What is itch.io?

It can be difficult trying to keep up with all the different PC game stores like Steam, GOG, and Epic.

What is itch.io?

On the surface, itch.io is a digital game store that offers games that you can buy and download. However, unlike Steam, GOG, and Epic, you won't find many (if any) AAA games there. That could be because itch.io offers games without DRM (Digital Rights Management, software used to prevent piracy). That means the game you download is the one the developer uploaded to the service; No copyright controls or additional spyware.

This means you also don't need to download a launcher to use itch.io. Just download the file and install the game anywhere you want on your system.

What makes itch.io different from Steam?

Not only do you not need a launcher to play games on itch.io, but for many games, you also don't need to download anything because they can be played right in the browser. This applies to all types of titles, from simple arcade games to complex image-heavy games. This is useful when you are using a computer that is not yours or when you are impatient and want to play something now.

itch.io has a much looser review process for uploaded games, meaning there are no games at all. If you're a game developer, you can create any game you want (as long as it's legal in your country) and upload it so you can play it immediately. As a player, this means that the choice of titles can become quite arbitrary.

And those games aren't just limited to playing on Windows, Apple, and Linux computers; you can find downloadable titles for Android devices, handheld Playdate systems, and new games for classic systems like the Commodore 64, Amiga, and NES (may require an emulator).

What are the best features of itch.io?

For many players, itch.io may be a wonderful throwback to the Internet of the early '00s, when Flash was taking off and browser gaming was booming. It has hundreds of thousands of titles, many of which don't require a one-time download, so you can switch between games quickly and easily.

It's easy to find the right game for you on itch.io thanks to the filters on the left side of the main game page. Not only can you search for things like systems and player count, but itch.io also allows filtering by accessibility features and average session length.

Accessibility features include things like whether the game is color-blind friendly or has subtitles, while the average length will be a plus for time-poor gamers. The fact that itch.io does not require DRM or a launcher also means that this site is great for players using old or weak PCs; It's rare to download a game from itch.io and wonder if it's playable on a particular setup.

The best way to use itch.io

If you visit itch.io regularly, it's worth checking out the big charity sales posted on the front page. These are often huge game bundles that you can buy for a low price, and they often include indie games that are popular on the Internet, not just itch.io, like A Short Hike, Celeste, and Far From Noise. Not only can you get many of these games for even cheaper than the Steam sale, but the money you spend will also go to a good cause.

For those streaming games, itch.io is a great place to find quirky, low-cost or free games that will really make the channel stand out; Regularly check the front page as well as the latest games page for new titles to play.

Overall, itch.io is a pretty laid back website, so there is no right or wrong way to use it. However, it's easy to get lost in the sea of ​​options, so making effective use of filters even when just browsing the web will make things more manageable.

Kareem Winters

Update 13 July 2024