Kongregate vs Steam

Kongregate is a web portal for free online games, including user-created and indie titles. Its library contains thousands of games across action, role-playing, strategy, arcade, and puzzle genres, with new indie releases added weekly according to the site. Player accounts can track progress, earn badges, and join the community, and player reviews are available. Developers can submit browser-playable games using HTML5/WebGL, Unity Web Player, or iframe options, but registration and Kongregate approval are required before publishing. New games cannot include third-party advertising or sponsorships, separate account systems, or non-Kongregate microtransactions. Developer tools include APIs, Kreds virtual goods, analytics, and performance metrics; revenue-share programs may provide up to 70%. Support portals serve players and developers. Kongregate says it stores personal data on secure servers, while noting security cannot be guaranteed. Forums and chat rooms are no longer hosted, though comments, profile shouts, and direct messages remain. Kong Plus is billed just under $30 per year and includes ad removal, profile features, and 200 Kreds at purchase and renewal.

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.