GOG Embraces Linux: Inside the Native Galaxy Client Development

A recent Reddit AMA with GOG's CEO didn't just confirm native Linux support—it framed it as a "return to first principles." For a community long reliant on workarounds, this marks a pivotal philosophical alignment. For years, Linux gamers have valued GOG's DRM-free library but navigated its absence through direct downloads or third-party launchers. When co-founder and CEO Michał Kiciński called Linux the "next major frontier" for PC gaming and a "serious topic" for the company, it signaled more than a new client. This move represents a strategic and ideological alignment between GOG’s core ethos and the open-source community, promising to reshape the landscape of open-platform gaming.

The Official Announcement: From Reddit AMA to Job Listings

The confirmation arrived not through a polished press release, but in the direct, community-focused setting of a Reddit Ask Me Anything session. Michał Kiciński, who repurchased GOG to return it to independence in late 2022, offered a clear and personal endorsement. “I am a big fan of Linux,” he stated, positioning the initiative as a priority from the very top of the company. This context is crucial. GOG’s return to being a privately-held entity under its original leadership appears to have unlocked a renewed focus on its foundational mission, free from the broader corporate strategies of its former parent.

The talk was swiftly followed by tangible action. A job listing for a Senior C++ Engineer appeared, with responsibilities explicitly including porting the GOG Galaxy client to Linux. The listing’s language was telling, emphasizing the goal of building the client’s architecture with “Linux in mind from day one.” This is not a side project or an afterthought. It is a dedicated, ground-up engineering effort to create a native Linux application, marking a significant commitment of resources and intent. The move from CEO enthusiasm to active recruitment underscores that this is a strategic pillar for GOG’s future.

Vision and Development Goals for a Native Linux Client

So, what exactly is GOG building? The primary objective is feature parity with the Windows version of GOG Galaxy. This means Linux users can look forward to the full suite of services: a unified library, automatic updates, cloud saves, cross-play friend lists, and achievement tracking—all within a dedicated native application.

The term “native” is key here. While tools like Valve’s Proton have revolutionized Linux gaming by allowing Windows titles to run seamlessly, a native client offers distinct advantages. It promises better performance, lower overhead, and deeper integration with the Linux desktop environment, from native file pickers to proper system notifications. GOG has also stated a commitment to supporting a wide array of Linux hardware and distributions, a vital consideration for a community known for its diverse ecosystem.

However, Kiciński and the team have been careful to manage expectations. The project is in a “very early stage,” and the company has provided no estimated time of arrival (ETA). This transparency is important. Building a robust, feature-complete client is a complex undertaking, and GOG is signaling this as a long-term investment, not a quick fix.

The Current State of GOG Gaming on Linux

To fully appreciate the promise of this native client, it's essential to understand the ecosystem it aims to streamline. Linux gamers are nothing if not resourceful. The primary method has been to bypass a launcher entirely by downloading the DRM-free installers directly from GOG’s website—a process perfectly in keeping with the platform’s ethos but lacking modern conveniences.

Third-party launchers have filled the gap admirably. Heroic Games Launcher has become a popular open-source front-end for managing GOG and Epic Games Store libraries on Linux, handling installation, updates, and Proton/Wine configuration. Similarly, Lutris provides a powerful unified game management platform that integrates GOG titles seamlessly. These tools have been essential for playing GOG games on devices like the Steam Deck, where they are often installed as non-Steam applications.

While these solutions work, they represent a fragmented experience compared to the integrated, first-party promise of GOG Galaxy. A native client would consolidate these functions, offering a streamlined, officially supported pathway that matches the convenience users of other platforms enjoy.

Why This Move Matters: Ethos and Ecosystem

GOG’s push into native Linux support is significant beyond mere feature parity. It represents a profound alignment of philosophies. GOG was built on the pillars of DRM-free gaming and consumer ownership, principles that resonate deeply with the open-source and software freedom values at the heart of the Linux community. By officially embracing Linux, GOG is strengthening its position as the most pro-consumer, open platform in the digital storefront space.

This move also has strategic implications for the broader ecosystem. For years, a major hurdle for Linux gaming adoption has been software parity—the lack of official support from major platforms and services. GOG, as a major storefront with a vast library of classic and modern titles, officially supporting Linux chips away at this barrier. It improves user choice, validates Linux as a legitimate gaming target for other developers, and contributes to a more robust and competitive open gaming landscape. It’s a statement that the future of PC gaming isn’t monolithic.

GOG’s commitment to native Linux support, driven from the CEO’s desk and backed by active development, marks a pivotal shift. It is a serious, long-term investment in a community that has long shared its core values. While patience is required as the project is still in its infancy, the symbolic importance cannot be overstated. A major, DRM-free platform is not just acknowledging the Linux frontier—it is actively building an outpost. This development promises a more integrated future for Linux gamers and reinforces the vision of an open, user-centric gaming world that GOG has championed from the start. The next major frontier for PC gaming is being charted, officially.