Side by side
BoardGameGeek vs IGDB
Both stand on game databases. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
BoardGameGeek combines game listings and community material with collection and play tracking. Its core access is free, while supporter perks and the account-age requirement are worth noting.
Visit BoardGameGeek Free plan APIWeb
IGDB combines game discovery with an API for retrieving game and related data. Developers should account for its authentication, request limits, and browser restriction before integrating it.
Visit IGDBThe facts
| BoardGameGeek | IGDB | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | API, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | boardgamegeek.com | igdb.com |
| On game databases | #1 of 14 | #2 of 14 |
BoardGameGeek: what it does well
- Free core site access and registered membership.
- Game entries include ratings, forums, and information.
- Members can maintain collections and log plays.
- Includes reviews, play aids, and session reports.
- Official apps are available for iOS and Android.
What to know first
- Users must be at least 18 to have an account.
- Site relies on community support and advertisements.
- Ad blocking is limited to supporter levels of $25 or more.
IGDB: what it does well
- Search games, companies, and characters
- Sort by relevance, title, date, or rating
- Free API use for non-commercial purposes
- Daily-updated CSV data dumps
What to know first
- API access requires Twitch two-factor authentication
- Direct browser requests are not supported
- Commercial API use requires a partnership
- AWS proxy deployment may incur charges
Alternatives to BoardGameGeek Alternatives to IGDB The whole list