Understanding Steam Game Size on Linux Crostini: CS:GO and Other Updates

Introduction to Steam on Linux Crostini

If you're a fan of the popular game CS:GO and you're trying to play it on the Linux Crostini feature of Google Chromebooks, you might have run into some unexpected size issues. If Steam reports that you need about 22GB of storage for CS:GO, but the description states that only 16GB is required, you're not alone. Let's explore why this discrepancy might be happening and how to possibly address the issue.

The Evolution of Game File Sizes

When a game is initially released, the size of its files is often determined based on the technology, software, and various features that were available at the time of release. However, after a game's initial release, developers frequently update it to add new content, fix bugs, or optimize performance, which can significantly increase its file size. In the case of CS:GO, the developers, Valve, regularly provide updates that add new maps, features, and balance changes, all of which contribute to the overall size of the game.

So, it's quite likely that the update Steam is referring to is one of these more recent changes, which have added new files, patches, or other content that increase the total size of the game, making it around 22GB now.

Game Descriptions and Storage Requirements

One of the common misunderstandings in the gaming community is the discrepancy between the storage requirements listed in the game's description and the actual amount of space the game takes up once it's installed. The description typically refers to the compressed size of the game files, which can significantly differ from the decompressed size.

The original description for CS:GO listed 16GB, which is the compressed size. However, once the game is extracted and installed, the files expand to take up more space on your system. This expansion is a result of including additional data, such as textures, maps, and other assets that players need to access the game fully. Steam and other gaming platforms often list compressed sizes, but users may only see this when downloading the game.

Optimizing Storage Space

Virtual Memory and Swap Space

If you're running a game like CS:GO on a system with limited storage, consider using virtual memory. This involves allocating some of your system's storage space as virtual memory or a swap file. This can help the system handle larger applications without running out of physical memory. However, be aware that virtual memory is slow compared to RAM, so performance may be affected.

Compression Tools

Another option is to use tools that can help compress the game files more efficiently. Tools like Xova can be used to reduce the size of game files. However, these tools work best with specific versions of games and might not always be compatible with the latest patches.

Modifying Steam Settings

Steam allows you to set the number of available libraries, which can help reduce the storage footprint of games. However, this feature is more useful for managing multiple games rather than significantly reducing the size of a single game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the size discrepancy you're seeing for CS:GO on Linux Crostini is a result of updates and optimizations that Valve has implemented after the game's release. While the description lists the compressed size, the actual installed size can be significantly larger. Understanding this can help manage expectations and ensure you have enough storage for your gaming needs.

For users facing similar issues with other games, keeping your operating system and game patches up to date can help ensure the best possible performance and reduce storage issues. If storage space is a concern, consider the options mentioned above to optimize your gaming experience on Linux Crostini.