The amount of software that is available for Linux is truly mind-boggling with tens of thousands of applications available to download, including an impressive arsenal of open source games. However, it is fair to say that the amount of commercial games released for Linux continues to be in short supply in comparison with the number of titles released under Windows.

Whilst software such as CrossOver Games (and Wine) allows many commercial Windows games to be played under Linux, if Linux is going to become a force in the gaming world it needs a good supply of native games. Developing games across multiple platforms is expensive. If Linux is going to justify the extra work involved in native ports, it needs the prospect that those ports will generate significant sales for the developers. Fortunately, the Linux user base continues to increase, which increases the likelihood of more Linux ports.

To be eligible for inclusion in this article each game needed to be:

Released under a proprietary license with a fee required either to purchase the game, or a monthly charge

Not require Wine to run. Wine is a compatibility layer for running Windows software

Please recognise that the games featured in this three part article only represent a current snapshot of the best games. There are some very exciting commercial games to be released shortly for Linux.

Now, let’s scrutinize the 8 games at hand. For each game we have compiled its own portal page, providing screenshots of the game in action, a full description of the game, with an in-depth analysis of the features of the game, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.

Return to our complete collection of recommended free and open source software including our latest additions.