GSBS vs SideSave

GSBS is a free game-save synchronization and backup service for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Clients connect through a central server, detect when a supported game is running, and wait to sync until it closes. The client checks game installations across Steam, Epic, GOG, Ubisoft, EA, Xbox, Heroic, Lutris, Bottles, and Prism against a PCGamingWiki manifest. It translates save paths between Windows and Linux, including Proton paths. Save files are versioned and can be restored through the web dashboard. Optional end-to-end encryption uses client-side AES-256-GCM with Argon2id; without that option, saves are plaintext on the server and in backups. Scheduled tar.zst snapshots can include the database, keys, and saves, with storage on local disk or S3. GSBS can send webhook, Discord, and ntfy alerts, including for conflicts, quota, and backups. The project recommends Docker Compose for the server and provides a Windows server setup executable. It is distributed under the MIT License.

SideSave is free, open-source software that synchronizes save data for non-Steam games added to Steam as shortcuts. It pairs two approved machines and transfers tracked saves over a local network or an internet relay, sending only changed content blocks. Versioned snapshots and branches preserve history, while lineage-based conflict detection asks whether to keep the local copy, remote copy, or both. Saves can be restored individually or as complete versions. Detection reads Steam’s shortcuts.vdf file and offers Proton save locations for tracking. The scan excludes real Steam Cloud games, emulator saves, repack-wrapper detection, and portable installs. Optional backups can mirror snapshots to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV, a webhook, or local/NAS storage. SideSave has no accounts or telemetry; relay traffic is encrypted but not end-to-end. The project publishes no releases, so users build the CLI, desktop app, relay, or Steam Deck components from source.