Can Linux score big with IP gaming is a CNN editorial looking at the alternative OS' chances of making it in the gaming world. Thanks Calico. The article briefly advocates the formation of a committee of developers to create an open source-based API specifically for Linux IP gaming. Here's a bit more on the challenges that the author says must be overcome for Linux to succeed in gaming:

The problems for Linux are numerous, however, and need immediate attention. In the first place, Linux needs a standard 3D API with broad support for hardware acceleration. OpenGL is already available for Linux -- perhaps this would be the way to go.

More important, Linux needs to support the vast majority of sound cards and their special features.

Last but not least, Linux needs to support USB as quickly as possible. This is a subtle performance issue that applies most of all to 3D gaming...