Stores & marketplaces

itch.io

Low-friction home for small games and tools.

Visit itch.io
Cost
Revenue share

Free to upload. A revenue share applies to sales, and the default rate could not be checked. Check current terms.

Verdict
works

Works: a low-friction home for small games and tools.

Difficulty
Easy

Mostly self-serve. Sign up and post, with light checks.

Effort
Low

About 2 to 4 hours a month.

First result
1 to 2 weeks

A rough range for one person working on it part-time.

Payoff
Compounds

keeps growing while you keep at it.

Best for

Small games and tools.

Not for

Large commercial game launches.

Pros

  • Low friction for small games and tools
  • Indie-friendly community

Cons

  • Small paying audience
  • Revenue share applies

The full guide

Last verified 2026-10-30

Links checked 2026-10-30 · The site blocks automated checks, so its links are unconfirmed

01What it is and who is there

itch.io is an open marketplace for indie games, game assets, tools and other digital creations. Uploading is easy, and creators can set prices or offer free downloads. Players and developers browse it for small, unusual games and tools. Game jams hosted on itch.io bring regular bursts of attention.

02Cost and what you actually pay for

Uploading is free. itch.io takes a revenue share on sales, which creators can adjust under its current terms; the default rate could not be checked for this entry. Check the current terms.

03Is it right for you?

It fits small games, prototypes, game assets and creative tools. It fits poorly for large commercial game launches that need Steam's audience. It is a good place to test a game before a bigger release.

04Before you start

  • An itch.io account and creator profile.
  • A game or tool build, screenshots, a GIF and a short description.
  • Read itch.io's terms and content guidelines.

05Step-by-step: how to distribute here

  1. Create a project page with a strong cover image and GIF.
  2. Upload builds for each platform you support.
  3. Choose pricing: free, paid or pay-what-you-want.
  4. Join a game jam to get attention and feedback.
  5. Post devlogs on the project page as you update it.
  6. Share the page on X, Reddit and Discord communities that allow it.

06What to post or submit

Short description:

[Game] is a [genre] where you [core action]. [Length/platforms]. [Price or free].

07Common mistakes and do-nots

  • Do not use assets you do not have rights to.
  • Do not upload without screenshots.
  • Do not abandon the page after release.

08How to measure it

  • Track views, downloads and purchases in the analytics.
  • Track comments and ratings.
  • A realistic test: one month after release or a jam.

09Time budget

  • Before: 2 to 4 hours for the page.
  • Ongoing: 1 to 2 hours per devlog.

10Pair it with

11Sources

Sources