Abstract:
Epic Games recently confirmed that its new Epic Games Launcher has included SteamOS in the list of Linux distributions that it officially plans to support. This means that Steam Deck handheld consoles running SteamOS are expected to receive more complete support for the Epic game platform in the future, reducing users' dependence on third-party solutions.
Epic Communications Director Jake Jones said in an interview with GamingOnLinux that the new version of Epic Games Launcher is still in the preview stage, and the company plans to support as many Linux distributions as possible, including Fedora, SteamOS, Cachy, Omarchy and other platforms. This is also the first time that Epic has explicitly named SteamOS, making it one of the important targets in the official support plan.
Currently, the preview launcher only provides .deb installation packages for Debian and Ubuntu systems. However, Epic said that the team is testing more software packaging formats and plans to restore the previously provided AppImage version this month to improve compatibility and installation convenience between different Linux distributions.
Epic first announced in August this year that it would launch a native Linux version of the launcher, and the first preview version was officially launched on October 14. With SteamOS being included in the support scope, Steam Deck users will be able to more conveniently access their Epic game library in the future without continuing to rely on third-party tools such as Heroic Games Launcher.
However, for Steam Deck players, some key issues still need to be resolved. Epic has not yet explained how the new launcher will work in SteamOS "Game Mode". In addition, since most Epic platform games are still Windows versions, compatibility layer technology is still required when running in a Linux environment.
According to the design of the current preview version, the launcher will automatically download the GE-Proton compatibility layer to help users run Windows games. This means that even if the official launcher is launched on SteamOS, the background still needs to rely on compatible technology to complete the game operation.
The much-talked-about Linux version of Fortnite is also not ready yet. Epic said that the company plans to bring "Fortnite" to the Linux platform through a new version of the launcher after the EAC Linux v2 anti-cheat system is officially completed. However, the new version of the anti-cheat solution relies on signed kernels, Secure Boot, and multiple other security mechanisms, and these requirements are not yet fully supported on Steam Deck.
As early as October this year, Epic pointed out that the existing environment of Steam Deck has not yet met the operating requirements of EAC Linux v2, and the company is cooperating and communicating with Valve on related issues. Therefore, judging from the current situation, Steam Deck users will most likely be the first to receive official support from the Epic Games Launcher, while "Fortnite" will still have to wait longer to land on SteamOS.
As Epic continues to promote the Linux ecological layout, and Valve continues to expand the coverage of SteamOS devices, the progress of cooperation between the two parties in terms of compatibility and anti-cheating technology may determine whether more Epic platform games can successfully enter the Steam Deck and the wider Linux game market in the future.
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