Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender vs SMAPI

Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender adds Lua and Osiris scripting support for mods in Baldur's Gate 3. A mod can enable Lua with a feature flag and load bootstrap scripts for the client and server. The extender keeps separate Lua states for the game server and each client, and its console can run Lua code and registered console commands. Configuration options provide Lua and Osiris debugger interfaces with configurable listening ports, and logging options can write Osiris activity, runtime output, story compilation and compilation errors to files. An EnableAchievements option can re-enable achievements in modded games. SendCrashReports defaults to true and uploads minidumps to a crash report collection server after a crash. Installation involves extracting DWrite.dll into the game's bin directory. The extender updates when the game launches by downloading and applying an update. It supports Windows and Linux via Proton, but does not run on game versions older than patch 5; new versions target the latest game version. It is free to obtain under a license that includes the MIT License and a Commons Clause restriction on selling the software or substantially derived products and services.

SMAPI is a mod loader for Stardew Valley, with plugin support, mod profiles, dependency handling, and load-order control. Its listed plan costs nothing. SMAPI supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Steam Deck, and Android, and is compatible with GOG and Steam achievements. The stated requirement is Stardew Valley 1.6.14 or later on Linux, macOS, Windows, or Steam Deck. Version 4.5 adds in-game configuration, performance improvements, automated and attested builds, and detection of malicious files. SMAPI.io also provides modding documentation and source code for creators, plus a mod compatibility list, log parser, JSON validator, and mod stats page. The parser can analyze and share submitted logs and show suggested fixes for common issues. The compatibility list is no longer comprehensively updated each month, and its future is uncertain. Update checks send game, SMAPI, and mod versions as well as platform type, but users can disable them. Log and JSON submissions are stored in obfuscated form for 30 days. The maker says SMAPI can be uninstalled at any time and points users to Discord and Reddit for community help.