After what felt like an eternity of gamers begging for mercy, GeForce NOW has finally decided to acknowledge that Linux exists. Yes, the platform that once treated Linux like a mythical creature only mentioned in hushed tones is now launching a beta app for Ubuntu 24.04 and later. It’s almost as if they realized that people who use Linux might also want to play games without resorting to witchcraft.
The new app promises to deliver a “seamless experience” that fits right into Linux desktop workflows. Translation: it won’t make your system spontaneously combust. With all rendering happening in the cloud, even those with hardware older than your grandma’s first computer can take advantage of advanced RTX technologies. If you have a solid internet connection (and by solid, we mean better than a dial-up modem), you can enjoy ray tracing and NVIDIA DLSS, delivering RTX 5080-class performance. Because who needs a powerful PC when you can just stream everything, right?
Linux PCs now join the broader GeForce NOW native app family across Windows, macOS, Chromebooks, mobile devices, smart TVs, and more. It’s like the cool kids’ table finally invited the nerdy kid who actually knows how to code. The app transforms compatible Linux systems into high-performance GeForce RTX-powered rigs, streaming supported PC titles directly from the cloud at up to 5K resolution and 120 frames per second, or 1080p at 360 fps. This new beta finally lets a large population of gamers enjoy their favorite games on their favorite software. Welcome to the party, Linux users. The snacks are over there.
Coinciding with this groundbreaking release (groundbreaking for Linux users, at least), the platform has announced the addition of 10 new games joining the cloud streaming services ranks this week. Players can expect new releases like Cairn and The Midnight Walkers to be added in the coming days, along with old releases as well. One of the most notable games being added this week is Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2, the thrilling Grim Dark action game where you take on the mantle of a space marine and fight to stop the chaos god Tzeentch’s plots. Because nothing says “Linux gaming” like battling chaos gods in the 41st millennium.
Other anticipated games coming this week include Half Sword, a physics-based medieval combat simulator focused on realistic dark-ages fighting. The two games in the Prototype series also join GeForce NOW’s library; you play as “prototype” protagonists which makes them able to shapeshift, make weapons out of thin air, and run and jump very fast, among many other things. One of the most interesting games on the list is Cairn, which is a survival-climbing adventure that pushes pro climber Aava up the unforgiving face of Mount Kami, a sheer giant that no one has ever managed to summit. Because apparently, Linux users are also really into climbing virtual mountains.
Here’s the full list of games for this week:
● The Midnight Walkers (New release on Steam, Jan. 28)
● Cairn (New release on Steam, Jan. 29)
● Prototype (New release on Ubisoft Connect, Jan. 29)
● Prototype 2 (New release on Ubisoft Connect, Jan. 29)
● Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2 (available on Game Pass, Jan. 29)
● Half Sword (New release on Steam, Jan.30)
● Vampires: Bloodlord Rising (New release on Steam, Jan. 30)
● The Bard’s Tale Trilogy (Steam and Game Pass)
● The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut (Steam and Game Pass)
● Total War: Three Kingdoms (Epic Games Store)
Linux PCs are now included in the GeForce NOW native app family that branches from Chromebooks to smart TVs, so make sure to get in some game time this weekend. Because after years of being ignored, Linux gamers finally have something to celebrate. Cheers to that! 🎮🐧
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
