On July 29, a new launcher named Jackbox Megapicker arrived on Steam, designed to streamline access to all Jackbox titles. The release drew attention for its potential to disrupt gameplay on the Steam Deck, a concern highlighted by coverage from Tom’s Guide.
Jackbox Megapicker serves as a centralized launcher that lets players browse available Jackbox games and launch them directly from a single interface. However, reports emerged indicating that the Linux version of the launcher caused instability on Steam Deck hardware. Users described scenarios where the console failed to boot after installation, with the only remedy seemingly to fully wipe the SteamOS and reinstall the operating system. These observations prompted further scrutiny of how the launcher interacts with Steam Deck’s Linux environment.
Developers acknowledged that the problematic behavior originated with the Linux build of the launcher. Notably, the Windows version could operate without issue when run through Proton, the compatibility layer that enables Windows games to run on Linux. In response, the Jackbox Megapicker team released a patch that forcibly installs the Windows variant of the launcher, aiming to restore stability for users who rely on Proton to access Jackbox titles.
In a post from the developers, users were informed that a fix had been issued for the launcher’s default Proton selection, and they advised Steam Deck owners to maintain their current compatibility settings to avoid similar problems. The communication signaled a shift toward ensuring smoother operation for Windows-based expectations on a Linux-powered device, while acknowledging ongoing work needed for a robust Linux solution.
At the time of reporting, there was no official timetable for a comprehensive Linux-friendly update that would provide a fully functional native Linux version of the launcher. The situation underscored the broader challenge of cross-platform compatibility for game launchers that attempt to unify access across different operating systems and hardware configurations.
Earlier coverage also noted that additional development activity was taking place in related gaming projects, including Belarusian developers moving forward with beta testing for a separate football simulation title, which reflected the dynamic and iterative nature of game software releases across the platform ecosystem.