Rent-a-Linux-Game: Linux Game Publishing on Internet

Linux Game Publishing (LGP) has ported numerous games to Linux in the past. The publisher is now going new directions to add reseller downloads and game rentals to its services. The step is in response to user requests, says LGP's CEO Michael Simms in a blog entry.

However, Simms adds that "LGP is not selling downloadable versions directly, as to do so would seriously damage the ability of the reseller chain to compete meaningfully." Moreover, resellers such as Tuxgames could sell downloads of the LGP games at a better price than the boxed versions.

The downloads would provide buyers further rights to the games. As long as LGP exists as a company, customers can download games at any time. The downloads require Internet access keys that expire after a period of time after first activation. In the "unlikely event" of LGP ceasing operation, all downloaded games will go, protected, onto the bittorrent network.

The new rental option provides games for a week or a month "at ridiculously low prices." The rentals require Internet access (much like Steam). There are currently only three games available (X3, Jets'n'Guns and Sacred), with more to follow.