Steamworks vs Unity: What are the differences?

Introduction

This article will provide an overview of the key differences between Steamworks and Unity. Steamworks is a suite of tools and services provided by Valve Corporation for game developers to integrate Steam functionality into their games. Unity, on the other hand, is a cross-platform game development engine that allows developers to create games and interactive experiences across various platforms.

1. Integration and Licensing: One of the main differences between Steamworks and Unity is the way they handle integration and licensing. Steamworks requires a separate integration process where developers need to register their game with Steam, obtain necessary APIs, and integrate Steam features into their game manually. Unity, on the other hand, provides a more streamlined integration process with the Unity Asset Store, allowing developers to easily access and utilize Steam features with pre-built integrations and APIs.

2. Features and Functionality: Another key difference between Steamworks and Unity is the range of features and functionality they offer. Steamworks provides a comprehensive set of features such as multiplayer matchmaking, Steam Cloud for saving game progress, Steam Achievements, leaderboards, and more. Unity, on the other hand, is a game development engine that offers a wide range of features beyond Steam integration, including graphics rendering, physics simulations, animation systems, and more. While Unity provides some built-in Steam features, it may not offer the same level of customization and control as Steamworks.

3. Platform Support: Steamworks is primarily designed for integration with the Steam platform and is focused on supporting PC gaming. It provides extensive support for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, allowing developers to target these platforms. Unity, on the other hand, is a cross-platform game development engine that supports a wide range of platforms, including PC, consoles (such as Xbox, PlayStation), mobile devices (Android, iOS), and virtual reality (VR) platforms. Unity's platform support extends beyond Steam, making it a more versatile choice for developers targeting multiple platforms.

4. Community and Support: When it comes to community and support, Unity has a larger and more active community due to its widespread use as a game development engine. Unity's community provides extensive resources, tutorials, forums, and support channels for developers seeking help or sharing their knowledge. Steamworks, on the other hand, has a more focused community of game developers specifically targeting the Steam platform. While Steamworks does offer support and documentation, developers may find a larger and more diverse support network within the Unity community.

5. Development Workflow: The development workflow also differs between Steamworks and Unity. Steamworks requires developers to go through a separate process of registering their game, obtaining necessary APIs, and integrating Steam features alongside their game development process. Unity, on the other hand, provides a more integrated development workflow where developers can access and utilize Steam features directly within the Unity Editor, simplifying the development and iteration process.

6. Distribution and Publishing: Lastly, distribution and publishing processes differ between Steamworks and Unity. Steamworks allows developers to distribute their games exclusively through the Steam platform, utilizing its distribution and sales infrastructure. Unity, on the other hand, provides a more flexible approach where developers can choose to distribute their games through various platforms, including Steam, but are not limited to it. Unity supports multiple distribution channels, allowing developers to target a wider audience beyond the Steam platform.

In summary, key differences between Steamworks and Unity include the integration and licensing process, available features and functionality, platform support, community and support network, development workflow, and distribution options. While Steamworks focuses on providing Steam-specific features and integration, Unity offers a more versatile game development engine with extensive platform support and a larger community.