Steam on Linux is going 64-bit as Valve leans harder on the platform

[Alfonso Maruccia]

Ripple effect: One of the most popular pieces of computer software is about to deliver a better experience on Linux machines. The Steam client is going 64-bit, providing feature parity with versions designed to run on different operating systems.

A recent Steam Client Beta update brought the program into the 64-bit era on Linux. The native Linux version of the massively popular gaming client is now a 64-bit application, which means it gains access to a few significant enhancements and, hopefully, a more reliable software experience.

Until last week's beta update, Steam's main binary ran as a 32-bit application even on 64-bit Linux distros. Some components, such as steamwebhelper, were already 64-bit. Now the main client uses 64-bit code as well, which should significantly expand memory access and improve the software's overall security.

Steam is going 64-bit, but Linux users will still need to provide 32-bit libraries and graphics drivers for compatibility reasons. Valve said Linux operating systems that only work with 64-bit software are not supported just yet, which might further complicate the job of distro maintainers. The Fedora team floated dropping 32-bit library support last year, but withdrew the proposal after pushback over Steam compatibility – or lack thereof.

The same beta brings a few additional changes to Steam's experience. The gaming client now runs inside its own "Steam Runtime" container, which should help the program behave more consistently across different Linux distros. The same technology is used by Steam games, which can use either 32- or 64-bit code regardless of the client's architecture.

Another notable change is Steam Achievement Sets, a new way to organize and track in-game achievements across base game releases and additional downloadable content. The sets should also give developers a new type of seasonal goal. Games already supporting the new beta feature include Left 4 Dead 2, Portal 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and more than a dozen others.

Steam's new 64-bit architecture on Linux is a significant change, as Steam is becoming a major driving force behind Linux gaming experiences and products. Most of Valve's hardware devices rely on SteamOS, which is based on a special version of Arch Linux. Even modders are having a lot of fun exploiting the open source nature of SteamOS to build some interesting handheld projects.

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Steam on Linux is going 64-bit as Valve leans harder on the platform

 

[NumberNine]

Keep leaning, Valve!
We all benefit and I will lean with them.

 

[ThomasTECH]

Might want to test the roll outs and wait until their solid, my steam on linux just became unplayable due to unexpected runtime lag offline. I'll troubleshoot but could be related. I would be relieved if platforms stop aggressive development via chronic updates. Just build a yearly update and make it a good one if not every 2 years. Having to update or troubleshoot issues every time I attempt to play is Hulking me out.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Might want to test the roll outs and wait until their solid, my steam on linux just became unplayable due to unexpected runtime lag offline. I'll troubleshoot but could be related. I would be relieved if platforms stop aggressive development via chronic updates. Just build a yearly update and make it a good one if not every 2 years. Having to update or troubleshoot issues every time I attempt to play is Hulking me out.

Imagine typing this about Steam, a platform that is chronically slow at actually updating anything.

 

[Puiu]

Imagine typing this about Steam, a platform that is chronically slow at actually updating anything.

I don't know, updates have been fine. They made a fool out of Epic recently too

 

[Art C]

Everyone must pull together to keep things moving and improving until the very last Windows instance has been shut down.

 

[ThomasTECH]

Imagine typing this about Steam, a platform that is chronically slow at actually updating anything.

I do have to retract my statement I was able to fix the issue so Steam we are good! Next up how to fix PS5 lag, and the update comment more applies here, Steam just got lumped in. PS5 is a bigger downtime via update offender by far.