Why Game Developers Should Support OS X and Linux

kevind23 writes "Although Mac OS X and Linux have a small (but growing) market share, Jeff from Wolfire Games argues that supporting non-Windows platforms can lead to a huge increase in game sales. Using their popular game Lugaru as an example, he shows how less-popular platforms, or more specifically, their userbase can be a powerful advertising force. This can lead to a dramatic increase in popularity and exposure, which usually means a large boost in overall sales. The short article is an interesting read, especially for those working in game development and sales."

Comments

Point by point, they all look like point #1

[Daengbo]

I RTFA, and I got a feeling of deja vu after point #1.

1. It's good to be a big fish in a small pond

   This is obviously true. World of Padman and Wesnoth get articles on Linux sites all the time. Even though these titles are available on Windows, no Windows sites cover them. The reason? There's probably way too much Windows game competition at that quality level.

2. More platforms means more opportunities

   I don't see how this is actually any different than point #1. I'm certainly happy for his fortune in getting on Digg FP three times for the same game. If he had made a single-platform game, though, he wouldn't have gotten that exposure due to the #1 effect.

3. Vocal minorities

   Again, I see this as an extension of point #1. He got mentioned on Slashdot because of the Linux build, and got Windows and Mac traffic from Slashdot. If there had been a lot of commercial Linux games, though, he wouldn't have gotten the mention on Slashdot because of ... Point #1.

4. You can't choose your evangelists

   OK, I'll give this one to him as not related to #1. He believes that Mac-heads are cultists, and I'm not arguing. j/k ;)