Heroic Games Launcher vs Steam

Heroic Games Launcher is a free, open-source desktop launcher for installing and playing games from Epic Games Store, GOG and Amazon Prime Gaming. It supports Linux, Windows 10 and 11, and macOS 14 or newer; SteamOS is supported with downloads available through Discover. Users can install, uninstall, update, repair, move and import games, and access the Epic and GOG stores from within the interface. Heroic supports Wine and Proton on Linux and CrossOver on macOS, with custom Wine and Proton versions available for Linux. It can sync game saves with the cloud and accepts games and applications outside Epic and GOG, though automatic updates or save syncing may not be available for those additions. The project says it does not collect personal data, usernames or passwords; optional anonymous analytics are off by default. Linux downloads include Flatpak, AppImage, RPM, DEB and TAR.XZ packages. Heroic is released under the GNU General Public License version 3.0. Its FAQ warns that using Wine or Proton on an unsupported operating system may result in bans, depending on the game.

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.