Browser vs installed space games

2026 update: CONTRABAND started as a browser prototype but now ships as an installed Steam PC release. This page compares the two delivery models and where the game sits today.

What browser games optimize for

Zero install, instant links, and running inside a tab. Great for demos and viral sharing; harder for long sessions, heavy 3D assets, and platform features like achievements or cloud saves.

What installed clients optimize for

Native performance, offline play, controller and keyboard layouts, storefront discovery, and platform services (Steam Cloud, achievements, refunds). Elite Dangerous, EVE Online, and Star Citizen live here.

Where CONTRABAND is now

The public web build on this domain was retired. CONTRABAND: Edge of the Fold is a branching narrative space RPG on Steam — 300+ scenes, 140 achievements, 21-track soundtrack, revisit mechanic, four endings with 30 variants. See the Steam store page.

When to pick each model (as a player)

Try a browser game when you want a five-minute taste with no install. Pick an installed title when you want a full campaign, saves that follow you, and richer audiovisual production.

Bottom line

Browser and installed space games answer different questions. CONTRABAND chose the installed path for the full release while keeping devlog posts about the earlier browser stack for developers reading the history.