GSM vs SideSave

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.”

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.