We’ve seen developer outreach initiatives, graphic-centric PPAs, and lots of community marketing. Ubuntu has tried to counter some of its (relative) deficiencies in the gaming area over the years.
They also tend to provide easier access to experimental apps and cutting-edge features that assist gaming and/or game streaming. Users increasingly turn to rolling release Linux distros like Arch as they deliver Linux kernel and graphics driver updates more frequently. Today Ubuntu is not considered the premiere choice for Linux gaming. When Steam for Linux debuted in 2012 Ubuntu was Valve’s recommended Linux distro for gamers wanting to thumb-flex with Tux (indeed, at that time Ubuntu was the recommended distro for pretty much else too).
“We work with partners in the silicon world to ensure the latest graphics drivers and tweaks are built-in for optimal frame rates and latency, as well as with partners in the gaming industry to ensure that mechanisms such as anti-cheat capabilities are available to ensure fairness and product availability,” the listing explains. Ubuntu’s chief sponsor is recruiting a “Linux Desktop Gaming Product Manager” whose job will be to ”…make Ubuntu the best Linux desktop for gaming”. Can Ubuntu reclaim its gaming crown? Based on a new job opening added to its careers page, Canonical thinks so.