CKAN vs G3M
CKAN
github.comG3M
github.comSide by side
| Figure | CKAN | G3M |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Mod managers | 8.8 (#4) | 8.8 (#3) |
| Spec score · Game Mod Managers | 8.8 (#5) | 8.8 (#4) |
| Conflict detection | Yes | Yes |
| Deployment method | copy | copy |
| Integrations | The project lists connections on Internet Archive, Coveralls, NuGet, Crowdin, and Docker Hub. | G3M integrates with GameBanana and can launch supported games through Steam where available; Linux users can use PortProton for compatible Windows games. |
| License | The project describes CKAN as open source and MIT-licensed. | The application is distributed under GPL-3.0. |
| Mod discovery | Users can search the mod list by identifiers and names, with additional search options including relationships and authors. | The app browses supported GameBanana games and can install mods from GameBanana, external URLs, local archives, or one-click install links. |
| Mod source access | built-in | built-in |
| Platforms | The CKAN client is built for .NET using Mono and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. | Release packages are available for Windows, Linux, and macOS on x86_64 and ARM64 computers. |
| Purpose | CKAN is a repository of Kerbal Space Program mod metadata and tools for finding, installing, and managing mods. | G3M is a desktop manager for GameMaker mods that can browse, install, organize, and launch supported games with mods. |
| Support | The project directs users to troubleshooting documentation, GitHub issues, and its Discord server for help with the client. | The project links to community help on Discord and Telegram. |
| Supported platforms | multi-platform | multi-platform |
Plans
In their own words
CKAN
CKAN helps Kerbal Space Program players find, install, and manage mods through a client connected to an online registry. Users can refresh the registry and search by mod name, identifier, author, or relationships. CKAN uses mod metadata to select mods for the game version, install dependencies, and identify conflicts or incompatibilities. By default, a mod must be marked compatible with the exact game version; users can choose additional compatible versions, and an All filter can display incompatible mods. The client provides graphical, console, and command-line interfaces. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installation options for several Linux distributions. The executable can manage game installations from any folder; placing it in a game folder supports portable use. Mod authors can contribute or correct metadata. CKAN is open source and MIT-licensed, and is free. On macOS 10.15 and later, the console interface is the default because the graphical interface depends on a 32-bit WinForms application in Mono.
G3M
G3M is a free, open-source desktop manager for GameMaker mods. It can browse supported GameBanana games and install mods from GameBanana, external URLs, local archives, or one-click links. Built-in game entries include DELTARUNE, DELTARUNE Demo, UNDERTALE, UNDERTALE Yellow, Pizza Tower, Sugary Spire, and FRICKBEARS3; users can also add custom games through its Game Manager.
Multiple library profiles can hold separate active mod selections and settings. The Mod Editor combines patches, file replacements, and archive contents, while other tools create and apply patches, merge patch sets, compare files, export diff reports, and convert supported formats. Supported games can launch directly or through Steam where available; Linux users can use PortProton for compatible Windows games. Its Catalog includes themes and plugins, including tools for DELTARUNE saves and custom save folders. Downloads are available for Windows, Linux, and macOS on x86_64 and ARM64 computers. The project states that normal launch mode restores game files after the game closes.