Epic Games Launcher vs itch app

Epic Games Launcher gives users access to install and launch games in an Epic Games Store library. The launcher is free to install, and Epic offers a new free game every Thursday on mobile and PC. The store is available globally on PC and Mac and worldwide on Android; iPhone and iPad access is limited to specified supported regions. Desktop requirements include Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, macOS 13.5 or later, an Intel Core i3 or AMD FX processor, 4GB memory, compatible DirectX 9 graphics and 3GB storage. Many games support cloud saves, and signed-in players can continue progress across devices in supported games. Offline Mode works for eligible installed single-player games, though multiplayer, cloud saves, achievements and other online services may not be available. The launcher supports controllers and automatic updates. Epic accounts support authenticator-app, SMS or email two-factor authentication, parental controls and up to 1,000 friends. Mod support is listed as none. Optional in-app purchases are available.

The itch app is a desktop client for downloading and running games and software from itch.io. Its built-in browser lets users browse creator pages and install titles, while the library keeps downloads together and updates installed games automatically. Users can access collections, bundles, purchases and installed games in the app. Browser-based games can be synced for offline play, and games using itch.io command-line tools can receive delta patches that download only changed data. The client is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, with Windows 7 or newer required, and it is open source and offered in over 20 languages. Creators can provide an app manifest to define launch targets and integrate with the app API. The app registers itch:// and itchio:// links and can create Steam library shortcuts for installed games. Its sandbox limits file access, isolates home directories for Linux games and runs Windows games as less-privileged users. Compatibility problems can still occur, especially on Linux when games do not follow best practices. The listed plan is free.