ES-DE Frontend vs Steam
ES-DE Frontend
es-de.org
Steam
store.steampowered.comSide by side
| Figure | ES-DE Frontend | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 9.3 (#3) | 9.1 (#5) |
| Company legal name | The project privacy policy identifies Northwestern Software AB as the operator and data controller. | The Steam Subscriber Agreement identifies Valve Corporation as the contracting party for Steam transactions. |
| Controller support | The interface supports full controller navigation. | Steam encourages support for PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo controllers. |
| Documentation depth | The repository publishes a user guide, Android documentation, build instructions, theme-development documentation, FAQs and a detailed changelog. | Steamworks documentation includes feature guides, API references, SDK instructions, finance, store publishing, tutorials, discussions and support links. |
| Purpose | ES-DE browses and launches games from a multi-platform collection and can also run locally installed games and applications. | Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. |
| Support | The official installation page directs users to the user guide, FAQs and Discord for support. | Steam Support offers personalized help for purchases and account status after sign-in. |
| What it does | ES-DE is a frontend for browsing and launching games from a multi-platform collection. | Steam is Valve’s platform for playing, discussing and creating games. |
Plans
ES-DE Frontend
- Windows, macOS and LinuxFree
- Windows, macOS and Linux desktopFree
- Android (Samsung Galaxy Store)$6.50, paid once
- AndroidPrice not published
In their own words
ES-DE Frontend
ES-DE Frontend browses and launches games from a multi-platform collection and can also run locally installed games and applications. It supports more than 150 game systems and comes configured for a large selection of emulators, game engines, game managers, and gaming services. Its built-in scraper downloads game details and media, including images, videos, and manuals. Users can adjust configuration options and themes, and download additional themes through the built-in theme downloader. The interface supports full controller navigation. Windows, macOS, and Linux editions are free to download and use, fully open source, and may be distributed freely. The Android release is a paid, partially closed-source app, and no price is listed. It is available through Patreon, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Huawei AppGallery. The Android FAQ gives 64-bit Android 10 or later as the basic requirement and says one purchase can be used on all of the buyer’s devices without a subscription or additional costs. Support links include a user guide, FAQs, and Discord.
Steam
Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. Its catalog includes nearly 30,000 games, with game hubs, reviews, achievements, and custom recommendations for discovery. Users can meet others, join groups, form clans, and use text or voice chat. Steam Workshop supports making, finding, and downloading mods and cosmetics for nearly 1,000 supported games. Steam Broadcast streams gameplay live to friends or the community. The Steam Mobile app on iOS and Android supports shopping, account protection, game news, notifications, and community features; Steam Guard can approve sign-ins and confirm trades or Community Market listings. Steamworks provides tools and services for developers and publishers distributing games on Steam. Steam is free, but game and content prices vary and some subscriptions may be free. Content is licensed rather than sold; use may require an account, the client, and an internet connection. Users under 13 may not subscribe, and country-specific age limits may also apply.