14 DAY TRIAL // Valve has returned the Tux logo to the Steam for Linux client, but it looks like the website is still sporting the SteamOS version. It's unclear whether this happened after the community caught fire, but at least it's something.
We reported just a few days ago that Valve decided to replace the Tux logo, which has been used to signal Linux compatibility for games, with the SteamOS logo. As you can expect, the Linux community was not happy about this, and a lot of harsh words were said in the process. Valve doesn't need any kind of bad publicity, especially now that it's trying to push SteamOS as the operating system for the Steam Machines.
In case some of you Linux gamers out there didn't already know, SteamOS is based on Debian, which uses a Linux kernel. The use of the Tux logo, which has been used for Linux system for many years, would seem natural. On the other hand, the SteamOS logo is not easily recognizable unless you have followed the evolution of Steam for Linux in the past couple of years. A new Linux user could be confused if he sees a game marked with Steamplay and not with Linux.
The Steam client now shows the proper icon
Valve has replaced the SteamOS logo with the Tux one, but only for the client. It's not clear if the logo is here to stay or if Valve is still making changes. In any case, the Linux community is sure to notice the change and to welcome it. After all, SteamOS is using Debian and Linux, and it would not be fair towards those projects to not acknowledge their contributions, even if it's just a simple logo.
The Steam Machines from Valve are expected to arrive in November, and the date seems to be set in stone.