For years, gaming on Linux has been perceived as complex and challenging. However, recent advancements have made it increasingly accessible. One of the most significant improvements is the adoption of Flatpak, a universal package management system that simplifies software installation across various Linux distributions. This technology, combined with the Flathub repository, has revolutionized the way gamers set up their Linux systems for play.

Flatpak allows for a true “plug and play” experience, eliminating many of the traditional hurdles associated with Linux gaming. By providing a standardized method of packaging and distributing applications, Flatpak ensures that games and gaming platforms can be easily installed and run on any compatible Linux system, regardless of the underlying distribution.

Installing Flatpak and Flathub

The process varies slightly depending on the Linux distribution:

Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based:

sudo apt install flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Fedora: Flatpak is pre-installed. Just add Flathub:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

openSUSE:

sudo zypper install flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

After setup, restart your system to ensure changes take effect.

Installing Gaming Platforms

Use these commands to install popular gaming platforms:

1. Steam:

flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam -y

Steam is a digital distribution platform offering a vast library of games, including many optimized for Linux.

2. Heroic Games Launcher:

flatpak install flathub com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl -y

An open-source GOG and Epic Games launcher for Linux, allowing users to download, update, and play games from these platforms.

3. itch.io:

flatpak install flathub io.itch.itch -y

An open marketplace for independent digital creators, focusing on indie video games.

4. Lutris:

flatpak install flathub net.lutris.Lutris -y

Lutris is an open-source gaming platform for Linux. It simplifies the installation and management of games from various sources, including Steam, GOG, Battle.net, Origin, Uplay, and more. Lutris provides a unified interface to manage all your games and emulators, making it easier to organize and launch your entire gaming library.

Using Flatpak for gaming ensures consistency across distributions, provides isolation through sandboxing, enables easy updates, and includes all necessary dependencies, reducing compatibility issues.