Why did Valve, a 'Steam' developer, switch from Debian to Arch Linux?
On July 16, 2021, Valve, which develops the game distribution service 'Steam', announced
Valve's upcoming Steam Deck will be based on Arch Linux—not Debian | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/08/valves-upcoming-steam-deck-will-be-based-on-arch-linux-not-debian/
SteamOS is a Linux distribution customized by Valve. It was Debian-based until SteamOS 2.0, but has changed from SteamOS 3.0 to Arch Linux-based. According to Ars Technica, Debian and Arch Linux have almost opposite roles when it comes to the ability to run a particular Linux distribution. Debian, in particular, seems to take a conservative and stability-focused approach with the goal of providing a simple and stable desktop environment with regular release cycles and minimal development work.
Arch Linux, on the other hand, doesn't have a stable release cycle, no GUI is provided, and using rolling releases with intermittent updates causes bugs more often than stable distributions. Ars Technica says, 'Arch Linux is terrible for users who just want to function as a typical desktop PC,' but it's suitable for what Steam Deck wants.
Valve said he switched from Debian to Arch Linux because 'I think Arch Linux, which is highly customizable, is better suited for the best gaming experience on Steam Deck. Arch Linux rolling updates are on SteamOS. and it will be the development to more quickly perform as ' had been mentioned .
Valve says it aims to be able to play all games on Steam Deck at 30fps and above, but this requires a lot of customization. Steam games include thousands of native Linux games, from indie games to AAA-class titles, but in total only 20-25% of the total.
Adopting a rolling release on Arch Linux also means that it will fail more often. However, according to Ars Technica, Arch Linux incorporates bugs and their fixes as part of the ecosystem.
However, Valve is developing compatibility layer software 'Proton ' so that games for Windows can also be played on Linux. As a result, about 70% of Steam games can now be played within the permissible range.
What have been the achievements of the compatibility layer 'Proton' that makes Steam games playable on Linux? --GIGAZINE
Ars Technica concludes, 'To provide Valve's ability to play all games at 30fps and above, we need to make the latest software tweaks and continuous releases. That's the strength of Arch Linux.' increase.
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