[ssl-3]

Steam (via Proton) generally works, though, for those who wish to use it. (Steam+Proton also works with things downloaded from outside of Steam, too, and has for years[0].)

Proton itself is open-source[1].

If someone wanted to package up standalone Proton binaries for a Linux distro, then I don't see any particular barriers that would prevent that.

On GoG's part, they do provide the ability to just download a game with a web browser (the old-fashioned, DRM-free way). From there, I can manage the games I that own in any way that I choose.

Thus, I'm simply not seeing a problem here that needs solved. I already have the freedom to do whatever I want.

Which part of this situation is broken, do you suppose, and why does GoG in particular need to fix it?

[0]: https://boilingsteam.com/valve-breaks-the-shackles-of-proton...

[1]: https://github.com/ValveSoftware/Proton

[OWMYT]

It would be the best if they could provide a package manager-like experience (managing dependencies, auto-update, etc.). I don't like the idea that I have to deal with those issues myself even for popular contemporary games. Granted, I already have to put in some work running games on Linux so this might as well be what we get.

[ssl-3]

It sure would be convenient if retailers like GoG had awesome controlled support for various and sundry Linux distros, and for MacOS, and for the TRS-80 Model III and the Amiga 500, but:

What does a person buy when they buy a game from GoG?

In my own experience with buying from GoG: What I buy is a copy of a Windows installer, and [often] a Steam code.

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If I then want to do something on my Linux box (or my Amiga 500) with that Windows installer, then: That's on me.

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I don't think that they owe me anything else here. YMMV.