For non-installed usage that’s fine (I do similar) but if you want to install and integrate with the OS then I don’t think it’s a good idea to bypass the packaging system. It should be easy enough to convert a .deb as simple as I describe to another type using alien.
Yeah I’m gonna make a “Download for Debian / Ubuntu / Linux Mint” button and a “Download for other distributions”.
Debian distributions seem to be the most popular anyhow, especially for people who might be interested in games, steam is also on ubuntu. You might do a .RPM, but I dont think there is enough people at all.
Its annoying, but you are just being a lazy ass. Its 10 more minutes.
Actually If I already make a .deb, after that it would only be like 2 more minutes, its just copy and paste and leaving out the other stuff you dont need.
But you also ditched demo version of your game and I also think you are just lazy there. If you design it right, its just one boolean and not putting in the levels and assets needed for the later game… well it depends on the game…
Laziness is a virtue for a programmer (yeah, yeah…up to a point). My question would be: “Is the extra work worth an estimated number of incremental sells I’ll get from doing this?” I’d guess the answer is (big fat) no.
Roquen would be right. We’ve noticed no difference in Linux sales once we switched to tar.gz exclusively. No increase in Linux support either. And now I don’t have to manage 6 different uploads just to cater for Linux when both other major desktop OSes manage to make do with just 1 each. #Win!
We used to do .deb, and flavours in both 32 and 64 bit. Waste of time, increased burden on us, customers didn’t care anyway.
All our games are still demos so I’m not sure if you’re talking to me there or someone else.
Old story where you said you stopped having 2 builds, one for a demo. So your games are now full games, even the demo version, but you just have to unlock them.
Not sure if thats still the case
It never was the case. We’ve always had demos, and always they’ve been “unlockable” into full versions.
In a twist of fate though we are thinking of ditching demos as they actively appear to discourage sales.
Shipping a tar.gz isn’t lazy if your game / application runs from a single directory in the user’s home directory (what I mean by uninstalled usage). In fact I’m even lazier and ship a zip for uninstalled usage with binaries for all 3 OS in one. However, if you want to install properly (like proper icons, menu item, etc.) then bypassing the package system is a PITA. Don’t see the point in trying to support all packaging systems though. .deb and possibly .rpm should cover most, with others pointed at alien.
Worth noting that Ubuntu Software Centre now offers the possibility to sell games too.