Is a painless transition to Linux possible for a c++/Gamdev programmer?

Question

linux

Good day. Once again there is a desire to switch to Linux. Own arguments for:
- complete customization of the appearance
- absence of viruses
- relatively stable operation (depending on the distribution)
- relative simplicity of the update (depending on the distribution)
- just a lively interest.
But at the same time, I am a C++/Gamedev programmer. Of course, 90% of the work falls on a working computer (and I want Linux on my home computer), but sometimes I want to do something for myself, and take work home. All major development uses VisualStudio and tools that work only under Windows. The home computer is still used for surfing, sometimes for games, sometimes for "programming for the soul" (except for the above, everything else is very cross-platform - android and python).
I am very afraid that in such conditions the transition is poorly possible, and there will be constant dissatisfaction with the software, constant use of the virtual machine (and what's the point of switching then?) And so on.
Hence the questions:
- is it worth thinking about switching to Linux at all?
- if so - how to organize work with projects that require VisualStudio?
- not for the sake of holivar - which distribution kit to choose?
For myself, so far I have only come up with a virtual machine with Windows, into which balls or a disk with projects are thrown + some kind of scripter, which from Linux will allow me to run the build in the virtual machine at visual studio. Distribution - Linux mint cinnamon (always liked gnome2).
Just in case - the characteristics of the computer: core i3, 6 gb ram, intel graphics + gforce gt 540m
Just in case - the main software used: Total commander, Visual studio, svn / git, Opera, Photoshop.

Answer 1

You can. I wouldn't, but it's your choice. And it's up to you to decide.
In any case, the easiest and most working option is to just try it.
I have a friend who also uses OS X at work, and at home he has Windows (on a MacBook), which is more convenient for him.

Answer 2

All major development uses VisualStudio and tools that work only under Windows

So definitely not.
There is an acquaintance, also a gamedev, although the sisnik is quite a Linuxoid. They seem to have a lot of open source, both blender and gimp, an engine like their own, sawn almost from scratch. They are comfortable - who is makoebnichat, who is red-eyed.
If your work requires Windows, what for to make yourself a problem?

Answer 3

If it's gamedev, then you definitely shouldn't switch, but if you switch, then immediately go to the poppy and go to mobile development.
If you decide to switch to tench - put elementary os. The most productive and not vyrviglazny variant of ubunta.

Answer 4

I myself am trying to switch to Ubuntu, or rather, I am doing one project on Apache + Php + MySql ... There are many pleasant things in Linuxe, compared to Win ... But I still can’t switch completely. A full-fledged replacement for Total, VisualStudio and many other things that I'm used to, I haven't been able to find yet... Annoying :(
It's the same with games. Maybe it's a matter of habit - more than 10 years already on Windows...
And one more thing - Visual Studio on a virtual machine - this is mazahism :( at least the 12-13th ... Maybe the earlier ones will work fine.
Rather, it's easier to raise a virtual machine on Windows for linux - it "eats" less usually.

Answer 5

And who forbids the full use of 2 systems, I myself use virtual machines, no problems at all, it all depends on the task. Something is more convenient to solve on Windows, something on Linux, why bow to one system and ignore all the others?