(Image credit: itch corp)

Indies Get an Epic Outlet

While other companies are gobbling up developers to focus on their platforms, Epic Games Store is opening its platform to indie dev teams by adding the itch.io store. Epic Games Store is not forcing any changes to the pay-what-you-want options available to developers from the added platform. The Load Screen covers how this will mainstream indie games for more players to access.

Epic Games Store added a list of apps according to a recent Epic Games news article. It includes free programs such as iHeartRadio, Brave ad-blocking extension from Brave Software, and itch.io. The report has two other helpful and affordable apps for independent game designers: KenShape by Kenney, which allows quick generation of complex game objects, and Krita Team’s painting application called Krita. While the other apps have a specific function, itch.io has an open focus that connects independent content creators with gamers worldwide.

(Image credit: Innersloth)

So, what makes itch.io different and not just a store within a store? It is a creator first store, where the developers have the final say on many options. The itch.io about page clearly outlines the open revenue sharing program where sellers can share between 0 to 30% with the distributor. There are even plenty of free games that are available to play directly through the website or app. Since their itch.io blog post announcing the partnership with Epic Games Store maintains the current product operation, the pricing will stay the same despite the bigger market.

Some indie titles that are now on other platforms got their start on itch.io for the PC. One such title is Innersloth’s Among Us, and the Among Us official website offers the popular space Clue game at a low cost on itch.io, most of which goes to the developer. Also, Noita by Nolla Games is available on the platform, according to the official Noita Game website. Both titles are also available on other platforms and devices now but maintain itch.io pages.

(Image credit: Nolla Games)

The Load Screen team has seen several small projects and true indies available on itch.io. Many of the titles listed in the new releases for classic systems article are purchasable through the platform. Retro-style games such as Rollie by Optovania, Nebs ‘n Debs from Dullahan Software, and Morphcat’s Micro Mages are all found there in digital forms. For some of the games, this is the only place that it is still available for purchase.

Typically when a larger company swoops into a smaller market, the product costs all increase. According to both itch.io and Epic Games Store press releases, this is not the case for this venture. It is the responsibility of itch.io to set the costs and host content on their platform by itch.io. Epic Games Store is adding more content for their users by this move. Since the prices to indie game developers stay the same despite the bigger spotlight, this means everyone can benefit. It gives the gamer a safe option to browse for more upcoming content while strengthening the solo developer’s voice to a larger audience.