Steam Deck Game - To Linux or not to Linux

Hi,

I recently got Blasphemous. I played it on the deck for an hour, and then when I booted it up on my pc, the save file didn't exist, because the linux version and the windows version of the game apparently can't share save files. So my playthrough is stuck on the deck.

If this is the case, and with the existence of the proton interpreter, Why would I bother with making a Linux version for a game targeting the steam deck?

You could use Steam Cloud to sync save files between devices. See the Steamworks plugin documentation which covers that.

Not an answer to the question. Cloud save is not the issue. I guess I have to read as no, there is not point to make a linux build.

I recently got Blasphemous. I played it on the deck for an hour, and then when I booted it up on my pc, the save file didn't exist, because the linux version and the windows version of the game apparently can't share save files. So my playthrough is stuck on the deck.

Are you referring to the game Blasphemous by The Game Kitchen? Do they promise cross save between platforms and if so, wouldn't that be a question you ask them?

Here's their contact info:

infotsr@thegamekitchen.com

Why would I bother with making a Linux version for a game targeting the steam deck?

That's a question only you can answer. If you want your game to be playable on Steam Deck, you make a game targeting the Steam Deck. If not, then don't.

Cloud Saves should work.

I think it was working with my game, but been a while since I tested it.

Could be just an issue with Blasphemous.

Last I tried the Windows emulation on Steam Deck didn't work very well for Windows WebView2 exports. I'd recommend using a Linux export anyway as it runs directly on the OS rather than using a complex emulation layer which could be a source of bugs, compatibility problems or performance issues.