The July 2025 results of the Steam Survey, released by Phoronix, indicate a significant rise in Linux gaming market share, reaching 2.89%—a 0.32% increase from previous months. This marks a new high for the Linux gaming population, although it remains below the early Steam on Linux market share figures from a decade ago. The Steam survey highlights Linux’s continued growth in the gaming market, with macOS at 1.88% and Windows dominating at 95.23%. The upward trend, despite fluctuations in previous months, underscores the increasing interest in Linux-based gaming platforms.
Linux’s market share has shown a fluctuating but generally upward trajectory, with notable spikes in December 2024 and May 2025. The July figures, while not surpassing the early days of Steam on Linux, reflect a sustained growth trend. This growth is attributed to improvements in Linux game compatibility, increased support from game developers, and a growing community of Linux users interested in gaming. As the gaming industry continues to diversify, the Linux platform is increasingly being recognized as a viable alternative to traditional Windows-based gaming environments.
The Steam survey results are a testament to the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. With Linux users contributing a significant portion to the overall gaming market, the trend suggests a potential shift in market dynamics. Developers and publishers are taking notice, with more titles being ported to Linux and optimized for its unique environment. This shift not only benefits Linux users but also opens new opportunities for game developers to reach a broader audience. As the Linux gaming ecosystem continues to mature, it is expected to play a more prominent role in the global gaming market, further enhancing the platform’s appeal and market presence.
Despite the overall growth, the Linux gaming market still faces challenges, including the need for ongoing support from developers and the availability of a wider range of games. However, the recent survey results indicate that Linux is becoming an increasingly attractive option for gamers and developers alike. As the market continues to expand, it remains to be seen how this trend will impact the broader gaming industry and whether Linux will eventually achieve a more substantial market share in the long term.