Fact check: How large is Valve Corporation’s contribution and support to Linux?

1. Summary of the results

Valve Corporation has made extensive and multifaceted contributions to Linux, primarily focused on gaming. Their support includes:

• Development of SteamOS across multiple versions, evolving from Debian to Arch Linux-based distributions ^{[1] [2]}
• Creation and continuous development of Proton, in partnership with CodeWeavers, which has enabled over 11,000 Windows games to run on Linux ^[3]
• Significant financial investment in Linux infrastructure, including graphics drivers and kernel development ^[3]
• Release of the Steam Deck hardware, which runs on Linux-based SteamOS ^[1]
• Active collaboration with hardware partners like Nvidia to improve Linux gaming capabilities ^[2]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks context about:

• The historical significance of Valve's contributions - their involvement has transformed Linux from a marginal gaming platform to a viable gaming operating system ^[3]
• The business strategy behind these contributions - Valve's CEO Gabe Newell has explicitly stated that "Linux and open source are the future of gaming" ^[1]
• The scope of impact - Valve's work extends beyond just their own products, including:

Encouraging third-party developers to create Linux-compatible games ^[1]

Supporting the broader Linux ecosystem through driver and kernel development ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question's open-ended nature could lead to incomplete understanding of:

• The commercial aspects - While Valve's contributions are significant, they are ultimately driven by business interests in creating an alternative to Windows' dominance in gaming
• The timeline - These contributions represent a long-term commitment from 2013 to 2025, not just recent developments ^[1]
• The scope - While focused on gaming, Valve's contributions have broader implications for Linux as a whole, including hardware compatibility and system-level improvements ^{[2] [3]}

It's worth noting that most sources focus on the gaming aspects of Valve's contributions, which might not represent the full scope of their Linux support in other areas.