As people warm up to the world of open-source software, we're seeing more software companies embrace Linux. We've only just heard about Google Chrome getting an official ARM64 Linux version, and now, the Opera team is bringing its gaming-oriented browser, Opera GX, to the world of Tux. And while some people may be confused about why Opera is making this move, its creator believes it is the right thing to do.

OperaGX is now available on Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, and openSUSE

Another browser enters the world of open-source OSes

In an emailed press release, Opera shared that its Linux version is now available for download. It's available for Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, and openSUSE-based distros, and you can grab it as either a DEB or RPM file. The company is currently hard at work getting a Flatpak option available, so keep an eye out for that if you prefer your browsers compartmentalized.

In the press release, the company makes its case as to why Opera GX is a good fit for Linux users. It says that by bringing the browser to the Linux community, "who are renowned for the control they like to exert over their tools," it gives people control over how many resources the browser uses, allowing them to keep the browser open while gaming without it lagging their PC.

Presumably in response to the flak Opera GX caught when it first announced the Linux build, the press release dedicates a section to announcing that the browser complies with European GDPR privacy regulations. This means it "does not collect location data, browsing history, page content, search queries or information typed into forms and follows the same privacy model used across Opera browsers." The company also claims it can protect you from ads, trackers, and cryptojacking. It offers an optional VPN with a zero-log policy and an independent audit to keep Opera honest.

If you want to give the browser a spin, head over to the Opera GX download page starting now to grab the DEB or RPM file.

Opera GX's product director is here to help, not hinder

He understands if the browser isn't for you

When I first heard that Opera GX was coming to Linux, I was a little confused as to why the company was putting in the effort. In an environment where people accuse Mozilla Firefox of all browsers of invading their privacy and use forks like LibreWolf instead, why did Opera believe that GX was a good fit?

Fortunately, the team at Opera GX offered an interview with the browser's product director, Maciej Kocemba.​​​​​ Kocemba made it very clear to me that Opera's intent wasn't to convert privacy-hardened users to use its browsers, but rather to address the sheer number of requests the company was getting to bring GX to Linux. In fact, if you're a Linux user who wouldn't dream of installing Opera GX on your own distro, Kocemba totally understands:

Opera GX isn’t for everyone, but we have tens of millions of users across the world who love what we’re building. With Linux gaming on the rise, bringing GX to a platform the community has been asking for felt like a natural next step.

Kocemba also says that introducing Opera GX to the Linux ecosystem will stimulate competition and encourage other developers to innovate in response. Plus, given how we're seeing the rise of dedicated gaming distros like CachyOS (which recently usurped Arch Linux's five-year streak as the number one OS on ProtonDB), browsers like Opera GX that adapt to and respect a gamer's needs may just be what the scene needs, even if some of the more die-hard Linux privacy enthusiasts will turn their nose up at it.