Civilization: Beyond Earth Overcoming Linux GPU Driver Problems

[Ancurio]

Pretty sure they were talking about how each vendor implements OpenGL in different ways... different enough that sometimes the same set of functions on one vendor will output COMPLETELY different stuff than on another. Thus, OpenGL isn't really "portable", as even though you are writing in one API, you have to treat it as several different APIs. Having to write vendor-specific code with a "vendor-neutral API" is sad.

This is what is also in the software world commonly referred to as "bugs".

[Commander]

2 things:

First: What's the difference between this game and Pandora by Slitherine? Except that Pandora is available now, looks better and runs on Linux without a hitch?

Second: The next person to say that Nvidia drivers on Linux are better than AMD drivers will get all my accumulated hate on Nvidia for FREE. Seriously, their drivers aren't even installable without taking half the system apart (you've to kill your X server to install it. Wtf? Why? Oh, right...Nvidia). Their error messages are basically 'this does not work. Why? Fuck you, that's why!'. And getting 3D performance out of an older card is impossible (hello nouveau...).

Nothing better than AMD. Runs instantly (thanks Mesa/Radeon) and if you ever need Catalyst...well just download and install it. It even has a graphical user interface. THAT'S RIGHT NVIDIA, AMD IS ABLE TO INSTALL THEIR DRIVERS WITH A RUNNING XSERVER.

Oh and don't get me started on that bumblebee bullshit. Does that work for anyone? Yeah, didn't think so.

Fuck you, nvidia. Just, fuck you.

I thought this was Linux, in other words, use the package manager to install the drivers not some odd executable from a website.

"and if you ever need Catalyst" translates to if you ever want somewhat near performance to what the card actually should have (stated OpenGL coverege and 3D performance) but then you suddenly experience the meaning fglrx "Catalyst" that in urban dictionary should have the definition of bugs. That still cannot display the mouse properly on multi-monitor desktops without getting corrupted or random Xorg infinite hangs because I started a game in Wine. Always behind Xorg and Kernel updates and half-assed OpenGL support even when it should work

Think i manage to restart X when using their installer or why not doing it the propper way. using the package manager to download and install it properly.

For the past 1.5 years i had nVidia, X didnt crash once. FGLRX (Catalyst) could not score that for longer than 48Hours.

So in the end the saying still applies. Want performance go nVidia, want acceptable performance and OpenSource go AMD but don't buy lastgen because you gonna have a bad time.

Oh btw, bumblebee works perfectly fine on my Zenbook (UX32VD).

Cheer up and toodles!

[Detructor]

2 things:

First: What's the difference between this game and Pandora by Slitherine? Except that Pandora is available now, looks better and runs on Linux without a hitch?

Second: The next person to say that Nvidia drivers on Linux are better than AMD drivers will get all my accumulated hate on Nvidia for FREE. Seriously, their drivers aren't even installable without taking half the system apart (you've to kill your X server to install it. Wtf? Why? Oh, right...Nvidia). Their error messages are basically 'this does not work. Why? Fuck you, that's why!'. And getting 3D performance out of an older card is impossible (hello nouveau...).

Nothing better than AMD. Runs instantly (thanks Mesa/Radeon) and if you ever need Catalyst...well just download and install it. It even has a graphical user interface. THAT'S RIGHT NVIDIA, AMD IS ABLE TO INSTALL THEIR DRIVERS WITH A RUNNING XSERVER.

Oh and don't get me started on that bumblebee bullshit. Does that work for anyone? Yeah, didn't think so.

Fuck you, nvidia. Just, fuck you.

[OneTimeShot]

But Khronos dont force that each Vendor implement it correct. There is nothing from khronos that test the implementations (e.g. with piglit but with more tests) if they work like documented.

Actually, there is: https://www.khronos.org/conformance/ dunno how good it is, though. My understanding is that it about the same quality/coverage as Piglit.

I do think that it is incumbent on devs to submit test cases to Piglit even for bugs they find in Catalyst/Nvidia BLOBs. I am certain that Nvidia and AMD run Piglit internally.

[dungeon]

Aspur doing their job to port new Civ, to convert direct3d 11 renderer to opengl ... that is not easy even if they do renderer converting for Windows.

Someone really need to try opposite - to convert OpenGL to Direct3D, that is not easy too .

Nah, usual porting job at Aspur

[Nille]

Ironically, as an "open" standard, they could go to Khronos and help define it.

But Khronos dont force that each Vendor implement it correct. There is nothing from khronos that test the implementations (e.g. with piglit but with more tests) if they work like documented.

[Daktyl198]

all what problems? Modern core openGL is well supported and has been for a few years.

Pretty sure they were talking about how each vendor implements OpenGL in different ways... different enough that sometimes the same set of functions on one vendor will output COMPLETELY different stuff than on another. Thus, OpenGL isn't really "portable", as even though you are writing in one API, you have to treat it as several different APIs. Having to write vendor-specific code with a "vendor-neutral API" is sad.

Who one is blocking D3D for GNU/Linux? The API is documented and each one can take a look at it.

Exactly! In fact, D3D9 is already available on Linux for applications to make use of (through Gallium3D). The fact that only a forked Wine version currently uses it is not the fault of the API or the devs of that state tracker: it's the fault of the community. They reject it merely because it's developed at Microsoft and fail to look at the benefits of having and using it. (There's also the bit about it only being on like, two drivers and it not being a full version of the API yet, but whatevs)

He, he, then DirectX must be more portable It is avalible on all platforms which Microsoft supports, but Civilization: Beyond Earth is only supported on Windows

The sad part is that because DirectX is so well documented, and rigid in it's specifications, it would end up being more portable if it was implemented on OSx and Linux. Game developers would have to write much less platform/vendor specific code. Aspyr Media's job would be about 10x easier, if not more.

P.S. this is where I point out that I'm talking out of my ass and going off of what I've heard from the people around me (people who love OpenGL even). I don't personally partake in the use of graphics APIs.

[Nille]

On the free world side, nouveau will have much more difficulties to run Beyond Earth than r600g/radeonsi.

The Foss drivers are not a target for the Game Studios.

There is already a multi-platform and open standard, which was even in the world 3 years before Direct3D.

Because its Broken and no one cares? and yes its Open, each one implement it on a different way and each implementation is not really compatible with the other.

[OneTimeShot]

Hmm... I think that this is just advertising for their next game, really.

Most games go through rounds of performance enhancements in the last few months before release. In general, you go for a balance between "looks terrible, but runs at 120fps" and "photo-slideshow".

Plenty of other devs manage to deal with OpenGL - even if they don't exactly love it. Ironically, as an "open" standard, they could go to Khronos and help define it.

[whitecat]

OpenGL problem with AMD [s]on Linux[/s]?

On the free world side, nouveau will have much more difficulties to run Beyond Earth than r600g/radeonsi.

Who one is blocking D3D for GNU/Linux? The API is documented and each one can take a look at it.

There is already a multi-platform and open standard, which was even in the world 3 years before Direct3D. Why "we" should porting a new one (which we will be anyway not open to contribution) ?