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A return to software rendering could present an interesting opportunity for Linux. A major barrier against using Linux is the lack of availability of A-list games. If a game no longer requires DirectX, then it would seem to be an easier task to port it to many operating systems. It would not be a magic fix, but it would be one more step toward the possibility of a mass market Linux on the desktop.

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If a game no longer requires DirectX, then it would seem to be an easier task to port it to many operating systems.

I don't think this is what is holding back Linux games. Many game companies already design their games to not rely on DirectX -- none of the games on the PS3, Wii, Mac, or various portables require DirectX.

But they will only port to platforms where they think they can make money. Linux's low gamer population doesn't help, nor does the "everything's free" user expectation.

OTOH, we can't expect Microsoft to do nothing while Intel takes their lock-in away.

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