Re: [libreplanet-discuss] Steam for Linux

[David Steinhafel]

It seems most responders on the list are somewhat supportive of Steam on
GNU/Linux because it may help increase exposure to GNU/Linux and Free
Software. I can't say I disagree, although I'm disappointed at the
willingness of users to install proprietary software on their GNU/Linux
systems. But how important is Steam on GNU/Linux to the free software
community and how can we best educate users about their decisions and
consequences?

I understand the importance of free software in education and government,
but I'm not significantly concerned with free software gaming. Games are
novel entertainment, and I think are a much lower priority than programs
and tools that serve developmental and critical system functioning.

People deserve the right to choose free or proprietary software. It's too
bad that many users decide to use a platform more conducive towards novel
entertainment than one that retains user freedom. But most here agree that
 users should at least retain their rights to install proprietary
software, right?

I have doubts that free software can excel in gaming because much of the
gaming industry has serious income. Some of the franchises are literally
worth billions of dollars (Call of Duty, Halo). It's almost impossible to
compete with the quality of games and network services offered by these
companies.

I suppose I intended my questions to be rhetorical, but I am interested to
what degree free software advocates think gaming software is important in
the liberation of computer users from tyrannical, over-bearing software.

Can there be a viable Steam alternative without corporate financing?

Thanks for reading,
David fnord <djs@davidsteinhafel.com>