PlayCounterFrom a running process to a game
On Windows, normal game matching uses the executable filename, such as Hades2.exe. PlayCounter uses cached matches and online lookups to find the game name and artwork. It does not upload the full Windows executable path for that lookup.
Recognition covers games launched through stores, launchers and direct shortcuts. Dedicated DOSBox and Dolphin adapters also look for the game running inside the emulator.
You choose when a match is unclear
A filename is not always unique. If several games are plausible, PlayCounter presents a choice. Review it and select the correct title; ambiguous selections stay local.
For an unknown process, open Discovered to create a local entry or submit a suggested match for community review. You can also exclude a process from tracking.
What a session measures
A session records the time a matched game process is running. Menus, background windows and idle time can count. PlayCounter does not inspect your inputs to decide whether you are actively playing.
Leave the app running, including in the tray, to record sessions. Previously recognized games can use local matches when the matching service is unavailable; new lookups need a connection.
Local history, online matching
Your recorded sessions, history and settings are stored on your PC. Online features include game matching, metadata, updates and a pseudonymous installation heartbeat. Optional imports and submissions have their own data flows.
Saved launch paths are a separate local convenience controlled in Settings. See the privacy policy for matching, emulator and importer details.