Free Software Foundation: Steam on Linux "Unethical"
But the benefits could outweigh the negatives.
Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation, has a moral dilemma on his hands. Valve wants to emphasise Linux support for its Steam platform, but Stallman is unsure whether it would be ethical to acknowledge it.
"What good and bad effects can this have? ... Our goal goes beyond making [Linux] a “success”; its purpose is to bring freedom to the users. Thus, the question is how this development affects users' freedom," Stallman wrote on the GNU website.
Non-free game programs, such as the ones offered on Steam (due to Valve's DRM) are "unethical because they deny freedom to their users. If you want freedom, one requisite for it is not having nonfree programs on your computer. That much is clear."
But, it seems that the other half of Stallman's conscience is doing epic battle, because he then writes that "However, if you're going to use these games, you're better off using them on GNU/Linux rather than on Microsoft Windows. At least you avoid the harm to your freedom that Windows would do.
"It might encourage GNU/Linux users to install these games, and it might encourage users of the games to replace Windows with GNU/Linux. My guess is that the direct good effect will be bigger than the direct harm. But there is also an indirect effect: what does the use of these games teach people in our community?"
Looks like Stallman and co have a lot to think about over the next couple of months.
"What good and bad effects can this have? ... Our goal goes beyond making [Linux] a “success”; its purpose is to bring freedom to the users. Thus, the question is how this development affects users' freedom," Stallman wrote on the GNU website.
Non-free game programs, such as the ones offered on Steam (due to Valve's DRM) are "unethical because they deny freedom to their users. If you want freedom, one requisite for it is not having nonfree programs on your computer. That much is clear."
But, it seems that the other half of Stallman's conscience is doing epic battle, because he then writes that "However, if you're going to use these games, you're better off using them on GNU/Linux rather than on Microsoft Windows. At least you avoid the harm to your freedom that Windows would do.
"It might encourage GNU/Linux users to install these games, and it might encourage users of the games to replace Windows with GNU/Linux. My guess is that the direct good effect will be bigger than the direct harm. But there is also an indirect effect: what does the use of these games teach people in our community?"
Looks like Stallman and co have a lot to think about over the next couple of months.
Companies:
Valve
Read More Like This
Comments
theflc 2 Aug 2012 10:35
1/2
I think his points are valid at a philosophical level. However, GNU/Linux has now progressed to the point that a serious publisher is offering support. I personally cannot fathom how closed-source paid-for software harms anyone's freedom. Certainly, the phrase "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" springs to mind. If this 'decision' takes a couple of months to make I believe they are seriously overthinking it. Freedom will still exist post-release in that if a user feels their personal freedoms threatened they have the choice not to install, use or buy any games from steam. Missing out on free publicity seems counter-productive.
tyrion 2 Aug 2012 12:22
2/2
You need to understand how RMS's mind works; any software that you as the end user can't obtain the source code for and modify for your own ends is unethical.
It's a religious stance, not a practical one. I'm surprised he made the concession to "if you're going to use these games" - in the past you would have been no better than a slave trader if you used notepad instead of Emacs.
It's a religious stance, not a practical one. I'm surprised he made the concession to "if you're going to use these games" - in the past you would have been no better than a slave trader if you used notepad instead of Emacs.