elmuerte:
Sorry, but I don'g get where you're coming from at all.
Why on Earth would other game developers need a Linux port of the UT3 client specifically? Should they sit around playing UT3 on Linux instead of developing their own games? And please explain to me what Pixar (who isn't even a game dev, but I digress) or anyone else running Linux on their redering farms is going to do with a Linux UT3 client. Maybe I'm the thick one here, I dunno.
And when I said "Most devs develop Linux distros as a pet project only," I was obviously referring to GAME devs. No kidding Red Hat et al spend time and money on Linux; OS's are their business. But that's irrelevant here. What's relevant here is the number of would-be UT3 gamers who use Linux exclusively, without any access to a Windows PC, PS3, or 360. And I'm guessing that number is very close to nil.
And the economic value of free bonus content is actually quite easy to understand. Releasing free content generates a lot of good press, and may well represent a tipping point for consumers who were on the fence about a purchase. For many (or most, by the looks of it), UT3 @ $50=no sale. But UT3 @ $20 with added content? Now maybe that's worth checking out. On the other hand I can't imagine anyone new running out and buying UT3 just because it's suddenly available on Linux.
Deapblade:
That's not called sarcasm, it's called "business." You don't waste money on negligible markets if you're going for mass appeal.
I think Severin made the best point yet. Maybe they should do it merely because they said they would. In this case, throwing money at something that nobody will use may be worth it just to protect your good name and reputation.