[pjmlp]

As means to avoid paying for Windows licenses.

All the games that matter are Windows games running via Proton, as Valve has failed to actually build a GNU/Linux native games ecosystem, in spite of UNIX/POSIX underpinnings of Android NDK, PlayStation, the studios hardly bother.

The day Microsoft actually decides to challenge Proton, or do a netbooks move on handhelds with XBox OS/Windows, the SteamDeck will lose, just like the netboooks did.

Additionally, it is anyone's guess what will happen to Valve when Gabe steps down.

[Comma2976]

As a means of control

[pjmlp]

If they cared about control, they wouldn't depend on Windows ecosystem, rather foster GNU/Linux native games.

Everyone is quite curious what Microsoft will drop at CES 2025, and which OEMs will be on their side, it is going to be netbooks all over again.

[Comma2976]

They are literally fostering Linux games by selling and endorsing a platform where those games would be native as well as having native releases of their own games. They aren't gonna force any third-party devs to do the same, but they're showing that there is a market while also growing it.