Opera GX as a New Marketing Touchpoint for Developers and Publishers

Opera GX is a web browser developed by Opera Software that is specifically designed for gamers. Based on the Chromium engine, it is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. What distinguishes Opera GX is its gaming-specific tools, such as GX Control. This feature limits CPU, RAM, and network usage to ensure optimal gaming performance. The browser integrates Twitch and Discord features directly and offers an ad blocker, a free VPN and a release calendar. The browser also gives users direct access to games and mods, creating new opportunities for developers and publishers. In an interview, GamesMarkt spoke with Product Director Maciej Kocemba about the development of Opera GX and its integrated GX.games gaming platform, as well as the opportunities it offers to game developers and publishers.

Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, more than two-thirds of its shares are held by the Chinese company Hong Kong Kunlun Tech Holding Limited. Opera GX, however, is developed by a team in Wrocław, Poland. The user data of Opera GX is stored on European servers, primarily in the Netherlands and Poland, in accordance with EU regulations.

Opera GX is now available on Linux too. This release follows numerous requests from gamers and developers on social media and other forums. "PC gaming has long been associated with a single dominant platform, but that's changing. Bringing GX to Linux users – who are renowned for the control they like to exert over their tools – means gamers and developers can manage browser resources, customize their setup, and keep their system performing exactly the way they want," said Maciej Kocemba, Product Director, Opera GX. Opera GX for Linux is compatible with Debian-, Ubuntu-, Fedora- and OpenSUSE-based distributions. The browser can be installed using .deb and .rpm packages, and support for Flatpak is currently in development. Opera GX on Linux will receive weekly updates.

GamesMarkt: How has Opera GX evolved since its launch in 2019?

Maciej Kocemba: "When we launched Opera GX, we had created browsers before but hadn't yet explored the gaming frontier. We recognized that gamers have unique needs that go beyond what a traditional browser can provide. Our goal was to create a lean, clean browser that gives users total control instead of just reshaping their everyday browsing experience. We didn't want it to be just another browser with a gaming 'label' - authenticity is key; without it, you're bound to fail."

"We actually launched our browser in 2019 during E3 and extensively showcased Opera GX to collect feedback. Ahead of time we also did intense interviews with gamers at gamescom 2018 to ensure we were on the right track. The positive feedback we received was invaluable, helping us navigate the initial phases of product development. The first important features we focused on were the CPU and RAM control, offering players full control over their resources to maximise gaming power. Since then many more features have been added tailored to the 33 million gamers that currently use Opera GX. We don’t have the privilege of being pre-installed on many devices, Opera browsers are all about choice and customizability. Switching browsers requires an active decision which can take time and research. With Opera GX, we want to be that choice for gamers and being chosen by so many users makes us proud!"

"Currently, we have over 10,000 mods available in our GX.store, and I'm incredibly grateful to each content creator. Their involvement shows they care about their browser and trust our vision. Opera GX is all about community, with gamers supporting each other and sharing their passion for gaming. And now, we're here in Korea, marking yet another milestone!"

GamesMarkt: What partnership opportunities does Opera GX offer to game developers and publishers? What could be the advantages of such a partnership?

Maciej Kocemba: "Opera GX is a new marketing touchpoint for developers, offering a new channel to communicate with an audience of a highly selected group of gaming enthusiasts. We can offer a variety of tailored solutions such as hubs, mods, themes, animated wallpapers, custom cursors, advertisement on the start page, advertisement in the GX Corner, feature on the game calendar, wishlist, content production and joint advertising on our popular social media channels (e.g. 2.3M followers on TikTok, 1.1M on X). Examples for successful cooperations include a cyberpunk hub and official mods with Riot Games, Hitman or The Witcher series. These cooperations can offer companies direct contact with the target audience and go beyond normal advertising and are all around user experiences and getting into the vibes of the games."

GamesMarkt: Could you tell us more about the GX.games gaming platform, including an explanation of its pricing and distribution models?

Maciej Kocemba: "On GX.Games developers can upload their demo or final product to increase awareness among users. It is up to them whether they offer the game for free or choose a paid model, leaving the price to them.

GamesMarkt: Which types of games are best suited to this platform?

Maciej Kocemba: "GX.Games is a platform for indie games made with love, and offers developers a unique touchpoint with the community. Since Opera GX is available on PC and mobile, games that run on both platforms are best suited for the browser. The platform really shines with games that offer short, engaging experiences that players can jump into quickly. We're talking about titles that don’t require a huge time commitment upfront but still deliver satisfying gameplay loops. Games like rogue-lites, idle games, action/adventure, and puzzle games fit perfectly here. These genres typically have mechanics that encourage replayability and quick sessions, which align well with the platform’s strengths."

"On the other hand, heavy story-driven games might not be the best fit. Those often demand longer, more immersive playtimes and deeper narrative engagement, which can be harder to deliver effectively on this kind of platform. Instead, the focus is on games that hook players with repeatable, enjoyable loops—something you can pick up, play for a bit, and come back to again and again without losing momentum."

"So, in summary, the best-suited games are those that balance accessibility with depth, offering quick entry points but enough complexity to keep players coming back."