Getting Started
The GameBreakers Guide
Everything from installing the app to withdrawing your first prize. A full challenge usually takes one match plus a few clicks on each side.
1 Install the app
- Download the installer from the homepage on a Windows 10 or 11 PC (64-bit).
- Run the GameBreakers Setup installer and follow the steps.
- GameBreakers starts and shows the sign-in screen. It keeps itself up to date and tells you when a new version is ready.
2 Create your account
- Click Create account and enter a username, email, password and your date of birth.
- Choose your state of residence. GameBreakers is available to U.S. residents in eligible states, aged 18+ (19+ in AL and NE, 21+ in IA and MA).
- Read and accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then open the verification link sent to your email.
Your location is checked every time you pay an entry fee or deposit. VPNs and proxies aren't permitted, and you can't enter challenges while you're in a state where GameBreakers isn't available.
3 Link your game names
Open Profile → Connections and add the name you use in each game you'll compete in. Results are checked against these names, so the screenshot from a match must show the same name.
- Steam links through Steam's own sign-in page, which proves the account is yours.
- Other games take your in-game username or gamertag.
4 Add funds
Open Wallet, choose + Deposit, pick an amount ($5 to $5,000) and pay by card. Payments are processed by Stripe; GameBreakers never sees your full card number. Your balance updates as soon as the payment goes through.
Your wallet shows two numbers: your available balance, and money held in escrow for challenges in progress.
5 Create or join a challenge
Create one
- Go to Challenges → Create.
- Pick the game and the goal: winning the match, or a stat like most goals or a first-to-3 set, depending on the game.
- Set the entry fee ($1 to $100). The prize is shown right away: both entry fees minus the 5% platform fee.
- Post it to the Marketplace for anyone to accept, or challenge a friend directly.
Join one
Browse the Marketplace, filter by game, and accept a challenge that suits you. A friend's challenge shows up as a notification you can accept in one click.
Your entry fee moves into escrow when the challenge is accepted. An open challenge that nobody accepts expires after 2 hours, and a direct challenge after 10 minutes; either way your entry fee comes back.
6 Play with Live Match
Start your game. GameBreakers detects supported games automatically, and the Live Match tab shows the game, your challenge and its status. A green dot on Live Match in the sidebar means something needs your attention.
If you have a second monitor, leave Live Match open there. Otherwise just play; you won't need to switch to the app until the match ends.
7 Report the result
When the match ends and the result screen is showing, capture it. There are three ways to do this:
- Hotkey (fastest): press Ctrl+Shift+F9 in your game. The screenshot goes straight into your challenge and Windows notifies you. Press it again to retake.
- Countdown: in Live Match, click Capture result screen in 10s, switch to your game, and leave the result screen up.
- Automatic: turn on Capture automatically when the match ends in Live Match, and GameBreakers watches for the victory or defeat screen. It's experimental, so keep the hotkey handy.
Then go back to Live Match, check the screenshot, and choose I Won or Opponent Won. For stat-based goals, claiming the win asks for your stats screen next; capture it the same way.
8 Confirm or dispute
When your opponent reports a result, Live Match shows their screenshot. You have 24 hours to respond:
- Confirm if it's correct. The challenge settles immediately.
- Dispute if it isn't. The entry fees stay frozen and a person reviews both sides' evidence.
If you don't respond within 24 hours, the challenge settles with the reported result. If neither side reports anything (a no-show or a crash), both entry fees are refunded in full after 6 hours.
9 Prizes and withdrawals
A prize goes to your wallet after a short review window: 48 hours, or 4 hours with Premium. That window is what lets a mistaken or disputed result still be corrected.
To withdraw, open Wallet → − Withdraw and request an amount. Before your first withdrawal you'll verify your identity and add your tax information. Requests are reviewed and paid out, typically within 2–5 business days.
Challenge statuses
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pending | Waiting for an opponent to accept. Your entry fee comes back if it expires. |
| Accepted | Both entry fees are in escrow. Play your match and capture the result. |
| Resolving | A result was reported and is waiting for the other player to confirm. |
| Disputed | Under review by a person. Funds are frozen, not lost. |
| Completed | Settled. The prize goes to the winner after the review window. |
| Cancelled / Voided | No result could stand. Entry fees are refunded. |
Limits and breaks
From Profile you can set a daily deposit limit or self-exclude for a period of time. Lowering a limit takes effect immediately; raising it waits 24 hours. See Responsible Play for more, including where to get help.
Troubleshooting
My game isn't detected
Make sure the game is a supported one (see the games list) and that it's running on the same PC as GameBreakers. If it still doesn't show up, restart GameBreakers.
The screenshot is black or shows the wrong screen
Switch the game to borderless or windowed mode. GameBreakers captures the monitor your mouse is on, so keep the game focused when you press the hotkey. You can retake a screenshot before choosing who won.
The hotkey does nothing
It only works while a challenge is waiting for its result. If Live Match says the hotkey couldn't be set up, another app is using Ctrl+Shift+F9; use the countdown instead.
Still stuck?
Open Support in the app, or email [email protected].