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Drop

An open-source, self-hosted alternative to digital game distribution platforms like Steam and Epic, designed for DRM-free games.

Quick Info

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Overview

Drop is an innovative open-source project designed to serve as a self-hosted alternative to proprietary digital game distribution platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. Its core mission is to provide a better experience for DRM-free games, giving users complete control over their game libraries and how they are presented and distributed. The platform allows for rich metadata editing, enabling users to customize game information with Markdown, images, and custom icons.

Beyond just library management, Drop includes a fully featured store where users can discover, filter, and organize games into collections. It supports flexible authentication methods, including simple and Single Sign-On (SSO), with plans for more advanced features like SCIM. A significant advantage is its ability to automatically import game metadata from popular databases like IGDB, GiantBomb, and PCGamingWiki, streamlining the setup process. Additionally, administrators can publish news articles that appear both in-browser and within the client, keeping users informed and engaged. This makes Drop an ideal solution for individuals, communities, or small developers looking for a customizable and independent platform for their DRM-free game content.

Best For

Personal game library management for DRM-free titles
Small independent game developers distributing their own DRM-free games
Communities or groups wanting to host and share their own game collections
Educational institutions managing game-based learning content
Archivists preserving and cataloging digital game assets

Key Features

Open-source and self-hosted
Rich metadata editing with Markdown and images
Fully featured game store with filtering and collections
Flexible authentication (simple and SSO)
Automatic metadata import from IGDB, GiantBomb, and PCGamingWiki
Admin-controlled news articles for in-browser and client updates
Support for DRM-free games
Customizable icons, descriptions, and names for games

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Full control over game library and distribution without platform lock-in
  • Enhanced experience for DRM-free game collections
  • Rich metadata capabilities for detailed game information
  • Automated metadata import saves time and effort
  • Community engagement features like news articles
  • Flexible authentication options for various user setups
  • Open-source nature allows for customization and community contributions

Cons

  • Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting and setup
  • No built-in DRM, focusing solely on DRM-free content
  • Lacks direct integration with major game platforms for purchases or existing libraries
  • Smaller ecosystem and community compared to commercial platforms
  • Ongoing maintenance and updates are the responsibility of the self-hoster
  • Limited information on client compatibility or specific operating system support

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