Epic Games Launcher will officially support SteamOS
Epic Games says its Linux launcher will work on SteamOS and Steam Decks, though Fortnite on the platform is still not confirmed, according to The Verge.
The facts
- Epic Games communications director Jake Jones confirmed SteamOS support to GamingOnLinux, according to The Verge.
- Jones said Epic plans to support as many Linux distributions as possible, including Fedora, SteamOS, Cachy and Omarchy.
- The new launcher is still in preview. Epic is testing packaging formats and says it will restore AppImage this month.
- Fortnite on SteamOS is not confirmed. Easy Anti-Cheat Linux v2 support is still an open question, and Epic has said the Steam Deck lacks features its solution needs.
Case notes · Danny's take
Why it matters
A launcher is the easy part. The game is the hard part. Epic can put its store on SteamOS, but Fortnite depends on anti-cheat, and that is where Linux support has stalled. Watch the gap between what is promised and what actually runs. For Linux gamers, that gap is the whole story.
For builders
If you build games or tools for Linux, note that packaging formats are still in flux at Epic. Anti-cheat compatibility remains the real blocker for multiplayer titles on Steam Deck, so test early.
Not financial advice. Do your own investigation.
This story was summarised with AI from The Verge's reporting and checked against our editorial policy. Danny's take reflects his views. Disclaimer.
Danny Walter
Founder of Moon Republic, Volt Terminal and Moon Republic Academy. Author of The Market Is a Crime Scene and After the Applause.