Valve is very pro-Linux these days, what with its upcoming SteamOS being built on the foundation of the open-source operating system. And now the Steam gatekeeper is actively involved with preaching the glory of Linux, thanks to its into the ranks of the Linux Foundation. The non-profit organization exists to help Linux grow into a more widely used competitor to Mac OS and Windows.
“Joining the Linux Foundation is one of many ways Valve is investing in the advancement of Linux gaming,” Valve’s Mike Sartain said in a statement. “Through these efforts, we hope to contribute tools for developers building new experiences on Linux, compel hardware manufacturers to prioritize support for Linux, and ultimately deliver an elegant and open platform for Linux users.”
Valve’s entrance into the Linux Foundation member ranks is about more than just gaming. The non-profit exists to foster collaboration between all members in an effort to “solve harder problems, innovate faster than ever, and change the way the world works together” using Linux. It seems to be about educating within as well as without. It doesn’t necessarily have any practical implications on the SteamOS side, though Valve’s programmers having access to LF resources will only strengthen their knowledgebase as the operating system grows and evolves over time.