Actually Played vs PlayCounter

Actually Played is a free, client-side Minecraft mod that tracks playtime separately for each server and singleplayer world, distinguishing active play from AFK time. After five minutes without qualifying activity, it stops the counter and reclassifies the recently counted idle period as AFK. Signals include movement intent, camera rotation, keyboard or mouse input, and actions such as breaking or placing blocks. Since the mod checks movement intent rather than position, being carried by water or a minecart does not count as active input. It needs no server installation and says it does not communicate with servers. History remains on the user's machine as readable, editable JSON. Sessions stay detailed for 90 days before older records are grouped into monthly summaries. Listed Minecraft versions are 1.7.10, 1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.20.1 and 1.21.1, with Forge, Fabric or NeoForge support depending on the version. Realms are not tracked because the client lacks a stable identifier. On Minecraft 1.16 and later, settings are edited in a properties file rather than an in-game settings screen.

PlayCounter is a free Windows desktop app that automatically records playtime for recognized PC games across launchers. It displays a live session timer and saves a session when a recognized game closes. The library shows game covers, total hours, and session counts; history includes dates, session lengths, streaks, and playtime summaries. Users can track milestones, add notes, and keep separate playthroughs for each game. Listed sources include Steam, Epic, Battle.net, Xbox app, GOG, EA app, Ubisoft Connect, Riot Client, itch.io, disc installs, and standalone executables. Steam, Xbox, and Epic imports can bring in the playtime those services report; Battle.net import supplies a game list but no playtime. Sessions, notes, and history stay on the user’s PC, and the desktop app requires no account. It can run offline, though automatic game matching, cover images, and update checks need a server connection. The public installer is for Windows; the site says macOS, Linux, and console live tracking are not supported by that installer. The app sends a pseudonymous installation identifier at startup and about hourly, and process identifiers for online game matching.