Getting Closer: Valve Releases Linux Betas for Left 4 Dead 2 & Portal

Since the launching of Steam for Linux this past February, we’ve seen a good number of titles from Valve hit the platform, but when taking a look at the developer’s catalog as a whole, it becomes obvious that we still have a little way’s to go. While it’s not clear if Valve has plans to release most of its catalog to Linux eventually, there’s little doubt that it has interest in porting its prized titles, such as Half-Life 2. The release date for that remains unknown, but at least we’re inching closer to it.

Late last week, Valve released two of its most popular titles for Linux (as betas); Portal (not 2), and Left 4 Dead 2. The latter of these is arguably the most interesting, as it was the original showpiece for Valve’s Linux work. It seems a bit strange that it’s taken so long to reach us, but who can complain? We’re getting more stellar titles for Linux, and that’s that.

Portal

Left 4 Dead 2

As these are betas, they should be treated as such – it’s fair to say that your experience may not be ideal. Ironically enough, I recently got fed-up in waiting for Portal 2 to come to Linux that I began a fresh quest under Windows. After I beat it this third time, I have little doubts I’ll be hopping into the original under my favorite OS (aka: the one that doesn’t give me activation hassles).