Retrom vs WolvenKit

Retrom is a self-hosted game library service centered on emulation. It scans a server filesystem for games and platforms, then adds them to a library that desktop clients can use to install, uninstall, and play games. Clients are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a browser client for library access from other devices. Retrom can run with a dedicated server or in standalone mode, where a client runs the server locally; other clients can connect to that standalone server only while the client remains open. It supports cloud saves for built-in and standalone emulators, syncing save data and save states to the server. Emulator profiles can be kept on the server for sharing or restoration, though clients need matching emulator and other client-specific paths to share configurations. Retrom can retrieve metadata and artwork through IGDB, its only listed metadata provider. Steam is its only supported third-party library integration and needs a Steam API key and user ID. Retrom is free under GPL-3.0. The project says it lacks specific security measures and recommends local-network use or a properly secured reverse proxy.

WolvenKit is a free, open-source modding tool focused on Cyberpunk 2077 and REDengine 4. It can browse, extract, modify and repack game files into archives for use in the game. The Asset Browser previews meshes and textures from base-game or user-generated archives. Its RTTI-based File Editor reads and saves REDengine files, handles in-place buffer data, and converts game files to human-readable JSON and back. Project Explorer organizes files and opens source assets such as blend, PSD and XCF files. Asset conversion tools cover listed texture and model formats, with Blender one-click imports for shaded Cyberpunk meshes. Stable and nightly builds come through GitHub releases. Windows 10/11 64-bit and Linux are supported, although Linux compatibility is described as unstable and not guaranteed. The latest .NET 10.0 runtime and x64 architecture are required.