Firstly, I absolutely have to thank Michael for all the years of hard work he’s put into making Linux Game Publishing what it is today. Without Michael’s years of dedication so much of what is Linux Gaming as we know it today simply wouldn’t exist. It’s on his shoulders that I find myself standing, far from attempting to fill those shoes.
As Michael mentioned, I’ve been involved in Linux gaming for many many years, sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly. Games have always been a passion of mine and working on and with them possibly more so. I’m so excited to be at the helm of a company that I’ve loved for so very long and a company whose future I’m certain is bright.
I’ve delayed posting this greeting message for a few days, because one of the most common remarks I have noticed since Michael and I began discussing this transition is that LGP hasn’t given enough feedback to the community. I wanted to see the responses to Michael’s resignation and of course the announcement of my arrival so that I can answer questions I saw being posted on various forums, news sites and this very blog.
I have great plans for Linux Game Publishing. Since some of them coincide with queries that people have posed either directly to me in our IRC channel or in comments online, I will respond to them now:-
Regarding Michael: He is not disappearing completely, but will be working with me for some time in an advisory capacity – his knowledge and experience in the Linux gaming world is unparalleled as I’m sure you’d all agree. As well as working with me, Michael will occasionally be contributing to new and old titles. Linux games are still a huge passion of his and I don’t think we’d be able to keep him away from the code, even if we were crazy enough to want to ;)
Digital distribution channels: This medium certainly has a strong future and is only going to grow. I personally have accounts at online stores such as Steam, GOG, Desura, Gamer’s Gate, Gameolith and others. Expanding digital distribution is definitely a priority for me. I have already had tentative discussions, begun setting up and getting ready to distribute through a few big names in Linux digital distribution.
Our current shipping of physical CDs and DVDs: We’ve admittedly had problems with this and it’s something I’ve been working on in the background since Michael and I started having discussions around his handover. Once our new distribution channels are in place, those of you that have seen delays in delivery shouldn’t ever experience that again.
We’re going through a period of transition at the moment and as much as I’d love everything to happen “right now”, there’s a lot of work to be done. I’m very aware that there are unhappy people out there – you are my primary focus right now. Linux Game Publishing is a great company, with massive potential and I’m truly excited to be a part of its history in the making.
As for new games: Yes, we have some in the pipeline! With all that has happened, there have obviously been delays. We have two announced titles that everyone is aware of, namely Disciples 2: Dark Prophecy and Bandits: Phoenix Rising. I’m happy to say that there will be an announcement regarding one of them soon. There are also other unannounced titles we’re working on and I’m really looking forward to reaching the point where we can announce those to you.
LGP has a strong team of great programmers, that have stood with Michael and worked with him through the years. Some have been around for a while and we also have some new faces. I am incredibly grateful to our team for the hard work that they have put in, contributing towards what we currently have and will be producing going forward.
Keep a keen eye on us here at LGP, you won’t be disappointed ;)
Clive Crous
CEO – Linux Game Publishing
Tags: clive, customer services, Hello, history, lgp, michael
Great stuff :-) I like that you mention Desura, GOG, etc. How about Ubuntu Software Center?
(On games: my highest wish is a re-release of Heroes of Might and Magic III, but the Complete Edition, updated to new Linux systems so we don’t have to mess around with old patches.)
I would buy a rerelease of Homm3 Complete (in German?) immideatly. Its my greatest wish too, and for Disciples 2, I am waiting, and waiting, and waiting. It feels like years.
I know it is an older game but I would absolutely buy HOMM3 Complete.
Best of luck to you and looking forward to the new titles :)
As the owner of probably one of the most popular Linux gaming sites around i am extremely happy to have you with us. I wish you the best of luck with LGP and i cant wait to heat more from you, if you need releases covered on gamingonlinux.com let us know!
Welcome to you then, Clive.
I hope you can keep up with all the expectations.
And I hope you will lead LGP to a long and bright future.
Also I’m keen on reading the news regarding Disciples or Phoenix Rising.
I wish you and the company the best, and will support you with buying your products.
A huge welcome from my side Clive,
your welcome speech sound very bright to me. What LGP needs, is definitely
a reboot. I’m pretty sure you can do this :)
Woohoo ! Digital distribution !
Can’t wait to see what’s next.
I’m kind of exited to see what will come out from this. New Titles ? can’t wait !.
It’s really great to hear some news from you guys, Clive seems like the right man for the job, i wish you guys all the best and hope to be hearing from you soon! ( even if it’s boring news )
Personally, I did very much like to have the physical media. On the other hand it is better for both you and us to have you guys go back to getting games out. If you guys do both physical and digital releases, I’ll probably go for the physical. That said, I’ll be buying Discpiples II when it’s done anyway, no matter the media, i’am already waiting for it for years. ;) Phoenix Rising sounds fun as well, i might take a look at that one as well.
Hello!
I think we all noticed stagnation in LGP, and I’m happy to hear it’s time for changes! As a fan of LGP I’d like to mention that the upcoming X-Rebirth requires a native linux client (hopefully without the performance impact the previous X had on linux). Please see this thread on Egosoft forums: http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=307897
I’m sure you agree that this unusual game fits the type of mindset, excuses le generalizacion, linux users have, so it might kickstart the business again!
I doubt that it’ll happen.
However, the X3:TC coming into age and more-or-less maxed out its Windows user-base potential (even with the recently release expansion), Egosoft might be kind enough to let LGP gain porting and distribution rights at a fairly low cost.
Plus, given the similarities between the X3:R and X3:TC engine, the port should be strait forward. (As opposed to porting a brand new engine such as X:R)
As a proud owner of both LGP X2 and X3:R (special edition), I’ll be happy to pre-order it, even though I’ve purchased the Steam copy of X3:TC.
- Gilboa
welcome to the table Clive.
I’m looking forward to LGP getting back to being active again
and I like the hint at the downloadable media
Welcome!
It is nice to see “fresh blood” coming to LGP. I really like LGP and have bought some games. Just like Rzadzins I am a huge fan of the X series (I have bought the LGP Linux versions of X2 and X3), and always feel a bit sad X3-Terran Conflict was not transfered to the Linux platform.
However – if there are plans going this way now (or even the mentionned X-Rebirth) I can assure there is another happy costumer that will pull his wallet ;-).
Anyway – I wish you all best coming to LGP Clive. It is nice to see Michael will not dissapear in limbo, but keeps doing good work in the background. I also wish him all the best.
It is nice to know LGP is keeping it’s existance and more games are on the way – what more can we ask?
Long live LGP!
Hope for some good RPG ports. Most of all: the Witcher if possible.
It would be awesome to have native Witcher :-)
There is only one field where linux is lacking than other os that is gaming. Linux is the future OS.