When it comes to publishing and selling indie PC games, Steam and Itch.io are two of the most prominent platforms available. Each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them can significantly impact an indie developer’s success. This blog post will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of Steam and Itch.io, providing a comprehensive comparison to help indie developers decide which platform is better suited to their needs.
1. Platform Overview
Steam: Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is the largest digital distribution platform for PC games. It boasts a vast user base, comprehensive features, and a well-established marketplace. Launched in 2003, Steam has grown to become a dominant force in the gaming industry, offering everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems.
Itch.io: Itch.io is a more recent entrant, founded in 2013 by Leaf Corcoran. Itch.io is known for its focus on indie games, experimental projects, and unique distribution models. It provides a platform for developers to sell their games directly to players, often with a more flexible approach compared to Steam.
2. User Base and Market Reach
Steam: Steam’s extensive user base is one of its most significant advantages. With over 120 million active users, the platform offers unparalleled reach and visibility. For indie developers, this translates to a larger potential audience and higher chances of discovering their game.
Pros:
- Massive Audience: Access to a huge number of potential customers.
- Discoverability: Features like Steam Curators, recommendations, and user reviews enhance visibility.
Cons:
- High Competition: The large number of games on Steam can make it challenging for indie titles to stand out.
- Algorithm Dependence: Success can be heavily influenced by Steam’s recommendation algorithms and visibility in search results.
Itch.io: While Itch.io has a smaller user base compared to Steam, it attracts a dedicated audience interested in indie and experimental games. Itch.io’s community is often more niche and engaged, which can be beneficial for certain types of games.
Pros:
- Niche Audience: Focused community interested in indie and experimental games.
- Less Competition: Easier to stand out in a smaller marketplace.
Cons:
- Smaller Reach: Limited audience compared to Steam.
- Less Visibility: Fewer features for discoverability compared to Steam.
3. Revenue and Pricing Models
Steam: Steam uses a revenue-sharing model where developers typically receive 70% of the revenue, with Valve taking a 30% cut. While this is the industry standard, the platform has introduced tiered revenue sharing for higher earnings, reducing Valve’s cut to 25% after $10 million in sales and 20% after $50 million.
Pros:
- Revenue Sharing: Potential for higher earnings through tiered cuts.
- Exposure: Increased sales opportunities due to a large audience.
Cons:
- High Cut: 30% cut can be substantial, especially for smaller indie developers.
- Marketing Costs: Developers may need to invest in additional marketing to stand out.
Itch.io: Itch.io allows developers to set their own revenue share, giving them the flexibility to choose how much they want to give to the platform. The default cut is 10%, but developers can adjust it based on their preferences.
Pros:
- Flexible Revenue Share: Developers can set their own percentage, potentially keeping more of their revenue.
- Pay What You Want Model: Allows developers to experiment with pricing strategies and offer games for free or at a custom price.
Cons:
- Potential for Lower Earnings: Lower default cut can mean less revenue if developers don’t market their games effectively.
- Less Revenue-Generating Features: Fewer built-in promotional tools compared to Steam.
4. Discoverability and Marketing Tools
Steam: Steam provides a variety of tools to help developers with discoverability and marketing. These include Steam Curators, user reviews, and personalized recommendations. Steam also offers features like the Steam Workshop for user-generated content and Steam Early Access for games in development.
Pros:
- Extensive Tools: Robust set of tools for discoverability and community engagement.
- Early Access: Opportunity to build a following and gather feedback before full release.
Cons:
- Algorithm Dependence: Visibility can be heavily dependent on Steam’s recommendation system.
- High Competition: With so many games available, standing out can be difficult.
Itch.io: Itch.io offers a more straightforward and less feature-rich approach to discoverability. The platform relies heavily on community-driven discovery and less on algorithms. However, it does provide tools like tags and collections to help organize and find games.
Pros:
- Community Focused: Emphasis on community and grassroots discovery.
- Customizable Pages: Developers have more control over their game’s presentation and pricing.
Cons:
- Limited Tools: Fewer built-in marketing and discovery features compared to Steam.
- Dependence on External Promotion: Developers may need to rely more on external promotion and social media.
5. User Experience and Interface
Steam: Steam’s interface is known for its extensive features, including a robust library, friends list, achievements, and cloud saves. While the platform offers a comprehensive user experience, it can sometimes be overwhelming due to its complexity.
Pros:
- Feature-Rich: Extensive features for players, including achievements, cloud saves, and community hubs.
- Integrated Storefront: A seamless experience for buying, installing, and playing games.
Cons:
- Complex Interface: The abundance of features can be overwhelming for some users.
- Frequent Updates: Regular changes to the interface and features can be confusing.
Itch.io: Itch.io offers a more streamlined and minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. The platform’s interface is less cluttered and more straightforward, which can be appealing to both developers and players.
Pros:
- Simple Interface: Clean and easy-to-navigate design.
- Customizable Pages: Developers can create unique game pages with custom branding and content.
Cons:
- Fewer Features: Lacks some of the advanced features available on Steam.
- Less Integration: Fewer integrated tools for social and community interactions.
6. Community and Developer Support
Steam: Steam provides extensive community support through forums, user reviews, and Steamworks, which offers tools for developers. However, navigating Steam’s support system can be challenging due to its scale and complexity.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Support: Access to forums, developer tools, and extensive documentation.
- Community Interaction: Ability to engage with players through Steam forums and community hubs.
Cons:
- Overwhelming Support: Large volume of support resources can be difficult to navigate.
- Less Personal: Interactions with support and community may feel less personal.
Itch.io: Itch.io’s smaller scale allows for more direct and personal support. The platform fosters a strong sense of community and provides developers with more direct interactions with their players.
Pros:
- Direct Interaction: More personal and direct support from the platform.
- Community Engagement: Emphasis on community and creator-player relationships.
Cons:
- Limited Resources: Fewer resources and tools compared to Steam.
- Less Formal Support: Support may not be as comprehensive or structured.
7. Flexibility and Creative Freedom
Steam: Steam’s robust ecosystem provides many opportunities for developers but can be restrictive in terms of creative freedom due to its policies and approval processes. Games must adhere to Steam’s guidelines and approval process, which can sometimes be a barrier for unconventional or experimental titles.
Pros:
- Extensive Features: Access to a wide range of tools and features for game development and promotion.
- Large Audience: Potential for significant reach and visibility.
Cons:
- Approval Process: Games must go through Steam’s approval process, which can be restrictive.
- Guideline Compliance: Must adhere to Steam’s guidelines and policies.
Itch.io: Itch.io is known for its flexibility and support for experimental and unconventional games. The platform’s open approach allows developers to release games without the constraints of a formal approval process.
Pros:
- Creative Freedom: Support for experimental and unconventional projects.
- Flexible Policies: Fewer restrictions and more control over game release and presentation.
Cons:
- Limited Features: Fewer tools and features for promotion and distribution compared to Steam.
- Smaller Reach: Limited audience and visibility.
8. Cost and Financial Considerations
Steam: Steam requires a one-time fee for submitting a game, which is currently set at $100. This fee helps cover the cost of review and distribution. Additionally, the platform takes a 30% cut of sales, which can be substantial for smaller indie developers.
Pros:
- Established Platform: Access to a large and established marketplace.
- Revenue Potential: Potential for significant earnings due to the large audience.
Cons:
- Submission Fee: Initial cost for submitting a game.
- Revenue Cut: 30% cut of sales can be high, especially for smaller developers.
Itch.io: Itch.io does not charge a submission fee and allows developers to set their own revenue share. This makes it a more accessible option for developers with limited budgets.
Pros:
- No Submission Fee: No cost to submit a game to the platform.
- Flexible Revenue Share: Developers can set their own revenue percentage.
Cons:
- Potential Lower Earnings: Lower default cut may result in less revenue if not marketed effectively.
- Limited Revenue-Generating Features: Fewer built-in promotional tools.
9. Case Studies and Examples
Successful Steam Games:
- “Hades” by Supergiant Games: Gained significant visibility and success through Steam’s Early Access and robust promotional tools.
- “Stardew Valley” by ConcernedApe: Achieved massive success on Steam with a strong community and consistent updates.
Successful Itch.io Games:
- “Undertale” by Toby Fox: Gained popularity through Itch.io and built a dedicated fanbase before expanding to other platforms.
- “Baba Is You” by Hempuli: Leveraged Itch.io’s flexibility and community engagement to build a following.
Conclusion
Choosing between Steam and Itch.io depends on various factors, including your game’s target audience, marketing strategy, and financial considerations. Steam offers a massive audience, extensive features, and robust marketing tools, making it an attractive option for many indie developers. However, the high competition, substantial revenue cut, and approval process can be challenging.
On the other hand, Itch.io provides greater creative freedom, flexible revenue sharing, and a supportive community. It is ideal for experimental and unconventional projects, but it comes with a smaller reach and fewer built-in promotional tools.
Ultimately, the best platform for your indie PC game will depend on your specific needs and goals. Many developers choose to release their games on both platforms to maximize their reach and potential success. By carefully considering the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision and objectives.
