Itch.io vs. Steam

Attribute	Itch.io	Steam
Ownership	Games can be downloaded for free or purchased	Games must be purchased
Revenue share	Developers receive 90% of sales	Developers receive 70% of sales
Community features	Focus on indie games and indie developers	Wide range of games from indie to AAA
Game library size	Smaller library of games	Larger library of games
DRM	Optional for developers	Required for most games

Overview

Itch.io and Steam are two popular platforms for purchasing and playing video games. While both offer a wide variety of games for players to choose from, they have some key differences in terms of features, pricing, and community. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Itch.io and Steam to help you decide which platform may be best for your gaming needs.

Game Selection

One of the main differences between Itch.io and Steam is the type of games they offer. Itch.io is known for its focus on indie games and experimental projects. This means that you can find a lot of unique and creative games on Itch.io that you may not see on other platforms. On the other hand, Steam has a much larger library of games, including both indie titles and major AAA releases. If you are looking for a specific game or a popular title, you are more likely to find it on Steam.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Itch.io and Steam also have different approaches. Itch.io allows developers to set their own prices for games, which can result in a wide range of prices for different titles. This means that you may find some games on Itch.io that are cheaper than what you would find on Steam. On the other hand, Steam often has sales and discounts on popular games, allowing you to get great deals on well-known titles. Overall, both platforms offer a variety of pricing options to suit different budgets.

Community and Support

Another important aspect to consider when comparing Itch.io and Steam is the community and support available on each platform. Itch.io has a strong community of indie developers and players who are passionate about supporting smaller creators. This can lead to a more personal and community-driven experience on Itch.io. Steam, on the other hand, has a larger and more established community, with features like forums, reviews, and user-generated content. If you are looking for a platform with a strong sense of community, Itch.io may be the better choice for you.

Features and User Experience

When it comes to features and user experience, Steam has a more polished and comprehensive platform compared to Itch.io. Steam offers features like cloud saves, achievements, and a robust friends list system. It also has a built-in workshop for mods and user-generated content. Itch.io, on the other hand, has a simpler interface and fewer features overall. While this may be appealing to some users who prefer a more streamlined experience, others may find Steam's additional features to be more useful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Itch.io and Steam have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to game selection, pricing, community, and features. Itch.io is a great platform for discovering unique indie games and supporting smaller developers, while Steam offers a larger library of games and more features for a polished gaming experience. Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your personal preferences and gaming needs. We recommend trying out both platforms to see which one suits you best.