GameEx vs Steam
GameEx
gameex.com
Steam
store.steampowered.comSide by side
| Figure | GameEx | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 9.3 (#4) | 9.1 (#5) |
| Documentation depth | The official setup guide covers 39 configuration sections, including emulator setup, MAME, plugins, media, controls and performance. | Steamworks documentation includes feature guides, API references, SDK instructions, finance, store publishing, tutorials, discussions and support links. |
| Purpose | GameEx is an arcade and emulator front end for MAME, GameBase, Daphne, PC games and command-line emulators, and also offers HTPC features. | Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. |
| Security | The setup guide warns that security experts have not examined GameExtender for security issues and advises using it over networks at the user's own risk. | Steam Guard in the mobile app can approve sign-ins and confirm trades and Community Market listings. |
| Support | The maker says commercial support and customizations are available and in many cases provided free of charge. | Steam Support offers personalized help for purchases and account status after sign-in. |
| What it does | GameEx is a Windows front end for MAME, GameBase, Daphne, PC games, command-line emulators and home-theater media. | Steam is Valve’s platform for playing, discussing and creating games. |
Plans
In their own words
GameEx
GameEx is an arcade and emulator front end for MAME, GameBase, Daphne, PC games and command-line emulators, with HTPC features. The site lists original GameEx, GameEx Arcade Edition and GameEx Evolution. Its feature list describes support for nearly any emulator, with advanced MAME support, and compatibility with arcade controls such as X-Arcade, Slik-Stik, JPAC and IPAC, as well as remotes and gamepads. Media features include video and DVD playback, picture viewing, internet radio, a jukebox, a news reader and a YouTube module. Named integrations include Steam, EA Origin, Uplay, iTunes, Windows Media Player, GameBase, GameEx Arcade and the TMDb API. GameEx Online and GameExtender add networked display, remote control and online game statistics. Its listed free plan costs nothing, but commercial use requires each copy to be registered or purchased. The listing includes Android, Linux, macOS and Windows; the maker describes Linux or Mac use through WINE as experimental, while the multiplatform alpha builds may lack features.
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.