Linux gaming got so big that even GOG couldn't ignore it anymore

Published Aug 7, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Back when GOG Galaxy was released, Linux gaming wasn't in great shape. At the very least, it wasn't in the shape that it currently is. As such, GOG seemingly didn't want to bother with a Linux version of its Galaxy client, forcing its community to do all the hard work. Now, after the ownership of GOG changed hands, the company has taken a second look at Linux gaming and decided that it has gotten so big that they can't afford to ignore it anymore. Good Old Games supported Linux, but only for the games You didn't get an official launcher Good Old Games (GOG) didn't outright ignore Linux until now. In fact, the company had been publishing games that run on Linux systems since mid-2014. If you wanted a game, you just headed over to the GOG website, purchased it, and downloaded it there. There was a problem, though. While Linux users could use the website to download titles, they couldn't use the then-new app called "GOG Galaxy." You can picture this app as GOG's version of the Steam client, except you didn't need it to download or play your games. It was just a really convenient way to see your library and download the ones you wanted. Weirdly enough, macOS users got access to GOG Galaxy, so it wasn't a case of GOG believing that gamers would only want the Windows version of the app. It was just a strange hole in an otherwise nice coverage of operating systems. Fortunately, the Linux community is not the kind of people to sit around and wait for someone to code the solution for them. They got to work adding GOG Galaxy compatibility to existing clients. The Heroic Games Launcher, originally designed to handle titles from Epic Games, brought GOG titles into the fold. We also saw Lutris add GOG support to its range of libraries. And for those who just wanted GOG games, there's Minigalaxy. And that didn't change until 2026 rolled around. Things began to shift within GOG after a leadership change Signs of a Linux client became evident Credit: GOG The potential catalyst for the change in GOG's heart happened when a co-founder of CD Projekt and GOG, Michał Kiciński, purchased GOG from CD Projekt on December 29th, 2025. Kiciński immediately got to work setting the roadmap for GOG, including detailing how he planned to take on Steam. On February 2nd, 2026, GOG hosted an AMA thread on Reddit, allowing people to ask the team questions. One person asked if a Linux version of the GOG Galaxy client was in the works, and Michał Kiciński took to the microphone himself to explain GOG's plans: "We’re at a very early stage right now, but we of course see the rising popularity and importance of this OS for gamers and agree on its value. We’ve started the recruitment process for a Senior Engineer who would help handle it. When it comes to specifics, we can’t share much at the moment. Nonetheless, the work has started, and this will appear on GOG one day." That "rising popularity" that Kiciński mentions likely refers to how the Linux gaming scene has changed since 2014. Since then, Valve has entered the portable handheld scene with the Steam Deck and made Linux a powerhouse for gaming. There has also been the invention of gaming-focused distros, such as Bazzite. A Linux version of GOG Galaxy was no longer a nice luxury for hobbyists; it was a handy tool for people who were switching to Linux for the gaming benefits. GOG confirms that a Linux Galaxy client is on the way There's no release date just yet Credit: GOG Fast-forward to July 28th, 2026, and GOG's joint-CEO, Krzysztof Papliński, broke his silence about a Linux client by discussing his plans with GamingOnLinux. While Papliński couldn't give us a concrete date on when the client would come out, it sounds like he has the right people on the job: "Linux continues to be one of the topics we hear the most about from our community, and we really appreciate the passion and patience of everyone who’s been asking about it. Following the role we announced earlier this year, we now have the specialist on board and are actively exploring the best way to approach Linux support for GOG GALAXY. This is a significant undertaking, so while we’re not ready to share any specific plans, timelines, or results just yet, it’s very much an area we’re investing time and effort into." While Linux gamers may still have a bit of a wait ahead, GOG putting resources behind Galaxy is a win for open-source gaming. For a community that spent over a decade building workarounds, an official client is finally on the horizon. Linux gaming has come a long way since 2014 With GOG changing hands and Linux gaming flourishing, a Linux version of the Galaxy client was a no-brainer decision. While we still don't have a release date, it's good to hear that GOG is finally taking Linux seriously.