What is Gaming Linux From Scratch?

Gaming Linux From Scratch, which is based on the BLFS book, helps you install gaming support software, like Steam or Wine, on a new LFS system.

This process can be pretty involved, especially if you are using an x86_64 CPU. When it comes to gaming, Steam is the most popular choice. On Linux, Steam itself is a 32-bit binary that cannot be compiled due to unavailability of source code. That means you will need to emulate it on an x86_64 CPU. If you are using a 32-bit CPU, Steam does work, but CEF (Chromium Embedded Framework) sandboxing will not. This is a feature Steam uses for the store page, as Steam uses Chromium. The sandboxing feature can be disabled by passing an option when running Steam.

The next option is Wine. It can allow you to run any Windows software, like games, without the need for any specialized launchers. It is useful beyond games. A possible usecase is using the Windows version of a package via Wine if the Linux version is not working or has a notable issue interfering with your workflow.

In both cases, if you are using an x86_64 CPU, installing 32-bit software for compatibilty with 32-bit software is the best move. A lot of games are still 32-bit. Even if you plan to just use Wine, which can be compiled for 64-bit, a lot of Windows software are also 32-bit only.

MLFS is therefore a strongly recommended prerequisuite for this book. It is recommended for Wine and required for Steam. MLFS with m32 extensions is the recommended choice to save disk usage and build times. x32-bit at present time is not very useful for Steam or Wine.

If you are on a 32-bit CPU, you won't need to bother with MLFS and can install LFS normally.

Why would I want a GLFS system?

Installing binary-only software on an LFS system is a contentious topic in the LFS community. However, a lot of people still want to play games and use Windows software on their new LFS system. GLFS shows how to go about it, allowing your LFS system to be a viable gaming platform. If you don't care about gaming, this book is probably not for you but it still offers instructions on how to install certain packages for 32-bit on 64-bit. It also offers instructions on how to install Wine which you still may want to use.

What can I do with my GLFS system?

You will be able to use Steam, play popular games using Vulkan and OpenGL, use the NVIDIA Proprietary or AMDGPU PRO drivers, and run Windows software via Wine.

Read Online

You can read the book here. The book is rolling release, like MLFS. It is also SysVinit only.

Thanks to

Rahul Chandra, Thomas Trepl, Xi Ruoyao, and the GLFS contributors