A number of major Linux gaming projects are joining forces to form the Open Gaming Collective. The goal here is to reduce duplicated work across several crucial projects and centralise development efforts for critical components like kernel patches, input frameworks and display compositors.
The OGC's technical strategy (via GamingOnLinux) centres on an “upstream-first approach”. Rather than maintaining permanent forks or bespoke patches, the group intends to submit all improvements and hardware fixes directly to the source projects (such as the mainline Linux kernel or Mesa). Early deliverables include a shared, gaming-optimised OGC Kernel and a specialised fork of gamescope designed to expand hardware support across a wider range of handhelds and desktop GPUs.
Bazzite, one of the founding members, has already outlined immediate changes resulting from joining the collective. The distribution will phase out its custom Handheld Daemon (HHD) in favour of InputPlumber, a unified input remapper already utilised by SteamOS, ChimeraOS, and Nobara. Additionally, Bazzite will integrate features like RGB and fan control directly into the Steam UI where possible, further bridging the gap between custom Linux distros and the native Steam Deck experience.
Besides Bazzite, other companies and partners include Nobara, ChimeraOS, Playtron, Fyra Labs, PikaOS, ShadowBlip, and Asus Linux.
KitGuru says: The formation of the OGC is an important step for the Linux gaming community. Standardising the kernel and input layers could finally bring the “it just works” stability of SteamOS to the broader Linux desktop world.
KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards

