Sponsored By

Steam ending support for Ubuntu over 32-bit compatibility

Future versions of the Linux distribution Ubuntu won't be supported by Steam, a decision that follows Ubuntu's announcement that it is ending support for 32-bit programs.

Alissa McAloon, Publisher

June 24, 2019

1 Min Read
Game Developer logo in a gray background | Game Developer

Newsbrief: Steam is ending support for the Linux distribution Ubuntu, a decision that follows changes on Ubuntu’s end regarding support for 32-bit libraries.

In a tweet spotted by Engadget, Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais said that the company is exploring its options “to minimize breakage for existing users, but will also switch our focus to a different distribution, currently [to be determined].”

Originally, Valve’s decision followed Ubuntu producer Canonical’s own announcement that it was dropping 32-bit package support. Canonical has since clarified that it isn’t dropping the libraries themselves, but rather is freezing updates for 32-bit libraries and has “every intention to ensure” 32-bit games and programs function on Ubuntu beyond version 19.10.

Read more about:

2019

About the Author

Alissa McAloon

Publisher, GameDeveloper.com

As the Publisher of Game Developer, Alissa McAloon brings a decade of experience in the video game industry and media. When not working in the world of B2B game journalism, Alissa enjoys spending her time in the worlds of immersive sandbox games or dabbling in the occasional TTRPG.

Daily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inbox

You May Also Like