IGDB
IGDB: Free structured game data for browsing, research, and API-powered applications. Ranked #3 of 14 in Game Databases by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free structured game data via API.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree structured game data via API
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- API accessYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free API access for non-commercial use
- Game, platform, character, image, and media metadata
- CSV dumps and Protocol Buffers response support
Where it doesn't
- Commercial usage requires a partnership process
- Community contributions follow content policies
- API access requires Twitch application credentials
Our verdict on IGDB
IGDB is a web-based video game database operated by Twitch, built for people who need to discover, browse, track, or query game information. Its public catalog covers games, genres, companies, characters, platforms, systems, and related media metadata. Developers can also use the v4 API to retrieve structured records for applications, research workflows, and other non-commercial projects.
The main draw is breadth combined with free non-commercial API access. IGDB supports records across PC, Mac, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, web browsers, and arcade systems. The API includes game and platform data, character records linked to games, image and media metadata, and Protocol Buffers responses. The database also supports community contributions under IGDB and Twitch content policies, giving the catalog a contribution path alongside browsing and API access.
IGDB is a strong fit when a project needs structured game information without a listed subscription tier for non-commercial use. Commercial usage follows a partnership process, so teams building commercial products should evaluate that route before planning an integration. Developers should also account for the requirement to use Twitch application credentials and for the distinction between the public database, API access, and CSV data dumps available through commercial partnership. Choose IGDB for broad game coverage and structured retrieval; consider an alternative if your project requires a different commercial access model or data source.
Your product? Our editors can test IGDB in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
IGDB pricing
IGDB fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| API access | Yes |
| Supported platforms | PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Web browser, Arcade |
| Export formats | CSV, Protocol Buffers |
| Quest data | Not verified |
| Character data | Yes |
| Item data | Not verified |
| Ability data | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | igdb.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to IGDB
- MobyGamesA broad game catalog with platform records, research tools, exports, and API access.9.4
- RAWGA broad game-data API with strong free access and a $149 monthly Business tier.9.2
- LaunchBoxA broad game library manager with storefront imports, emulator support, and controller-focused browsing.8.5
IGDB vs the competition
- IGDB vs MobyGames
- IGDB vs RAWG
- IGDB vs LaunchBox
- IGDB vs BoardGameGeek
- IGDB vs NostalgiaDB
- IGDB vs GameDNA
Compare IGDB with any tool side by side →
Used IGDB? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used IGDB for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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