SteamOS gets a powerful new weapon: Ryse: Son of Rome developer adds Linux support to its graphics engine

The studio responsible for one of the best-looking Xbox One launch games is making its graphics tools compatible with Linux.

Developer Crytek, maker of the Crysis shooter franchise, revealed today that its Cryengine suite of graphics tools now supports the open-source operating system. This will enable developers that use the development kit to easily bring their titles to Linux in addition to PC and consoles. On top of that, this means that Cryengine also works with SteamOS, the new gaming-focused operating system for living room PCs from Half-Life developer Valve.

Most recently, Crytek used its technology to power the Xbox One launch game Ryse: Son of Rome. While critics were generally cool on the ancient brawler, many noted its visuals set it apart as an example of what the next console is capable of.

Linux gaming has long lived in the shadow of Windows. While indie developers often port their smaller releases to the Linux, bigger companies tend to skip the OS entirely. That could change for anyone using the Cryengine to make their product — especially since they’ll also have SteamOS to highlight the game.

We’ve reached out to Crytek to ask if it plans to bring any of its classic Cryengine games to Linux or SteamOS. We’ll update this story with any new information.

In addition to the Linux support, Crytek is also updating its graphics kit with many of the latest tricks and features it developed for Ryse. That includes improvements to rendering of light, material, and skin.

The studio plans to show off the Linux support along with the new improvements at the upcoming Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. The company has its own booth at the Moscone Center and is also showing off a couple of its latest games.