Gentoo is a Linux distribution.
Cedega is a method for playing Windows games under Linux.
I have an unnatural fondness for Gentoo over all Linux distributions which is why I’m overly bothered by this somewhat minor issue.
As I was updating my Gentoo system this morning via ‘emerge -avDN world’ I was informed that Cedega had been hardmasked for removal. The following is the message regarding is masking:
Mike Frysinger
In-tree ebuilds are old, and newer upstream releases are simple GUIs which download/install/update things for you. And upstream isn’t interested in working with packagers. Will punt in ~30 days.
I do agree. The existing ebuild (read: install file) in portage (read: list of things to install) is old. That means the ebuild needs a maintainer. Easy enough to fix. I volunteer.
I agree again. The newer upstream releases are simple GUIs which download/install/update things for you. The GUI itself is available to download and install freely from here.
I agree yet again, upstream probably isn’t interested in working with packagers. There are many companies that produce binaries who aren’t interested in working with packagers. If it is policy to remove them from portage, then I’ll be placated. If it is not policy, then policy needs to change or this is an invalid argument for Cedega’s removal.
I believe that the real reason for the removal of this package from portage is not expressed. It might have something to do with the fact that in order to use Cedega for much you need to pay Transgaming. There are other packages like this including: app-emulation/vmware-workstation , games-strategy/smac , games-strategy/heroes3 , games-fps/doom3 … I can go on. This must not be the issue.
The reason might be the feud between Gentoo and Transgaming regarding open access to their CVS repository of WineX in 2003. I hope that isn’t the issue because I would hate for portage to become some type of petty battleground.
All of that said, I do see some possible valid reasons for removing it from portage. These include:
- An effort across the board to reduce the size of the portage tree
- An effort across the board to move packages with restrictive licensing out of the tree and into overlays (ala Ubuntu or Fedora)
- An effort across the board to remove currently non-functional ebuilds.
In summary: I am a loyal Gentoo user. When I encounter a package that I use which lacks an ebuild, I create one and submit it for others to use. I want *everything* to have an ebuild and I am disappointed that it seems app-emulation/cedega is being removed without adequate explanation.