Linux gaming on Steam has grown to 5% of the platform’s user base since the Steam Deck launched in 2022, representing between 4.5 and 5 million users according to Steam’s latest figures.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 changes are pushing users toward Linux alternatives
The growth in Linux gaming is partly driven by user frustration with Windows 11, which features mandatory internet connectivity, built-in advertising, and a strong focus on AI through Copilot. The lack of vertical taskbar support in Windows 11 has also been cited as a specific pain point by users considering alternatives.
Steam Deck and SteamOS have accelerated Linux adoption in gaming
Steam Deck, while not officially launched in all regions, has significantly expanded Linux gaming by making SteamOS—based on Arch Linux—available to more handheld devices. This has created a growth loop where increased hardware support leads to more users, which in turn encourages further development.
Linux now surpasses MacOS as a gaming platform on Steam
According to Steam’s own survey from April 2025, Windows holds 92.33% of the gaming market, Linux stands at 5.33%, and MacOS accounts for 2.35%, meaning Linux has more than double the user base of MacOS for gaming despite the latter’s broader consumer device presence.
The fragmented nature of Linux presents ongoing challenges
Linux remains challenging for users due to its distribution fragmentation, with Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch serving as the primary bases for most other variants. This diversity in interfaces, file explorers, and system configurations can create confusion, even as SteamOS provides a more standardized Arch-based option for gaming.
What is SteamOS based on?
SteamOS is based on Arch Linux, as stated in the source material.
How many Linux gamers are there on Steam?
Linux gaming on Steam represents between 4.5 and 5 million users, according to the latest figures cited in the article.