How to Find a Game’s ID: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding a game’s ID might seem like a trivial task, but it’s a crucial piece of information for various reasons, from troubleshooting technical issues to modding games and even managing server settings. In essence, a game ID is a unique identifier assigned to a specific game, and its retrieval process varies depending on the platform. This article will act as a comprehensive guide to help you find the game ID you need across various gaming platforms and situations.

How to Find a Game’s ID

The most direct answer to the question “How do you find a game’s ID?” depends entirely on the gaming platform we’re talking about. Here’s a breakdown of how to find game IDs on popular platforms:

Steam Game IDs

Finding a Steam game ID is usually straightforward. The primary method involves checking the game’s store page URL.

1. Navigate to the Game’s Store Page: Go to the Steam store within the Steam application or through a web browser and search for the specific game you’re looking for.
2. Examine the URL: Once you’re on the game’s store page, look at the URL in your browser’s address bar. The URL will generally be in the format: store.steampowered.com/app/APPID/, where APPID is the actual game ID. For example, if the URL is http://store.steampowered.com/app/240760/, then the game’s Steam App ID is 240760.

It’s important to note that Steam AppIDs are always multiples of 10; numbers in between these multiples are used for depot IDs which are related to the game’s content files. Steam AppIDs should not be confused with your Steam ID, which is a unique identifier for your user account, and is usually a 17-digit number.

Epic Games Game IDs

Finding an Epic Games game ID is a different process, as the platform doesn’t use a URL-based identifier like Steam. Instead, you’ll need to locate the game’s installation folder on your computer.

1. Navigate to the Epic Games Installation Directory: By default, the installation directory is C:Program FilesEpic Games.
2. Locate the Game Folder: Within the Epic Games folder, find the folder named after the specific game you are interested in.
3. The Game Folder is a Location: Unlike Steam, which has a URL-based ID, The folder itself acts as the identifier within the context of your system’s Epic Games installation. In many troubleshooting scenarios, this path can be used to identify the particular game. The unique ID on Epic Games is located within the game settings and has a 9-digit format.

Roblox Game IDs (Place IDs)

In Roblox, game IDs are referred to as Place IDs and are found through a different method on the Roblox website:

1. Navigate to Roblox Create: On the Roblox website, navigate to the “Create” page.
2. Access Your Creations: Go to “My Creations” and select “Places.”
3. Find Your Place: Locate the specific game (place) you want to find the ID for and click on it.
4. Copy the ID from the URL: This will take you to the game’s page. The Place ID is the number in the URL after the “games/” segment of the url. For instance, a url like roblox.com/games/3339040049/your-game-name the placeId is 3339040049.

Xbox Game IDs

The Xbox platform uses IDs for games under the ID@Xbox program, designed for independent game developers. However, these IDs aren’t directly visible through URLs or game folders on a consumer device. Instead, this Game ID is intended for use with developers that publish using Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program. Usually, these IDs will be provided when requesting support or working directly with an independent game developer. The game itself can be identified by its unique name and tile on the Xbox UI.

General Game IDs

Some games, especially on consoles, may display a game ID on loading screens or in the game’s settings menu. This is often used for troubleshooting. While the methods vary, the concept remains the same: it’s a way to uniquely identify the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of a game ID?

A game ID serves as a unique identifier for a specific game, which is essential for various purposes. It’s used for technical support, troubleshooting, identifying game files, server management, modding, and various other platform-specific functions. In short, it’s a universal reference for that specific title.

2. Is a Steam App ID the same as a Steam ID?

No, a Steam App ID refers to a specific game on the Steam platform, while a Steam ID identifies a unique user account on Steam. Your Steam ID is typically a 17-digit number.

3. Where can I find the steam_appid.txt file?

The steam_appid.txt file is a simple text file that contains your app ID. This file is primarily used during game development and for server builds and is usually located in the working directory of the build or editor.

4. What if I can’t find the game ID in the URL or game folder?

If the game ID isn’t found in the URL or game folder, check in-game settings or loading screens. If you still can’t find it, contact the game developer or platform support for assistance, as it may not always be publicly accessible.

5. Is there a way to find a game ID without owning the game?

For Steam, you can find the game ID by visiting the game’s store page even if you don’t own it. However, for platforms like Epic Games, you may need to have the game installed to find its folder location.

6. Can I change my Steam ID?

No, your Steam ID is permanently tied to your account and cannot be changed. It’s an internal identifier used by Steam to reference your account. You can, however, change your public profile name.

7. Why does Epic Games ask for my ID?

Epic Games might ask for your ID, especially when dealing with parental consent for child accounts. This is used to verify that the person providing consent is actually an adult, as required by laws protecting children’s privacy.

8. What is the Epic Games user ID number?

The Epic Games user ID is a 9-digit number, usually found on the upper right-hand side of the screen, or at the bottom of the page.

9. Are games on SteamUnlocked safe?

While SteamUnlocked allows users to download games for free, it’s important to approach these sites with caution. While some users report that games downloaded from SteamUnlocked are safe, downloading from unofficial sources always carries a risk of encountering malware or pirated software.

10. Is it safe for children to use Steam?

Many games on Steam are not appropriate for children. Parents should monitor their child’s Steam activity and restrict access to specific games as needed. Furthermore, online harassment is a potential risk that needs to be monitored as well.

11. Can I play Steam games on Xbox?

You can play games from your Steam library on Xbox using cloud gaming services such as Nvidia’s GeForce Now extended to Microsoft Edge browsers. This allows you to stream your Steam games directly onto your Xbox console.

12. How do I find my game save data?

On Windows, most save game data can be found in the folder %homepath%AppDataLocalLow by opening File Explorer and pasting the path into the address bar. Specific locations may vary depending on the game itself.

13. How do I clear my Steam download cache?

In your Steam client, open the Settings and navigate to the Downloads tab. At the bottom you’ll find a “Clear Download Cache” button.

14. Does Steam save my game data?

Yes, many games on Steam use Steam Cloud to store various types of game data like game settings, save files, profile stats, and more. This also includes Steam client settings.

15. Why can’t I see my Steam profile link?

To enable Steam profile links, go to Steam Settings, select “Interface” and enable the option “Display Steam URL address bar when available.” This will display your Steam ID in the URL of your profile page.

By following the methods outlined in this article and referencing the FAQs above, you should be well-equipped to find game IDs for various platforms and purposes. Remember that each platform may have its unique identifier and location, so adaptability is key.