Perhaps what needs to occur is for some journalist to investigate how many people who use Linux as their primary OS are actually interested in gaming.
I see the use of Windows as the gamer's OS of choice as a perfect example of the application (in this case, 'games') driving the choice of the OS, which is how it should be.
Linux is my primary OS because I can do the things I need (or want) with it and the price is low. If I couldn't do what I needed, I'd run a different OS.
You are forgetting that the PS3 (PlayStation3) uses a Linux OS.
2013 will be the year of Linux (gaming) on the desktop! LOL.
Linux will never be more than a hobby OS for geeks. Its fun to play with, but ultimately you have to boot into Windows to do anything productive.
I think STEAM might be a good fit, I can see some people buying a Linux machine for it. It will never be XBOX Live though, but it could invigorate Linux.
I noticed the games I found for free all look like something that came off NES or so. I do like War Zone 2100 though, that is my kind of game I guess.
If someone could make a browser or whatever to make a game lke HeroUp work on Linux that would be cool.