Itch.io vs. Steam - which offers better support and visibility for indie developers?

Here’s a comparison of Itch.io vs. Steam for indie developers:

Itch.io

1. Freedom and Control: Itch.io offers more control over pricing, sales, and game presentation. Developers can set their own revenue split, sometimes offering a "pay what you want" model.
2. Lower Fees: Itch.io typically has a lower revenue share, with many developers opting for a 10% cut or even allowing full control over profits.
3. Ease of Entry: No approval process is needed to publish on Itch.io, making it very easy for indie developers to get started.
4. Customization: Developers can fully customize their game pages with CSS, giving them more creative freedom.
5. Community Focus: Itch.io has a strong indie community, where developers can connect directly with players and other creators.
6. Visibility: While Itch.io has a smaller user base than Steam, it offers better discoverability for niche, experimental, or smaller projects.

Steam

1. Huge User Base: Steam has the largest active gaming community, giving developers access to millions of potential players.
2. More Visibility (with Effort): Steam offers greater visibility for games through features like sales, the Steam Store, and recommendations, but competition is high.
3. Tools and Features: Steam provides robust developer tools (like Steamworks), including achievements, cloud saves, and multiplayer matchmaking, which can improve player experience.
4. Revenue Split: Steam takes a larger cut of sales (usually 30%), but developers can earn more if they reach higher sales thresholds.
5. Quality Control: There’s an approval process to get your game on Steam, which can be a hurdle but ensures higher quality and curation.
6. Marketing and Discoverability: Steam has powerful marketing tools like wishlist functionality, seasonal sales, and recommendations. However, it’s more challenging for new games to stand out due to the competition.

Verdict

• Itch.io is better for indie developers seeking more creative freedom, control over pricing, and access to a supportive, niche community with lower fees. It's great for experimental and smaller games.
• Steam offers greater visibility and a massive user base, making it ideal for developers who can navigate its competitive environment and are looking for a larger commercial reach.
• If you’re looking for independence and lower fees, Itch.io is the way to go. For larger visibility and a wider audience, Steam offers more opportunities, albeit with more competition.