CheddaBoards vs PlayFab

CheddaBoards is a free, open-source backend for games that need server-validated leaderboards, achievements, shared player profiles and authentication. Leaderboards can reset daily, weekly or monthly, with monthly and custom intervals available. Submission checks include per-game score caps, play-session duration, streak limits and server-side rules. The maker notes that determined users can reverse-engineer the public API or use bots that imitate realistic pacing, so additional protections are recommended for ranked or prize-based PvP. Players may begin anonymously and later link accounts through Google or Apple sign-in with a short code. Drop-in SDKs support Godot and Unity, while a REST API serves other engines that can make HTTP requests. Listed engine coverage also includes Unreal, GameMaker, Construct, native mobile, web and custom engines. Developers can delete scores or remove players from boards, with a deletion log, and record in-game events through API calls. The MIT-licensed backend and SDKs can be self-hosted on the Internet Computer. The Free plan costs nothing and includes three games per account, unlimited players and no per-player fees.

PlayFab provides managed backend services for live games and connects players across platforms. Its player services include identity, groups, friends, chat, profiles, stats, game saves and shared data, alongside competitive leaderboards and multiplayer networking. Live-operations tools support remote gameplay tuning, real-time player segmentation and A/B testing. Economy and user-generated-content tools cover virtual economies, live offers, monetization and built-in moderation. Game Data Stream can monitor player activity, analyze retention and revenue, and export raw data. The product lists Unreal and Unity SDKs, custom-engine language support, and integrations including Xbox, Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, App Store and Google Play. Development Mode is free and permits up to 1,000 lifetime player account creations per title, with up to 10 titles per account. Free to Start costs nothing. Standard Plan costs $99 a month; Premium Plan costs $1,999 a month.