GameVault vs Steam
GameVault
gamevau.lt
Steam
store.steampowered.comSide by side
| Figure | GameVault | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €4.16/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Launcher Software | 8.8 (#1) | 8.3 (#9) |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 8.3 (#18) | 9.1 (#5) |
| Client API | GameVault+ exposes CLI, URI and named-pipe client interfaces for integrations. | Steamworks documents interfaces for apps, friends, matchmaking, networking, remote play, cloud storage, screenshots, Workshop, users, statistics, video and game servers. |
| Headquarters | Germany | Bellevue, Washington, United States |
| Purpose | GameVault is a self-hostable platform for browsing and playing DRM-free games stored on your file server. | Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. |
| Rating on Apple App Store | 1.0 out of 5 from 1 rating. | 2.5 out of 5 from 1.5 thousand ratings. |
| Support | For subscription support, the maker directs users to contact the developers through Discord or email at [email protected]. | Steam Support offers personalized help for purchases and account status after sign-in. |
| What it does | GameVault is a self-hosted platform for managing, distributing and launching legally owned DRM-free PC games. | Steam is Valve’s platform for playing, discussing and creating games. |
Plans
GameVault
- Flex Plan€4.99 a month
- Family & Friends Plan€8.99 a month
- Smart Saver Plan€49.90 a year
In their own words
GameVault
GameVault is a self-hostable platform for browsing and playing DRM-free games stored on a file server. Its server indexes game files and adds metadata, while clients let users organize, download, install and launch games. The client records playtime and game progress, including offline. Server features include multi-user authentication, role-based access, parental controls, backups and OAuth2 authentication. Users can choose a browser-based Web UI, a legacy Windows app or an early-access desktop client for Windows, Linux and macOS. The browser-only session cannot install or launch games on the user's computer; the full download manager is available in desktop clients. GameVault+ includes Playnite, Steam and Discord integrations, alongside a documented REST API for clients, integrations and library automation. Cloud saves and controller support are listed, while remote play and mod support are not. The maker says it uses encryption and follows GDPR rules. Plans include €4.99/month or €49.90/year for personal subscriptions and €8.99/month for a plan shareable with up to five others. GameVault+ is currently available in the legacy Windows app; cross-platform support is described as coming soon.
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.