Linux Gaming

For the drawbacks:

1. I've never used those other launchers (I just buy from Steam), but I know at least Ubisoft works through Steam, so it should work reasonably well through WINE
2. This is essentially the same as 3, Gamepass is a huge pile of DRM
3. True, though more work than most expect
4. NVIDIA support is fine if you use the proprietary drivers, which are usually packaged on most distros; I used NVIDIA for gaming for ~10 years on Linux without issues, though I'm now on AMD for Wayland support
5. I haven't had any issues for the last 10 years out so, at least not any more than on Windows; that said, I make sure to only buy Intel network cards (eliminates most headaches) and tend to avoid bleeding edge tech (too expensive and buggy, even on Windows)
6. True, though look at Ratchet & Clank on Steam Deck, it's essentially Day 1 support; that has been the case more often than not lately, Valve is killing it
7. Not really; I don't tinker much because I just don't have the time for it anymore; I have three kids, a full-time job, and I only get a few hours each week to play games; if a game requires tinkering to work, I bail and tag it with "Technical Issues" in Steam; I think I have 5 games there, and at least one has moved out just by trying again a year or so later

To be fair, I'm coming at this from the perspective of a patient gamer. I generally play older SP games (rarely play MP), wait to upgrade hardware (recently bought a 5600 and 6650XT to upgrade my 1700 and 960GTX), and am pretty technically inclined (I'm a SW dev by day, and have used Linux exclusively for ~15 years).

For me, Windows is unacceptable, and macOS is too limiting for hardware choices (and I just don't like it; I've used macOS at work for 2 years and still dislike it).

So instead of discussing native advantages of Linux, I'll list things I'm glad I don't have to deal with on Windows:

• I control my updates, and can update my OS while using it
• the OS doesn't need a ton of disk space
• no licensing nonsense, so I can keep my same install going even if I drastically change hardware (I upgraded my CPU and mobo, and I didn't need to do anything but bring my old drive along)
• most software can be installed using the package manager or FlatPak, on Windows and macOS, there's very little consistency
• pretty much no viruses; Linux isn't a big target, so it's just not something I worry about; and installing through the package manager eliminates most threats
• no spying/telemetry in the OS, and no privacy settings I feel I need to tweak
• no bloatware, if a distro has stuff I don't like, I can pick one that doesn't
• full disk encryption is a thing, including the boot partition; on Windows, the boot partition isn't encrypted even with "full disk" encryption with bitlocker
• command line is really useful, but you don't need it for gaming
• lots of game servers run on Linux, so you can learn to self-host or run something for a local LAN if you want; not sure if that's a thing on Windows

For me, Linux solves my non-gaming problems much better than Windows, and I fundamentally disagree with how Windows works so I refuse to use it for gaming. But even for people who aren't like me, Linux is a pretty good option with few downsides, provided you don't need something specific to run (e.g. that one MP game you play all the time). If you can be a little flexible, Linux offers a ton of choice and even more freedom.

Edit: As for distro, just try stuff. I think Mint is decent, so I tend to recommend it, but I use OpenSUSE Tumbleweed myself (also recommended). There's not a ton of difference when it comes to running games for most distros, so pick one that seems to have decent community support and have fun! You can always change later, I've used several (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, OpenSUSE Leap, Debian, probably others).

I say use the best tool for the job and that tool sadly is usually Windows for most games if you demand top performance and minimal fuss especially when your free time is limited.

Linux has come leaps and bounds from a time where just getting a AAA game running was a feat. But it's not quite there yet for myself at least.

For me the biggest issue is always FMV playback.