind. HiveMind is to replace Alpha UI. Built on the Kodi open source home theater software package, it introduces a new start menu, allowing gamers to directly access their games, instead of forcing them into Steam's software.

A public roadmap for Unity Technologies

Unity Technologies, the gaming platform company behind the Unity game engine, introduced a public roadmap at its Unite Europe conference in Amsterdam this week. Unity Technology "is doubling down on improving its software quality, and letting developers know what it has planned for the future with a new public roadmap." As Unity continues to push support for all major platforms, including Linux, it's latest addition is virtual reality headsets, starting with Oculus Rift.

New games out for Linux

LEGO Minifigures Online is coming to Linux

Funcom announces that LEGO Minifigures Online will be available to Linux, as well as, Mac, Windows PC, iOS, and Android on June 29. This launch will include new features and content, cinematics, voice acting, and more. Funcom CEO Rui Casais said "this really is the definitive version of LEGO Minifigures Online and we are very much looking forward to opening the servers for players to experience it."

LEGO Minifigures Online is an online game for LEGO fans of all ages, where players can collect over one hundred Minifigures, each with their own unique personality and abilities, building a team to take on exciting adventures through colorful, classic LEGO worlds.

Dota 2 Reborn officially supports Linux

Valve has added Linux and Mac support for Dota 2 Reborn, one of the most played games on Steam. As you can read on the Dota 2 site, the June 22 update reads "Enabled Linux client." You can find Dota 2 on the Steam store.

Dota is a competitive game of action and strategy, played both professionally and casually by millions of passionate fans worldwide. Players pick from a pool of over a hundred heroes, forming two teams of five players.

Dota 2

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3 Comments

Hi.

While I do appreciate the information about Linux gaming, for the life of me I have no clue whatsoever as for the coverage "Linux and open source" media has dedicated to Alienate's use of kodi for their Windows based Steam Boxes. Sure Jodi is a somewhat high profile open source project, I just don't get all the fuzz . Many other projects are used by high profile companies a well under Windows and no body ever covers it, some how being this a gaming "news" item it seems as if everyone feels compelled to cover it. Don't get me wrong , I do reckon their effort at using a well established OSS program, just as Valve has adopted Linux for their own gaming OS, I just feel it's simply not too important a news item. Only serves to confirm that the greatest competitor for Steam Machines will come with Windows and also backed by the power of open source, if only in the front end.

Thanks for reading the column, and your feedback. I try to bring a divers list of news items every week, that's why I also picked this one. Any suggestions on the high profile companies using open source are always welcome. I'd be happy to cover them in future gaming news.

In reply to by Gian Mureddu (not verified)

hm...interestengly

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