Status of the Linux version?

[Squiddy]

Hello, Liam from GamingOnLinux - https://www.gamingonlinux.com

Currently, the Steam page only seems to have Windows system requirements. So I wanted to ask what was happening about Linux support?

Linux was a stretch goal that was hit on the Kickstarter, so I do hope it's still happening...

[Kaldorei]

Hello,

Actually the Steam page list only what is actually in the game (for exemple we are working on more languages but actually only fr/en is done so we listed only fr/en), as the development goes we will update the steam page and list stuff done. Actually we are working on the Linux version but it's not acceptable enough yet to say that we are supporting Linux on Steam.

[Squiddy]

Originally posted by Kaldorei:

Hello,

Actually the Steam page list only what is actually in the game (for exemple we are working on more languages but actually only fr/en is done so we listed only fr/en), as the development goes we will update the steam page and list stuff done. Actually we are working on the Linux version but it's not acceptable enough yet to say that we are supporting Linux on Steam.

I see, so I take it by you saying you're working on it, that a Linux version is still confirmed to be coming right? :)

[Kaldorei]

It's more about technical issues like lack of support from Unity on Linux on features that we are using (features that are supported by Linux/OpenGL but not implemented by Unity on this platform), so i can't promise on our side because we are not the ones that can do it, we open support tickets and try to make them prioritize the support of those features.

[Squiddy]

Interesting, are you able to share any specifics that's holding the Linux version back right now?

[Kaldorei]

Of course:

- Sparse texture for terrain partial height streaming:
https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/SparseTextures.html

- Async GPU readback to fetch collisions datas without lag spikes from our procedural vegetation generated on the GPU
https://docs.unity3d.com/2018.1/Documentation/ScriptReference/Experimental.Rendering.AsyncGPUReadback.html

- GPU Fences for correctly syncing our terrain CPU <-> GPU
https://docs.unity3d.com/2018.2/Documentation/ScriptReference/Rendering.GPUFence.html

- Mipmaps streaming for memory saving (otherwise the game consume up to 8GB of memory and VRAM)
https://docs.unity3d.com/2018.2/Documentation/ScriptReference/Texture2D-streamingMipmaps.html

Also on our side there is a lot of small fixes todo on some shaders.

We already dropped all native plugins that we were using that was blocking us from porting to Linux (eg: PopcornFX, TrueSky)

[PublicNuisance]

Thank you for sharing some of the troubles you are having. I am eagerly waiting for the game, if you can make a Linux version i'll buy it.

[Squiddy]

Originally posted by Kaldorei:

Of course:

- Sparse texture for terrain partial height streaming:
https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/SparseTextures.html

- Async GPU readback to fetch collisions datas without lag spikes from our procedural vegetation generated on the GPU
https://docs.unity3d.com/2018.1/Documentation/ScriptReference/Experimental.Rendering.AsyncGPUReadback.html

- GPU Fences for correctly syncing our terrain CPU <-> GPU
https://docs.unity3d.com/2018.2/Documentation/ScriptReference/Rendering.GPUFence.html

- Mipmaps streaming for memory saving (otherwise the game consume up to 8GB of memory and VRAM)
https://docs.unity3d.com/2018.2/Documentation/ScriptReference/Texture2D-streamingMipmaps.html

Also on our side there is a lot of small fixes todo on some shaders.

We already dropped all native plugins that we were using that was blocking us from porting to Linux (eg: PopcornFX, TrueSky)

Thanks for letting us all know, it's good to see such open communication!

I take it you've tested the very latest Unity release to see if they support what you need?

[Kaldorei]

Yeah even the beta version and like i said we are in touch with them concerning those issues

[STiAT]

Nice to know, and that you're in contact with them about the issue. We all know that Unity3D Vulkan Support isn't yet quite there, but it's coming along ;-).

Thanks for the heads up.

[Micha]

Thanks for the detailed information and your feedback to Unity for improving the Linux builds!

[[BR]-KuJo [Linux🐧]]

As far as I know in 2016 it was said that there will be a Linux version only if Unity supports Vulkan:
Comment on Kickstarter
This has been possible since 31 March 2017:
Unity 5.6[blogs.unity3d.com]

(...)Unity 5.6 adds Vulkan support on Android, Windows and Linux platforms.(...)

And now, one year later, you switch to OpenGL? What theoretically would have been possible as early as 2016?

I don't need to understand that, do I?

Otherwise I am happy when the game is finally released for Linux.

[STiAT]

Originally posted by BR-KuJo:

As far as I know in 2016 it was said that there will be a Linux version only if Unity supports Vulkan:
Comment on Kickstarter
This has been possible since 31 March 2017:
Unity 5.6[blogs.unity3d.com]

(...)Unity 5.6 adds Vulkan support on Android, Windows and Linux platforms.(...)

And now, one year later, you switch to OpenGL? What theoretically would have been possible as early as 2016?

I don't need to understand that, do I?

Otherwise I am happy when the game is finally released for Linux.

You're overestimating it. Vulkan is supported, but not feature complete. The developer here states which issues are holding up for actually having a linux release with Vulkan, features Unity3D has to complete before it can happen.

They do not switch to OpenGL. They do have OpenGL builds. They had quite some time back. They don't seem to be satisfied with that, and that's a good sign - they care.

I think there will be some time to go down the river until Unity supports those features. Still good to know they're working on it and providing feedback to the engine developers, because that's what's going to bring the engine where we linux people would want it - feature complete, easily for developers to utilize.

[mishugashu]

I just wanted to pop in and hope that you continue to work on the Linux version of this game! I'm a Kickstarter backer that solely backed it because I love RPGs and Linux. I want to see this succeed!

Keep up the good work!

[Cageymaru]

After reading this thread I just added the game to my wishlist. I don't even use Linux, but I love developers that talk about their craft. Thanks!

[ranger671]

I'd love to get this one as well, but only on Linux.