GameRanger

What GameRanger is

GameRanger is an online service for playing more than 700 games and demos with friends or other players. It runs on macOS and Windows, and the supported-games page groups titles into Mac, PC, and cross-platform categories. Players can join an available game room or start a session by choosing Host Game. The service includes player profiles, friends lists, instant messaging, and voice communication during games. Competitive ladders, rankings, and ratings are also available.

GameRanger offers a free Bronze plan, plus Silver for $19.95 a year and Gold for $39.95 a year. Bronze includes hosting and joining games, dedicated server lists, instant messaging, a basic profile, and a friends list of up to 50. Silver raises that friends limit to 100 and adds full voice communication, a unique account name, a custom icon, and exclusive chat rooms. Gold allows up to 500 friends and includes hosted chat rooms, away-message auto-replies, and an expanded profile. Both paid memberships include a 30 Day Refund. To create an account, users need a valid email address and must activate it through an email. GameRanger was created by Scott Kevill and opened to Mac gaming in 1999; GameRanger Pty Ltd is based in Perth, Australia.

Who it suits

GameRanger suits people on Mac or Windows who want to find others for supported games and demos, join rooms, or host sessions. Its free plan covers basic play and social features, while paid plans add larger friends lists and additional communication and profile options.

Limits

Bronze includes a friends list of up to 50. Silver raises the friends limit to 100 and includes full voice communication; Gold raises it to 500.

Getting started

1. Visit the GameRanger website.
2. Create an account with a valid email address.
3. Activate the account using the activation email.
4. Download GameRanger for macOS or Windows.
5. Join a listed game room or choose Host Game to create a game.
6. Choose Bronze, Silver, or Gold based on the included features.

Verdict

Choose GameRanger if you want a free way to host or join supported games with friends and opponents. Silver or Gold may suit players who need a larger friends list or their added communication and profile features; Bronze has a 50-person friends limit.