X3: Reunion For Linux Enters Beta

In the first half of 2006, Linux Game Publishing had released X2 - The Threat (our beta screenshots), which is a space simulation game developed by Egosoft and later ported to Linux by LGP. It was then announced at the start of this year that Linux Game Publishing would be porting X3: Reunion to Linux, which is the game's sequel. The Linux release date for this game was scheduled for August 1, 2007 but that has since passed. We can now confirm that the native Linux client of X3: Reunion being ported by LGP is finally entering its closed beta. Those with the closed beta access (including us at Phoronix) haven't yet seen the first beta test release, but it's mailing list is now open and should be out within a few days. The game, however, won't ship for another couple of months. With the turn around time after going gold and considering that the first closed beta isn't even out the door yet, we would expect this Linux game to be released in the first half of 2008.

More information on X3: Reunion for Linux is available from the Linux Game Publishing product page and an active discussion on the Phoronix Forums. When X3: Reunion becomes available on the closed beta program, we will likely be delivering Linux ATI/NVIDIA benchmarks, screenshots, and perhaps a game review. In the meantime you can check out our X2 - The Threat Linux coverage.