GSM vs SaveState

GSM is free, open-source software for versioned game-save backups on Linux and Windows. It uploads backup sets to cloud storage, synchronizes the library between machines, and restores saves when needed. Ludusavi provides automatic game-save detection, while manual backup is available for games that are not detected. Rclone handles cloud uploads, and GSM creates SHA256 integrity files for each backup. Retention can be configured separately for each game. Restore choices include the newest backup, every stored backup, or the newest backup for one selected game. The project is designed for a shared Linux and Windows library without one system corrupting or deleting the other side's data. Linux distributions include graphical and text interfaces plus AppImage support. Windows offers a graphical build and a single-file EXE. GSM uses Rclone's copy command for cloud operations. The repository uses the MIT License, and its releases page lists “GSM - Definitive edition.”

SaveState is a graphical app for backing up and restoring video game saves, including games without cloud saves. It creates compressed ZIP backups, offers one-click backup and restore, and can rotate older backups automatically. Users can drop a game launcher shortcut onto the app to detect a game and search for its save folder. The desktop app supports Steam, Epic, GOG, Battle.net, Ubisoft, EA App, Playnite, and Heroic, as well as save discovery for emulators including RetroArch, Dolphin, ares, DuckStation, PPSSPP, and PCSX2. SaveState is free and GPLv3-licensed. Local backups need no account or configured provider; optional synchronization supports Google Drive, WebDAV, FTP/FTPS, SMB or network folders, and Git. Desktop releases are offered for Windows and Linux. Release notes describe Dolphin directory discovery for macOS locations. A separate Android app is in pre-release alpha and supports emulator detection, save scanning, ZIP backup and restore, and profile management. Some emulator saves in protected Android/data paths require a rooted device and superuser access through Root mode. The project describes preflight validation, staged extraction, atomic installation, and attempted rollback if replacement fails.