Epic Games Expands Linux Support with SteamOS Compatibility for New Launcher
Epic Games has confirmed that its upcoming Linux launcher will officially support Valve's SteamOS and Steam Deck hardware. According to The Verge, the software is currently in a preview phase as the developer evaluates various packaging formats and aims to reach a broad range of Linux distributions beyond the initial testing group.
Context from Industry Pulse
The expansion of the Epic Games Launcher to SteamOS highlights the growing importance of Linux in the handheld gaming market. While Valve and Epic remain competitors in the digital storefront space, the ubiquity of the Steam Deck has made it a necessary target for Epic’s software ecosystem. However, the technical friction regarding Easy Anti-Cheat v2 indicates that software parity is not yet achieved. Epic Games has previously expressed interest in bringing Fortnite to the platform, but the current lack of hardware-level support for their specific anti-cheat requirements remains the primary barrier to entry for their most popular title on Valve's portable hardware.
"The new Epic Games Launcher is still in Preview and we plan to support as many Linux distributions as possible, including Fedora, SteamOS, Cachy, Omarchy, and more."
The developer is widening its reach within the Linux ecosystem by targeting several major distributions. As reported by The Verge, the company plans to ensure the new Epic Games Launcher works on SteamOS, Fedora, Cachy, and Omarchy. This move follows a preview period where the software was functional on Linux but lacked specific confirmation for the specialized operating system used by Valve's handheld gaming device.
Technical adjustments are ongoing as the company prepares for a wider release. The Verge notes that Epic Games intends to restore the AppImage packaging format during the current month while it continues to test other distribution methods like Debian and Ubuntu downloads. Communications Director Jake Jones indicated that the goal is to provide compatibility for as many different Linux versions as the development team can manage.
Despite the launcher coming to the Steam Deck, the availability of popular titles like Fortnite remains uncertain. According to The Verge, the game requires specific anti-cheat features that the handheld platform does not currently support. The developer previously stated that the Steam Deck lacks the necessary capabilities for its secondary anti-cheat solution, though they are in discussions with Valve to resolve these technical hurdles.
This development marks a significant shift from earlier in the year when the launcher was in a more limited preview state. The Verge reports that the company is actively evaluating which packaging formats will be best for long-term distribution. While the launcher itself will soon be accessible to SteamOS users, the full gaming library will depend on further collaboration between Epic and Valve regarding system-level security features.
The Industry Pulse Bottom Line
Epic's commitment to SteamOS support validates the Steam Deck's market position, yet the ongoing anti-cheat impasse suggests that full software interoperability between these two major industry rivals remains a long-term technical challenge.