Steam vs itch.io

Developers should learn Steam to distribute and monetize PC games, as it is the dominant marketplace with over 120 million active users, offering extensive reach and built-in features like DRM and analytics meets developers should learn and use itch. Here's our take.

Steam

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Steam to distribute and monetize PC games, as it is the dominant marketplace with over 120 million active users, offering extensive reach and built-in features like DRM and analytics

Pros

• It is essential for indie and AAA studios targeting the PC gaming market, enabling easy updates, community engagement through forums and workshops, and integration with Steamworks for multiplayer and achievements
• Related to: game-development, steamworks-api

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

itch.io

Developers should learn and use itch

Pros

• io when creating and distributing independent games, game jams, prototypes, or experimental digital projects, as it provides a low-barrier entry point with minimal fees and direct creator control
• Related to: game-development, unity

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Steam if: You want it is essential for indie and aaa studios targeting the pc gaming market, enabling easy updates, community engagement through forums and workshops, and integration with steamworks for multiplayer and achievements and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use itch.io if: You prioritize io when creating and distributing independent games, game jams, prototypes, or experimental digital projects, as it provides a low-barrier entry point with minimal fees and direct creator control over what Steam offers.

The Bottom Line

Steam wins

Developers should learn Steam to distribute and monetize PC games, as it is the dominant marketplace with over 120 million active users, offering extensive reach and built-in features like DRM and analytics