Linux gaming is getting increasingly popular, not only because of the Steam Deck, but thanks to gaming-focused Linux distros like Bazzite, which continues to be one of the most popular (according to recent Steam surveys), alongside the likes of CachyOS. The team behind Bazzite has recently announced a more unified approach to development, teaming up with other key projects within the Linux gaming realm. And on top of that, GOG Galaxy is planning native Linux support.

These two recent developments show Linux gaming continues to be on the rise in 2026, especially with some gamers still hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11, despite the end of Windows 10 support. Not to mention Valve’s new set of hardware launches in early 2026, including the much talked about Steam Machine, which runs the Linux-based SteamOS.

GOG Galaxy job listing says “Linux is the next major frontier”

A recent job listing posted on the GOG website shows that the game distributor and store is looking for a Linux developer, presumably to bring forth official Linux support. Right now, the GOG Galaxy launcher is available on Windows and macOS, but as this job description puts it, “Linux is the next major frontier,” and the team at GOG is looking for a Senior Software Engineer who can make that support a reality, “with Linux in mind from day one”.

“If you’re excited about building complex desktop software, shaping a Linux platform strategy, and having a tangible impact on a product used by millions of gamers, this role was created for you.”

Source: GOG

As for the development of Bazzite, it has been a strange past few days. Founder Kyle Gospodnetich had to release a statement denying an official collaboration with Chinese handheld brand GPD. Swiftly moving on, the team has now officially announced a collaboration with its close Linux gaming contributors instead. Under the Universal Blue project, Gospodnetich has announced the Open Gaming Collective (OGC), which promises to usher in “A brighter future for Bazzite”.

OGC is a collaborative organization that brings together a wide range of gaming-focused Linux projects. This includes ChimeraOS, ASUS Linux, Playtron, and more (some are yet to be announced). It aims to centralize efforts to improve the gaming ecosystem. This includes adopting a central OGC kernel to ensure support is within a shared kernel project and maintained collaboratively, rather than individually.

Additionally, HHD (Handheld Daemon), a tool used to configure handheld devices with Bazzite, will now be dropped in favor of InputPlumber, which is the same input framework used by SteamOS and other Linux-based operating systems now part of the OGC.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.