Uncovering the Best Desura Alternatives for Digital Game Distribution
Desura once served as a go-to digital distribution service, offering a vast library of games, mods, and downloadable content readily available for gamers. However, with the evolving landscape of digital gaming platforms, many users are now seeking robust and feature-rich Desura alternatives. Whether you're a developer looking for a new home for your creations or a gamer in search of a better experience, this guide will help you navigate the best options available on Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
Top Desura Alternatives
The digital distribution space has flourished since Desura's peak, offering a diverse array of platforms with unique strengths. From massive storefronts to independent havens and open-source solutions, there's a Desura alternative perfectly suited for every need.
Steam
Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is a colossal digital distribution and communication platform. It's an excellent Desura alternative for its immense game library, spanning from indie titles to AAA blockbusters, all delivered over the internet. Available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad, Steam boasts features like a game launcher, controller support, free-to-play options, Proton support for Linux, regular updates, achievements, auto-update, and a vibrant community with integrated chat and VR support.
GOG.com
GOG.com (Good Old Games) stands out as a fantastic Desura alternative, particularly for those who prioritize DRM-free gaming. It specializes in classic PC games, updated to run on modern systems, and offers them at competitive prices. Available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, and as a Software as a Service (SaaS), GOG.com features DRM-free games, achievements, ad-free experience, optional launcher/overlay, community support, and strong privacy protections.
Humble Bundle
Humble Bundle offers a unique approach to game distribution, making it a compelling Desura alternative, especially for those who appreciate supporting charity. Users can purchase bundles of games, decide their own price, and contribute to charitable causes. Most games are DRM-free and compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, with some also available on Android and Android Tablet. Key features include DRM-free content, loot subscriptions, and a curated games library.
GOG GALAXY
GOG GALAXY is a free gaming client designed for seamless purchasing, playing, and updating of DRM-free games, making it a robust Desura alternative focused on user ownership. It also supports online play across different gaming platforms. Available on Free, Mac, Windows, and Snapcraft, GOG GALAXY features DRM-free gaming, achievements, auto-update, cloud sync, community support, a game launcher, group chat, and an update notifier.
itch.io
itch.io is a fantastic Desura alternative, particularly for independent developers and those seeking unique, often experimental games. It provides a platform for creators to upload and sell their games, with flexible pricing options (including 'pay what you want'). This platform is Free and Open Source, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and Android Tablet. Its features include DRM-free content, an Electron-based interface, and an open revenue sharing model.
Lutris
Lutris is an excellent open-source gaming platform for GNU/Linux, serving as a powerful Desura alternative for Linux users. It allows users to gather, manage (install, configure, and launch) all their games from various sources within a single, unified interface. Available on Free, Open Source, Linux, and Web, Lutris offers custom scripts, a game launcher, and multi-system emulation capabilities.
Playnite
Playnite is a free and open-source video game library manager and launcher specifically for Windows. It acts as a comprehensive Desura alternative by unifying games from various third-party libraries like Steam, GOG, Origin, and Uplay into one convenient interface. Playnite features API integration, auto-update, customization options, extensibility via plugins, front-end emulation, a robust games library, multiple account support, scripting, and import functionalities for Epic Games, GOG, and Steam.
Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store has quickly become a prominent Desura alternative, known for its frequent free game giveaways and a developer-friendly revenue share model (developers receive 88%). Available on Free, Mac, Windows, and Web, the Epic Games Store offers a curated selection of games and includes a functional game launcher, making it a strong contender for both players and developers.
Battle.net App
The Battle.net App serves as a digital distribution platform primarily for Blizzard Entertainment's titles, making it a specialized Desura alternative for fans of their games. Available on Free, Mac, and Windows, it offers single sign-on for Blizzard games, automatic game installation and updates, and a central hub for the latest Blizzard news and developer blogs. Its key features include a robust games library and integrated chat functionality.
Mod DB
Mod DB is the largest website dedicated to user-generated game content, mods, addons, and DLC, making it a valuable Desura alternative for those interested in game modification. Its aim is to connect developers, players, and their ideas, allowing the community to shape the games we play. Available on Free and Web, Mod DB focuses on gaming and custom content, empowering a community-driven approach to game development and enhancement.
Ultimately, the best Desura alternative for you will depend on your specific priorities. Whether you're looking for a massive game catalog, DRM-free titles, indie gems, charitable contributions, or powerful game management tools, the options listed above offer diverse solutions to fit every gamer's needs.