> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.summerengine.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Publishing to itch.io

> Quick and easy indie game publishing with no approval process

## Why itch.io?

itch.io is the **friendliest platform for indie game developers**:

* ✅ **No approval process** - publish immediately
* ✅ **No fees** - 0% revenue share (optional tip jar for itch.io)
* ✅ **Upload in minutes** - drag and drop your game files
* ✅ **Perfect for game jams** - instant hosting
* ✅ **Great community** - supportive indie game players
* ✅ **Flexible pricing** - free, paid, pay-what-you-want, or donations

**Best for**: First-time releases, game jams, early feedback, web games

***

## Quick Upload Guide

### 1. Create itch.io Account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign Up">
    Visit [itch.io](https://itch.io/) and create a free account
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Email">
    Check your email and verify account
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Profile">
    Add profile picture, bio, and social links (helps with discoverability)
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 2. Create Your Game Page

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create New Project">
    Dashboard → [Create New Project](https://itch.io/game/new)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill Basic Info">
    * **Title**: Your game's name
    * **Project URL**: `yourusername.itch.io/yourgame` (becomes your game's page)
    * **Classification**: Game
    * **Kind of project**: Downloadable (for desktop) or HTML (for web)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload Builds">
    Scroll to **Uploads** section
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Uploading Windows Build

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare Your Build">
    You have two options:

    **Option A: Single .exe** (if you used Embed PCK)

    * Just upload `MyGame.exe`

    **Option B: .exe + .pck** (if PCK not embedded)

    * Zip them together: `MyGame.zip` containing `MyGame.exe` and `MyGame.pck`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload File">
    Click **Upload files** → Select your `.exe` or `.zip`

    itch.io uploads the file to their servers.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Platform">
    After upload, checkboxes appear:

    * ✅ Check **Windows**
    * Set **This file will be played**: In the app (not browser)
    * **Architecture**: 64-bit (if using x86\_64)
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  **Uploading a ZIP?** Name it clearly like `MyGame-Windows.zip` so players know what platform it's for.
</Tip>

***

## Uploading macOS Build

<Steps>
  <Step title="Zip Your .app">
    macOS apps need to be zipped for upload:

    ```bash theme={null}
    cd ~/Desktop/
    zip -r MyGame-Mac.zip MyGame.app
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload to itch.io">
    Click **Upload files** → Select `MyGame-Mac.zip`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Platform">
    * ✅ Check **macOS**
    * Set **This file will be played**: In the app
    * **Architecture**: Universal (if you exported universal)
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  **Mac players will see "unidentified developer" warning** unless you code sign your app. Include instructions in your game description:

  *"On macOS: Right-click the app → Open → Click 'Open' in the dialog to bypass security warning."*
</Warning>

***

## Multiple Platform Uploads

**Uploading Mac + Windows + Linux?** Just upload all of them!

itch.io automatically shows the right download button based on player's OS:

* Windows user sees: **Download for Windows**
* Mac user sees: **Download for Mac**
* Linux user sees: **Download for Linux**

**File naming tips**:

* `MyGame-Windows.zip`
* `MyGame-Mac.zip`
* `MyGame-Linux.zip`

Clear naming helps players pick the right version.

***

## Configuring Your Game Page

### Essential Settings

**Kind of project**:

* **Downloadable** (for desktop games)
* **HTML** (for web games - different upload process)

**Release Status**:

* **Released** - Game is complete and available now
* **In development** - Early access, still being worked on
* **Prototype** - Tech demo or proof of concept
* **On hold** - Development paused

**Pricing**:

* **No payments** - Free game
* **Paid** - Set a price ($1-$60 typical range)
* **Pay what you want** - Let players decide (minimum \$0 or set minimum)
* **No payments with donations** - Free with optional tip jar

<Tip>
  **For your first game**: Consider **pay what you want with \$0 minimum**. Gets more players, some will tip generously, builds audience.
</Tip>

### Details Tab

**Genre**: Select up to 3 (e.g., Action, Platformer, Multiplayer)

**Tags**: Add relevant tags (players search by these):

* Gameplay tags: roguelike, puzzle, shooter, etc.
* Visual style: pixel-art, 3d, hand-drawn, etc.
* Features: multiplayer, controller-support, co-op, etc.

**Engine**: Select **Godot** from dropdown (Summer Engine exports standard project format)

### Media

**Cover Image**: 630x500px (shown in browse listings)
**Screenshots**: At least 3-5 (show gameplay, not just menus)
**Trailer**: YouTube or direct upload (highly increases downloads)

***

## Launching Your Game

<Steps>
  <Step title="Write Description">
    Include:

    * What the game is about (2-3 sentences)
    * Key features (bullet points)
    * Controls (especially keyboard/mouse vs controller)
    * **macOS security note** (if unsigned): "Right-click → Open to bypass security warning"
    * Credits (music, art, etc.)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Visibility">
    **Draft** → **Public** when ready to launch

    **Or** set to **Restricted** for friends/testers only
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save & View">
    Click **Save & View page**

    Your game is now live!
  </Step>

  <Step title="Share Your Game">
    itch.io generates a URL: `yourusername.itch.io/yourgame`

    Share on social media, Reddit, Discord, etc.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Web Games on itch.io (HTML5 Export)

Summer Engine can export **HTML5/WebAssembly** games that run in browser!

### Exporting for Web

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Web Export Preset">
    Project → Export → Add → **Web**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Web Settings">
    * **Export Type**: HTML
    * **Texture Format**: Works with any (no special compression needed)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export as HTML">
    Export to a folder containing:

    * `index.html`
    * `MyGame.wasm`
    * `MyGame.pck`
    * Other web assets
  </Step>

  <Step title="Zip the Folder">
    Zip the entire folder: `MyGame-Web.zip`
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Uploading Web Build to itch.io

<Steps>
  <Step title="Upload ZIP">
    Upload your `MyGame-Web.zip` to itch.io
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure as HTML">
    * ✅ Check **This file will be played in the browser**
    * Select `index.html` as the main file
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Embed Options">
    * **Viewport dimensions**: Match your game resolution (e.g., 1280x720)
    * **Orientation**: Landscape (most games) or Portrait (mobile-style)
    * **Fullscreen button**: Enable for better experience
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test in Browser">
    Click **View page** → Click **Run game**

    Your game runs directly in the browser!
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  **Web games get more plays** on itch.io! No download required = lower barrier to entry. Perfect for game jams and demos.
</Info>

***

## itch.io vs Steam: Quick Comparison

| Feature           | itch.io                         | Steam                                 |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| **Setup Time**    | 15 minutes                      | 2-3 hours                             |
| **Approval**      | None                            | 1-3 days                              |
| **Upfront Cost**  | \$0                             | \$100 per game                        |
| **Revenue Share** | 0% (optional tip)               | 30% to Valve                          |
| **Audience Size** | Smaller, indie-focused          | 120M+ users                           |
| **Web Games**     | ✅ Native support                | ❌ Not supported                       |
| **Best For**      | Quick releases, jams, web games | Professional releases, large audience |

<Tip>
  **Pro move**: Release on **both** platforms!

  * itch.io for early feedback and web version
  * Steam for maximum reach and sales

  Different audiences, both valuable.
</Tip>

***

## Updating Your Game

### Upload New Build

<Steps>
  <Step title="Export New Version">
    Make changes in Summer Engine, export again
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload to itch.io">
    Dashboard → Your Game → Edit → **Upload files**

    Upload new version alongside old one
  </Step>

  <Step title="Delete Old Version">
    Click ❌ next to old file to remove it

    **Or** keep both (lets players download old versions)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save Changes">
    Players automatically get new version on next download
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Existing players**: itch.io doesn't auto-update installed games. Players need to re-download.

**Alternative**: Use [itch.io app](https://itch.io/app) - it auto-updates games for players!

***

## Making Your itch.io Page Stand Out

### Great Game Pages Have:

1. **Eye-catching cover art** (630x500px)
2. **GIF of gameplay** (shows movement, hooks attention)
3. **5+ screenshots** (show different gameplay moments)
4. **Clear description** (what is the game? what do you do?)
5. **Key features** as bullet points
6. **Controls listed** (WASD to move, Space to jump, etc.)
7. **Credits** (music, fonts, tools used)
8. **Development log** (updates keep players engaged)

### Example Description Structure

```markdown theme={null}
# My Awesome Game

A fast-paced platformer where you play as a robot escaping a factory.

## Features
- 20+ challenging levels
- Speedrun timer with global leaderboards
- Unlockable abilities and power-ups
- Original chiptune soundtrack

## Controls
- Arrow Keys / WASD: Move
- Space: Jump
- Shift: Dash
- ESC: Pause

## Credits
- Code: Your Name
- Music: Composer Name
- Art: Artist Name

Built with Summer Engine ❤️
```

***

## Pricing Strategies for itch.io

### Pay What You Want (\$0 minimum)

* **Gets most downloads** (free)
* Some players pay generously ($5-$20 for great games)
* Builds audience for future paid games
* **Average**: \~10-20% of players pay something

### Fixed Price

* **Sets clear value** ($3-$15 typical for indie)
* Easier to predict revenue
* Can run sales/discounts later
* **Best for**: Polished, complete games

### Name Your Own Price (Minimum \$X)

* Middle ground: "Pay at least \$5, or more if you want"
* Shows suggested price while allowing generosity
* **Best for**: Premium indie games

<Tip>
  **Your first game?** Start free or pay-what-you-want. Building an audience is more valuable than early revenue. Players who love your game will support future releases.
</Tip>

***

## itch.io Community Features

### Devlogs (Development Blogs)

* Post updates about your game
* Shown to followers and on your game page
* Great for building hype pre-release
* Players love seeing behind-the-scenes

### Community Tab

* Players can leave comments
* You can respond and build community
* Feature player feedback in updates

### Game Jams

* Submit your game to relevant jams
* Massive exposure and feedback
* Community rating system
* Many successful indie games started in jams

***

## Next Steps After Publishing

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Share on Social Media" icon="share">
    Twitter/X, Reddit (r/IndieDev, r/gamedev), Discord servers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Submit to Game Jams" icon="trophy">
    Search itch.io jams matching your genre
  </Card>

  <Card title="Gather Feedback" icon="comments">
    Read comments, update game based on player suggestions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Consider Steam Release" icon="steam" href="/publishing/steam">
    Larger audience once you've validated on itch.io
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  **Pro tip**: Use itch.io as your **alpha/beta testing ground**, then polish and release on **Steam** for wider release. Many successful indie devs do this!
</Tip>

**Need help with itch.io?** [Discord](https://discord.gg/yUpgtxnZky) • [X/Twitter @SummerEngineCom](https://x.com/SummerEngineCom) • [founders@summerengine.com](mailto:founders@summerengine.com)