Linux Gaming Developers Launch Open Gaming Collective

Linux gaming developers have formed the Open Gaming Collective (OGC), a new collaboration aimed at centralizing core development and reducing fragmentation across Linux gaming platforms. The initiative was announced on Jan. 29, 2026, by Universal Blue, the team behind the gaming-focused Linux platform, Bazzite. Founding members include Fyra Labs, Nobara, ChimeraOS, ShadowBlip, Playtron, PikaOS, and ASUS Linux.

The OGC is a working group focused on shared components such as kernel patches, input tooling, hardware drivers, Mesa, and key gaming packages, including Gamescope. The goal is to reduce duplicated effort across distributions through coordinated development.

Linux gaming has advanced rapidly in recent years, aided by Valve’s Proton and wider adoption on desktops and handhelds. Developers involved in the OGC say progress has been slowed by fragmentation, with multiple projects maintaining similar patches and tooling.

Linux Gaming Developers Align on Upstream-First Model

The collective will follow an upstream-first policy. Under this approach, OGC patches will be submitted for review in original projects, including the Linux kernel, rather than being maintained as permanent forks. The group says this will improve hardware compatibility and long-term sustainability.

Bazzite confirmed several platform changes tied to joining the OGC, including adopting the shared OGC kernel, replacing HandHeld Daemon with InputPlumber, and integrating RGB and fan controls into the Steam UI. The project will also share patches developed for Valve packages with the collective for upstream review.

“A win for one project becomes a win for everyone,” Bazzite founder Kyle Gospodnetich stated, describing the intent to let distributions focus on their unique features rather than shared plumbing.

Meanwhile, Bazzite is also testing Faugus Launcher as a potential replacement for Lutris, with at least six months’ advance notice promised if it becomes the default.

Other members, including Fyra Labs and Playtron, said shared infrastructure through the OGC could strengthen Linux gaming overall. They pointed to pooled resources and reduced duplicated work across projects as key benefits.