Hey everyone,
This is probably the biggest change since the site launched.
With Beta 29, out later this month, GamesGraph will switch from the Steam Web API to IGDB for all game metadata. This took major database changes, creative migration logic, and a ton of testing. It will impact your collections and recommendations, especially if you've been around for a while, so I thought writing a proper announcement was the best way to explain what's going on and why.
🤔 Why change now?
Back in 2019, Steam’s API was good enough. We didn’t have many users, and the algorithm (which didn’t even use machine learning back then) leaned heavily on Steam reviews and popularity to fill in the gaps. But over time, its quirks have become serious limitations.
From social controversies to developer drama, review scores for AAA titles are now a battleground that rarely reflects quality. Tags are basically turning into a meme. You’ve probably noticed how everything is labeled "Psychological Horror" or "Family Friendly" now, which kills discoverability for lesser-known indies.
Behind the scenes, it's even worse. Steam's API is heavily rate-limited across all endpoints, so even with throttling, any small traffic spike from Reddit or Twitch can break sync for everyone. The data is also incomplete, which means I need to scrape the missing details out of store pages full of redirects and inconsistencies. When something changes, the background service needs an entire month to re-scan 200.000+ apps with sensible delays that won't get our server's IP blacklisted. The gamer in me loves Steam as a platform, but to be very direct with you all, the solo developer wants to build cool new features rather than keep duct-taping this nonsense every other week.
Then there’s the legal gray area, because the API technically forbids commercial usage. I'm not monetizing anything here, but it’s unclear whether integrating with deal trackers like IsThereAnyDeal - which does profit from our referrals - violates the terms. I’ve contacted Valve for clarification, but haven't heard back yet. I think you'll understand why I want the option to drop the API entirely if it ever becomes a problem (but don't worry, the sync feature is staying for now).
⚠️ Ouch, what's going to break?
About 4% of games won’t transfer right away. IGDB covers most of Steam’s catalog, but naming schemes vary across platforms, and some obscure or regional titles are going to vanish. DLCs are impacted the most, although that’s not always a bad thing, since publishers are clogging the lists with thousands of microtransactions that add nothing meaningful (did you know that Shadow of the Tomb Raider has a dozen cosmetic packs? That's just ridiculous.)
I’m using advanced name-matching logic behind the scenes, but it’s not perfect. I’m sorry if something important to you disappears, especially if you’re one of the folks using advanced filters to dig up very explicit NSFW “visual novels” 👀 that might be missing on IGDB. That said, I’m logging every mismatch and will try linking entries manually over time. For the record, private profiles are fully private, and I can’t see your data unless you choose to report an issue manually!
Taste profiles will seem stripped down at first, simpler and less colorful. Steam had a massive (if chaotic) tagging system, while IGDB tags are fewer and more deliberate. On the positive side, thanks to the more accurate categories, sorting and discovery will actually improve once the new titles get enough reviews and connections.
Steam reviews are going away too, they’ve just become too unreliable. In their place, you’ll see curated critic scores from IGDB, similar to Metacritic, and I’m also considering integrating OpenCritic for additional transparency. Neither option is perfect, especially if you don't trust the gaming press, but I promise they're a better signal to help you spot which games are actually worth a closer look and which ones you can safely skip.
🤷♂️ My thoughts
Honestly, this was long overdue.
IGDB covers not just every PC game, but also PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and more. Full console support is finally within reach, turning GamesGraph into, you know, a real tracker for all your games even off Steam. On top of that, IGDB brings richer structured data: franchises, detailed release history, supported languages, accessibility options, proper age ratings. That means better filters, smarter search, and hopefully fewer bugs in the next updates.
I seriously tried merging both data sources, but in practice the metadata clashed too much. Maintaining duplicate entries, inconsistent tag density, weird hierarchies of remakes would’ve been a nightmare without a moderation team. It might be a rough transition at first, but I think it’s the right call.
If you’ve been since the early experiments: thank you, really.
If you're new, welcome. Great time to jump in.
— Whiskee