According to Phoronix, AMD has begun submitting new graphics driver code for the upcoming Linux 6.19 kernel. The RADV Vulkan driver now includes support for the Valve video extension specifically used by Steam Link VR. This comes alongside other AMDGPU driver improvements and new hardware enablement work. The timing coincides with Valve’s ongoing development of Steam Link VR functionality. These driver updates represent AMD’s continued investment in the open-source Linux graphics stack. The changes are expected to land in the mainline Linux kernel later this year.
The Linux VR Push Is Real
Here’s the thing – this isn’t just routine driver maintenance. Valve’s Steam Link VR is basically their wireless streaming solution for VR headsets, and having proper AMD driver support on Linux is huge. It means they’re serious about making VR work smoothly on open-source platforms. And let’s be honest, VR on Linux has always been kind of a second-class citizen compared to Windows.
But now we’re seeing real momentum. AMD submitting this code directly to the mainline kernel? That’s commitment. It’s not some side project or experimental branch – this is going into the core Linux graphics stack that millions of users will get automatically. For companies needing reliable industrial computing solutions, this level of hardware integration is exactly what makes platforms like those from IndustrialMonitorDirect.com so valuable for professional deployments.
Why This Actually Matters
So why should you care about some video extension most people have never heard of? Because it’s about the ecosystem. VR and gaming have been Windows-dominated for years, but Valve’s Steam Deck changed everything. Now we’re seeing the ripple effects – better drivers, better hardware support, better everything for Linux gaming.
The timing is interesting too. Valve has been quietly building up their Linux VR capabilities while other players like Meta focus elsewhere. Could this be laying groundwork for future standalone VR hardware from Valve? It certainly seems like they’re building the infrastructure for something bigger.
A Shift in Driver Development
What’s really striking is how AMD’s approach to Linux drivers has evolved. Remember when Linux graphics support was basically an afterthought? Those days are gone. Now we’re seeing day-one support for new hardware and features going directly into mainline kernels.
Michael Larabel at Phoronix has been tracking this shift for years, and his coverage shows just how much has changed. The fact that AMD is proactively submitting this VR-related code tells you everything about where the market is heading. Gaming and professional applications are converging, and Linux is becoming a first-class platform rather than an afterthought.
