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Could Microsoft destroy Linux gaming by using the windows store (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 4 months ago by skymtf@lemmy.blahaj.zone to c/linux_gaming@lemmy.ml

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So as we know Windows Platform Apps and WinUI3 apps do not work on Linux, I keep wondering if Microsoft were to launch a new API let’s say direct X 15 but limit it to Windows Store Apps, and provided a way for the apps to be installed from other stores like steam could they in time kill modern Linux gaming.

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[–] Sandbag@lemm.ee 7 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Can you expand on this please, why is Gabe so worried about win32?,

[–] makingStuffForFun@lemmy.ml 12 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I just posted a few links to the other person who responded to me and you can follow those and there is more detail there.

But basically if Microsoft were to try, which they did, try and move to their own app store, which removes win32, then all of Valve's games ( in the store) will no longer become relevant over time, on the Windows platform.

You don't just spend millions and millions and millions of dollars on Linux for no reason at all. It's not like he's a fanboy, he's a businessman, and he's protecting his business.

[–] Sandbag@lemm.ee 2 points 4 months ago (2 children)

I guess I'm still confused on the why, is it because valve doesn't want to update their games?

Why is win32 so important?

[–] Nyonnyan@lemmy.world 5 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Win32 is a collection of windows APIs that allows applications to freely take use of windows. The problem being that 99% of current windows applications use win32 APIs, so all those programs would just be dead unless the alternative is api compatible. So in order to kill win32 Microsoft would have to release an api compatible alternative.

So what would happen if they did that? That is kill win32 and add an api compatible alternative? Best case scenario: nothing changes. Worse case scenario: every single standalone exe would be dead

So why kill win32? Power; by lets say locking the new api behind the windows store, they basically fully lock all applications to ever be redistributed to said windows store, killing steam, itch, epic games, and every single exe in existence. The only way applications would exist is by approval of Microsoft.

Now obviously this will never happen.

The entire premise of win32 shutting down is made up by people not understanding what they are talking about. However as a corporation, valve rather spends money on an alternative to be able to tell Microsoft, that they are able to significantly influence window's desktop marketshare, than to let Microsoft do whatever they want, even if it is mostly just smaller things.

[–] Ferk@lemmy.ml 1 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Yes, I don't think it's just about the execution of Win32 code, but also the possibility of MS using marketing techniques and dirty manipulation methods to give themselves advantages within the Windows platform to sway the general public to their store in a similar manner as how they push their browser, their MS Teams communication platform, their One Drive Cloud Storage, their search engine, their data-collection tech, their assistant, etc.

[–] xavier666@lemm.ee 2 points 4 months ago

Most games use win32 while developing games
it's a mostly open standard
when you develop games using win32, you decide how you want to deliver the game to the customer (Steam,Epic, your OWN website, GoG)
Steam can take a cut from your sales but if you don't like their policy you can deliver the games via other platforms. You have choice
enter UWA. Games developed using this platform HAS to be delivered via Windows Store. The devs need to get a key which needs to be purchased from Microsoft.#
Microsoft can disable Win32 apps, if they want, and all games (other than which are on Windows store) will stop working
games from other platforms won't work on PC since they are win32. Your choice is removed
Microsoft can ban you from the store, removing you ability to install apps

[–] desktop_user@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 4 months ago

Win32 is what basically all non MS store apps use. It's a bit old and bloated.