This is the page that started it all! It was originally put up on the web on July 20, 1998 by Ian Crawford.

README

Linux is a mature operating system. It is fast, stable, flexible, and one of the most economical ways to operate a PC. The application library for Linux includes software to meet the needs of almost any user. When it comes to software development, Linux is an integrated develepment environment. Linux can be used to build anything. I like it. However, Linux doesn't have everything.

If Linux had everything, I wouldn't have two operating systems sharing my hard drive. What do I use this other operating system for? Really only one thing: GAMES!

Yes, I know you can get games for Linux. Some Linux games are pretty good. There have even been some major titles ported to Linux. But, in general, there is a huge difference between the games I play on that other operating system and the games I play on Linux. This, I don't like.

Why does this other operating system have all these incredible games and Linux doesn't? It's not about technology. Linux is much faster and more stable than that other OS. Linux networks are faster and can handle more traffic than networks of that other OS. Linux supports most 3D accelerator boards available today. Linux is a little behind in sound technology, but that's changing. All the technology and tools are there! It's mostly about money. The install base of that other operating system is twenty times^* the install base of Linux. If every Linux user in the world purchased a modern commercial game at today's price, the game might not break even.

Now, don't hold your breath until you see Tomb Raider II and Final Fantasy VII running on Linux because you will surely asphyxiate. But that's not what this is about.

What is this about? This is my proposition to the Linux community to help its operating system of choice by developing some great (and free!) Linux games. I am calling all designers, developers, modellers, music composers, writers, and anyone else with an interest in games to form the Linux Games Developers Group^**. I'm not talking about porting existing games to Linux (but there's nothing wrong with that). I'm suggesting we put a coordinated effort towards taking Linux gaming to the next level by developing some original native Linux games.

I would like to move this project into the brain storming stage. If you've read this far, please send me an email (icrawfor@uoguelph.ca). I am dying to get feed back on this, good or bad. I would like to know what you think of the idea of forming a Linux Game Developers Group, if you are interested in participating, and how you would like to participate.

I appologize for my primitive method of collecting information, but my Internet resources are very limited. If anyone interested in this project can offer their services to host a web page, set up mailing lists, or (I'm looking ahead here) host an FTP site, please let me know.