Sites like itch.io: five places to put a web game

Sites like itch.io split into two groups: stores that sell and host downloads, and portals built only for games that run in a browser. For a finished HTML5 game, Mayavoo is the one we would try first, because it is free, checks every game before it goes live and lets players start without an account.

Below are five places worth knowing, in the order we would consider them for a web game, with a note on who each one suits.

Quick comparison

1. Mayavoo

Mayavoo is a home for browser games made by independent creators. Players get a page per game with a description, the controls and the devices it supports, and they can play with nothing to install. Signing in with Google or GitHub is only for liking games and joining the comments.

For creators, the appeal is a clear path from build to listing. You upload a finished web game from the creator studio, add a cover, screenshots and instructions, and the team plays it and checks its files and network behavior before it goes live. Games run in a sandboxed frame. There is also a creator API for build tools and AI agents. See the creator guide on mayavoo.com for the exact steps.

Pick it if: your game runs in the browser and you want players, not a storefront.

2. itch.io

itch.io is the site everyone compares against. Its developer page describes it as a simple way to distribute indie games online for free, with custom project pages, analytics, sales and download keys. You can set a minimum price, including zero, so fans pay what they want. HTML5 games run in an iframe on the project page, and downloadable builds for any platform sit beside them.

Pick it if: you sell games, ship desktop builds or take part in game jams. For those jobs it is better than Mayavoo.

3. Poki for Developers

Poki's developer site presents a full-service platform that helps web game developers reach players and get paid. It suits teams that want a partner involved in their launch rather than a self-serve upload.

Pick it if: you are aiming for a large web game portal and are happy to work through its process.

4. CrazyGames Developer Portal

CrazyGames runs a developer portal for publishing Unity and HTML5 web games and earning revenue from them. Like Poki, it is a games portal first, so expect your game to sit among many others.

Pick it if: you build in Unity or HTML5 and want a portal with a revenue model.

5. Game Jolt

Game Jolt describes itself as a place to share your creations. We did not test its upload flow for this list, so read its own pages before you commit.

Pick it if: you want one more place to share a game alongside your main page.

How to choose

Ask one question first: will people play your game in a browser tab, or download it? If it is a browser game and you want a calm, checked site where anyone can press play, start with Mayavoo. If you need checkout, keys or installers, itch.io is the right tool, and nothing stops you from listing the browser build in both places.