The last entries/queries I can find about PS3 dual shock controller are dealing with older kernel versions. It looks like there may still be a problem with using the PS3 dual shock via USB(or bluetooth) with 14.04? I'm only guessing because I get no sign of detection or input when I plug in the USB. When I run

dmesg | grep sony

[ 4687.762302] sony 0003:054C:0268.0003: can't set operational mode
[ 4687.770639] sony: probe of 0003:054C:0268.0003 failed with error -38

So at this point, I don't know if it's worth running : sudo apt-get install xboxdrv

I also found this article LINK but it's dated 01/2013.

I was considering installing steam, and checking out some of the games. There are a few in particular I want to check out, but I'm afraid of purchasing them and then my controller does not work. I don't have a ps3, I just have the controller for Sixaxis/emulator/Android set up...

I see mentions for QTsixa and xboxdrv, but the posts are at least a year old(older distibution/kernels) Ideally, I'd like to just plug in USB, and play. No Bluetooth.