Itch.io lets developers dictate revenue share

Itch.io has always embraced a "pay what you want" philosophy for people who bought games from its online storefront, but now it's applying that same idea to the developers who sell their games there. Yesterday the site implemented an "open revenue sharing" model that lets sellers dictate what percentage of their revenues should go back to itch.io.

As itch.io creator Leaf Corcoran explained in a blog post about the move earlier this month, "You might be saying 'Well that sounds pretty risky, what if everyone sets it to 0?' We think that's a risk we're willing to take in the spirit of encouraging the generous and supportive community that's already developed around itch.io."

The site has actually been letting developers sell their games since October of 2013 without taking a cut of the proceeds. Developers have been able to set a minimum price for their efforts, with customers able to pay more if they choose to. It also supports pre-orders, early access content, crowdfunding models, and bundles. However, Corcoran said he's frequently asked about implementing a sustainable business model by people who want the site to continue.

"I hope you consider everything itch.io has been doing over the past two years when choosing the revenue split," Corcoran said. "itch.io is an evolving project that has taken thousands of hours to develop. If you believe this is a project that should succeed then reflect that in the amount you choose. The money earned will be put directly back into the site to continue providing the tools you need to sell and market your content."