6th and 5th Place: Xbox App and Microsoft Store
Company: Microsoft | Security: Microsoft Authenticator | Download link (Xbox App)
Strengths: The Xbox App and Microsoft Store both come from Microsoft and are tightly integrated on PC. When you buy or install games from the Microsoft Store, they are also displayed in the Xbox App.
You mainly need the Xbox App if you want to use Game Pass or Cloud Gaming. The Xbox App also offers features like achievements or cross-friend lists (e.g., with Steam).
Weaknesses: The performance of both platforms is mixed. In particular, the Xbox App tends to crash randomly and is reported by multiple colleagues to be a buggy experience on PC.
Both the Xbox App and Microsoft Store install games in a special, encrypted directory. In many cases, mods or similar adjustments do not work because you have only limited access to your game files.
4th Place: GOG
Company: CD Projekt | Security: 2FA via email | Download link
Strengths: GOG is a Polish gaming platform from CD Projekt Red. On GOG, you will find only games that are offered without copy protection there. With GOG Galaxy, they now offer their own client, which provides community features like leaderboards, an activity feed, and achievements similar to Steam. GOG also offers reviews and a forum for exchange.
A major advantage of GOG is that for every game (except Gwent), GOG offers an offline installer for your games, and almost all games can be played offline. GOG also has a very fair 30-day return policy for all games.
Weaknesses: The biggest downside of GOG is its relatively small offering compared to Steam or Epic Games Store. Many publishers still prefer to offer their games with heavy protection through Steam or their own launcher.
Another downside: GOG also does not always receive all patches or updated versions consistently for all games. Sometimes players on Steam receive an update weeks earlier than on GOG.
3rd Place: Battle.net
Company: Activision-Blizzard | Security: 2FA via email | Download link
Strengths: Battle.net offers a platform for games from Activision-Blizzard. You can both purchase games and start them directly through your integrated library. Compared to Steam or Epic, Battle.net is a lightweight and requires hardly any resources but also offers hardly any additional features.
Weaknesses: You can only purchase the in-house products of Activision-Blizzard through Battle.net. Because of this, Battle.net remains heavily restricted. If you do not play World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, or Call of Duty, Battle.net is likely not relevant to you.
Battle.net also does not offer cross-game achievements, a profile system, or other advantages.
On the next page, you will find rank 2 and rank 1 of our ranking.
