Skip to main content

Content developers now have access to the SteamVR for Linux beta

valve software steamvr beta linux htc vive side feat
Pierre-Loup Griffais of Valve Software recently jumped on Twitter to announce the launch of a developer build of SteamVR for Linux. Available now on GitHub, it is offered in the beta branch only so that developers can begin creating Linux-based content that will be distributed through Steam. Limited hardware support is provided, the release notes indicate, and developers will need pre-release drivers to run the beta.

According to the notes, SteamVR for Linux is based on the Vulkan graphics API, which is an open-source alternative to Microsoft’s DirectX and another older, open-source API called OpenGL. These APIs are what is used for games and other software to interact specifically with a graphics card. Vulkan is the latest of the trio, offering more access to the graphics chip than its OpenGL predecessor.

Related Videos

That said, to use SteamVR for Linux, developers will need the latest Vulkan drivers. If they are working with Nvidia cards, they will also need version 375.27.10 of the Nvidia Developer Beta Driver, which can be downloaded from Nvidia here. It can also be obtained as a Debian packaged version from Nvidia’s online development drivers repository.

Meanwhile, developers creating content on AMD hardware will need a pre-release version of the RADV open-source Radeon Vulkan driver. Valve provides a build in the SteamVR for Linux repository that can be cloned and used after setting an environment variable. Currently, SteamVR for Linux doesn’t support direct mode, so the VR headset must be set to extended mode.

“SteamVR needs to be able to access the HTC Vive’s USB devices,” the release notes state. “On most Linux distributions this is not allowed by default. The latest version (1.0.0.54) of the Steam package will automatically install udev rules that allow this. However, many distributions repackage Steam. If you have installed one of those packages, you may not have the latest Steam udev rules.”

Finally, developers will need Unity 5.6 or later. However, because SteamVR on Linux only supports the Vulkan driver, developers will need to go into the game engine and add “Vulkan (Experimental)” to the Graphics APIs for Linux option. Also, make sure the “Auto Graphics API for Linux” option is unchecked.

Ultimately, this move to add SteamVR support to Linux is just one step closer to Valve’s infiltration into the living room. The company set out to overthrow the console market with its Steam Machine initiative, which consists of console-like gaming PCs. These PCs are typically powered by Valve’s open-source SteamOS operating system, which is based on Linux.

The move to add Linux support is also Valve’s attempt to provide an open-VR solution across multiple markets, including MacOS. Valve’s Joe Ludwig promised during the Steam Dev Days event in October that SteamVR would come to Linux in a matter of months, and Valve has lived up to that promise. Next up should be MacOS, which may be officially revealed during Game Developers Conference at the end of February.

Editors' Recommendations

Valve's SteamVR knuckle controllers make flipping the bird possible in VR
knuckle controllers

Valve released some details for its upcoming virtual reality knuckle controllers, which look like a cross between its original HTC Vive wands and Oclus VR's Touch controllers. These new ones utilize capacitive sensors to detect hand and finger movements and gestures, as well as different grip types.

The first indication we had that Valve was working on a new type of virtual reality controller came last year during a Steam Dev Day event, followed up by an early look at prototypes. Those controllers introduced some exciting new features and are now available to developers to help them build their games around the new design. Thanks to Valve's breakdown of their features, we know a lot more about what they are capable of.

Read more
Decorate your personal VR space with new SteamVR collectibles
steamvr collectibles decoration steamvrcollectibles

Valve partnered up with a number of developers to allow virtual reality gamers to unlock various collectibles for the SteamVR home space. Whether you're shooting drone bots in Space Pirate Trainer, completing robotic tasks in Job Simulator or punching glowing orbs in Audioshield, you can now unlock various items for your personal VR space.

One of the biggest additions to Valve's SteamVR platform in recent months was the creation of customizable home spaces. Borrowing ideas from Oculus Home and adding a new layer of customization, SteamVR Home opened up many options for users who wanted their own personal space within the virtual realm. Now they can decorate it with objects from their favorite games too.

Read more
Make your SteamVR home screen much more comfortable with latest beta update
steamvr beta home update steamvrhome01

Valve released a beta update for its SteamVR software which gives the home screen a major refurbishment. Gone are the purple plains and distant mountains under a night sky and in their place is a much cozier setting. Or not. That is the beauty of the new update, it is fully customizable by the user.

Although we would still recommend the HTC Vive as the more capable virtual reality system right now, one advantage of the Oculus Rift headset is a more comfortable jump-off point for VR. Oculus Home puts you in an ultra modern living room with a crackling fire and water feature. In comparison, the basic SteamVR home screen is a little desolate.

Read more