Best Game Distribution Platforms in 2026
Updated
In short: Steam is ranked #1 of 14 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Battle.net and GamersGate. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Battle.net. The lowest first paid tier on this page is EA app at $3.33/mo.
Game distribution platforms differ in how they handle libraries, licenses, updates and storefront details. The entries are ranked and compared on automated updates, DRM options, license management, player reviews, regional pricing and supported platforms, along with free plans and paid starting prices. DMM Games, Game Jolt and Steam appear among the first entries, followed by Battle.net and Xbox Games. Consider how you want to manage game licenses and updates, whether regional pricing matters to you, and which platforms you need to support. These comparison points can help clarify the differences among the available distribution services.
14 game distribution platforms ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Recognised 40% · Phone app 26% · Documented 20% · Free plan 14% of the score
- 1 Steam iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8Free
- 2 Battle.net iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.7Free
- 3 GamersGate iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.4 Supported platforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxDRM options: optional
- 4 DMM Games iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.3¥980/mo Supported platforms: web, windows, android, ios
- 5 Game Jolt iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.3
- 6 Xbox Games iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.0 Supported platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, cloud gamingAutomated updates: YesDRM options: built_in
- 7 Epic Games Store iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.7
- 8 itch app No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4Free
- 9 GOG Galaxy No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free
- 10 EA app No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.8$3.33/mo
- 11 IndieGala No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7 Supported platforms: web, windows, macos, linuxAutomated updates: Yes
- 12 Kongregate No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7 Supported platforms: webAutomated updates: Yes
- 13 Newgrounds No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.5
- 14 Unreal Editor for Fortnite No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which game distribution platform is ranked first on Samsung Mobile US Press?
Steam is ranked #1 of 14 with a score of 7.8. Battle.net is second and GamersGate third.
How many of these have a free plan?
4 of the 14 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, EA app has the lowest first paid tier we found: $3.33/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.