Nathan CrauseMusings of a Software Developer

I came across a Slashdot article today which mentioned the Mac version of Steam from Valve, and the supposedly imminent release of the Linux version.

I'll admit, I was skeptical.

Until I found this job posting on the Valve website:

Senior Software Engineer

Description
Lead engineer and architect on product integration into the highly available digital distribution platform called "Steam". Utilize business/commerce background and engineering skills to drive next generation features for software developed by Valve.

Responsibilities
Develop an understanding of Valve's Internet business and player community and contribute creative web-focused design solutions to improve the experience of using Valve's products
Manage the operation of large clusters of machines running both Windows and Linux in a highly available system.
Utilize knowledge of networking technologies and their appropriate use in large scale digital distribution systems and gaming platforms.
Port Windows-based games to the Linux platform.
Test, document, and maintain large scale networking installations and their assorted protocols
oversee and implement quality assurance of applications in house and third party games distributed on Steam™ Required Qualifications
Bachelor in Systems Engineering (or equivalent).
Requires two years of experience in systems engineering designing and developing communications software and hardware solutions including resolving problems surrounding real-time and non real time PC- based systems using C++ and network programming algorithms and their interaction with physical devices.

Experience must include providing research and documentation on solutions implemented.

Of particular interest is the part which reads: "Port Windows-based games to the Linux platform."

Now, I hate to become excited too quick, but if this is accurate then I am over the moon. The #1 excuse I get from people not wanting to use Linux is "I want to play my games, and they're only in Windows". I have this conundrum myself, but I dual-boot.

With a major developer willing to adopt it as a platform, if the move can generate a good revenue stream, then it may prompt others to follow. If that happens, what is left as a reason for not adopting Linux as your OS?

It's going to be interesting to keep an eye on this development.