Side by side
Beamable vs Steamworks
Both stand on game backend services. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Beamable combines game backend services with multiplayer features and LiveOps tools, with managed SaaS and private cloud deployment options. Review the plan limits and bandwidth overage terms when assessing its paid tiers.
Visit BeamableChoose Steamworks if you plan to distribute a game or software product through Steam and want access to its portal, APIs, and optional game services. Allow time for the first-release requirements and Valve’s review. Steam’s onboarding excludes advertising-based applications and blockchain applications that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs.
Visit SteamworksThe facts
| Beamable | Steamworks | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Developer: $125 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 6 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | beamable.com | partner.steamgames.com |
| On game backend services | #19 of 27 | #15 of 27 |
Beamable: what it does well
- SDKs are available for Unity and Unreal.
- Includes multiplayer networking and matchmaking.
- LiveOps Portal supports events and content updates.
- Managed SaaS and private cloud options are listed.
- 90-day trial includes 12.5M API calls.
What to know first
- No free plan is listed beyond the 90-day trial.
- Additional bandwidth is billed as overage.
- Additional microservices are listed at $20/month each.
- Trial support is self-service.
Steamworks: what it does well
- Free suite of tools for developers.
- Optional features let developers select what to use.
- Includes matchmaking, leaderboards, achievements, and microtransactions.
- Provides anti-cheat APIs and game-ban infrastructure.
- Supports API, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What to know first
- Each new app requires a $100 USD (or equivalent) Steam Direct Fee.
- First releases require a 21-day fee lead time and a two-week Coming Soon page.
- Valve reviews the store page and game build before they can go live.
- Onboarding requires identity verification and bank and tax information.
Alternatives to Beamable Alternatives to Steamworks The whole list