Lately, the independent gaming marketplace itch.io has shared some exciting news: they’re gearing up for another Creator Day on November 29th, as highlighted by Engadget. What makes this day special is that any purchases made will send 100% of the proceeds straight to the developers, as itch.io chooses to waive its usual 10% fee.
This Creator Day aligns perfectly with itch.io’s annual Autumn Sale, which kicks off on November 27th and wraps up on December 5th. The event boasts an impressive lineup, with the community contributing over 7,400 projects. Gamers can look forward to a range that includes digital and physical games, not to mention resources for creating their own projects.
Originally, Creator Day was dreamed up by itch.io back in 2021. It was a time when developers were feeling the financial pinch brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Spencer Hayes, itch.io’s director of business and content, explained the motivation to Polygon, saying, “Our community supports us day in and day out, and we wanted to dedicate a day to give back. It’s been tough for many people, and we just wanted to help in any way we could.”
Known for their developer-friendly revenue sharing model, itch.io usually takes just a 10% slice of sales. This is quite favorable compared to platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Apple’s App Store. Yet, it’s not just about the revenue split; initiatives like Creator Day and itch.io’s various charity events further distinguish it from competitors, blazing a trail that others might do well to follow.