Side by side
IGDB vs Interactive Fiction Database
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 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 IGDB
Free plan APIWeb
IFDB combines a member-maintained catalog with discovery tools and APIs. Players should check whether a listing supports browser play, while developers should keep API use low-volume and user-driven.
Visit Interactive Fiction DatabaseThe facts
| IGDB | Interactive Fiction Database | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Web | API, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 4 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | igdb.com | ifdb.org |
| On game databases | #2 of 14 | #6 of 14 |
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
Interactive Fiction Database: what it does well
- Members can add and edit game listings.
- Search includes structured filters for discovery.
- Supported games can launch in a browser.
- APIs return JSON and support iFiction XML publishing.
- SQL exports exclude personal information.
What to know first
- IFDB catalogs game information rather than hosting games.
- APIs are not intended for frequent crawling or high-load mirroring.
- SQL exports are updated roughly quarterly.
- Browser play is available only for supported listings.
Alternatives to IGDB Alternatives to Interactive Fiction Database The whole list