Friday Kool Site of the Week: Linux Gaming Update

This is the first post in what will be a normal Friday occurrence here on The Blue Mint. These will be shorter posts that link to other "Cool Sites" of interest to many Linux Mint KDE users, and Linux users in general.

In today's post we actually have two cool services we want to mention. The theme here is the much maligned concept of gaming on Linux. I will devote a larger blog post about this in the near future. For now, here are links to two cool sites that allow you to experience all the fun of gaming for free on Linux.

1st mention: Djl

From the website:

Djl is an open-source (GPL licensed) game manager written in Python 2.5 for the GNU/Linux Operating Systems. It is inspired by Valve's Steam software for Windows.

There are over 100+ games available for installation through the system. A complete list is here.

Since there is no deb file for install (and Djl is not in the repositories for Kubuntu / LM KDE), you can follow these instructions posted over on Make Tech Easier. The program installs easily and also asks you on first run if you want to make a panel shortcut. Overall, a very nice game manager!

2nd mention: PlayDeb.net

From the website:

PlayDeb is an unofficial project with the mission to provide the latest open source and freeware games for the current Ubuntu Linux release, in an easy to install manner.

The PlayDeb repository extends the official repositories by providing latest versions and new games. Unlike the official packages, PlayDeb packages do not have a predefined release schedule - new game versions are provided as they become available from their authors.

Like Djl, PlayDeb has lots of games that are organized by category. There is an easy 1-click install to grab the games here. One note for Kubuntu and Linux Mint users who are using <= 9.04 (ie. versions equal to or older than Kubuntu 9.04 Jaunty or Linux Mint KDE 7 Gloria): You will need to install apturl from the repositories to use PlayDeb. Here's all you do:

sudo apt-get install apturl

If you are using Firefox, you also need to go to Edit > Preferences and click on the Application tab. Search for "apt" and change the value of this field to "use apturl". Now you can use PlayDeb, as well as it's sister website GetDeb.net!

Similarities
Many of the games overlap (i.e. are the same). Both services have screenshots, descriptions, and filtering by genre. Both will link you to the website of the game you are currently browsing. Finally, both add games regularly, so there should be something here for anyone!

As for which to use, why not try them both out?
PS - Isn't open source great??

My current semi-addiction is Urban Terror. Simply a fast, fun, FPS frag-fest. I usually go by the handle "LinuxMintKDE", so if you see me, make sure to say hello before you fill me with lead :)

What are your favorite games on Linux?
Would you pay for a native Linux game?
What games do you wish were on Linux?