Valve has opened SteamVR to Linux developers. This support is currently only in the testing phase, meaning that there are more than a few limitations. Most notably, that it only runs on Unity for now.
SteamVR for Linux is currently built on the Vulkan API, which means that it favours Nvidia drivers. Developers will need version 375.27.10 of the NVIDIA Developer Beta Driver in order to get started.
We're now live with a developer build of SteamVR for Linux! https://t.co/UbsEC01eDh
— Pierre-Loup Griffais (@Plagman2) February 21, 2017
AMD cards can be used, although it’s somewhat more difficult. They require the use of a pre-release radv driver; although Valve has been kind enough to upload the files to the Github page. The problem is that SteamVR does not support direct input mode and the headset will have to be set to extended display mode.
It should also come as no surprise that Intel drivers are not support for SteamVR. Since Intel’s integrated graphics are unlikely to be able to run VR games.
Valve doesn’t hide its love for Linux based developers, and has pushed to publish games on the platform. Steam itself has a relatively robust range of Linux-supported titles; many of which people will actually want to play.
[Source: GitHub]
