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Gaming Alternatives

DRM-free and more portable alternatives to the Xbox Store, Amazon Games, and Google Play Games.

PC gaming platforms

GOG.com Pay-per-game
Replaces: Xbox Store, Amazon Games, Epic Games Store Privacy: DRM-free; you own the installer; runs without any account or internet check Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

Honest tradeoff: Smaller library than Steam; focuses on quality over quantity; older games especially well-represented

itch.io Free tierPay-per-game
Replaces: Xbox Store, Steam (indie games) Privacy: Many games are DRM-free; indie-first; creator-friendly revenue split Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

Honest tradeoff: Indie-focused; not a source for AAA games

Steam Pay-per-game
Replaces: Xbox Store, Amazon Games Privacy: Most portable DRM of the major PC stores; long track record; generous refunds Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (via Proton)

Honest tradeoff: Not DRM-free; requires the Steam client; but more portable than Xbox/PlayStation/Epic stores

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