itch.io provides a flexible set of tools to run limited playtests sodevelopers can distribute their games in progress, build a real community, andgain valuable feedback.

Why Not Eary Access?

We've seen developers adopt an early access program as a way of collectingplaytesting feedback and starting a source of revenue. There are a few problemswith this approach:

• Your game is publicly available — You've launched something you know isn’t perfect, and not everyone who plays it will be understanding. You may be swamped with negative feedback and bad reviews that may damage the future success of the game.
• You've officially launched your game — The day you launch your game is one of the most important days in your game’s lifespan: it’s typically when you'll have the most people watching, talking, and buying. Very rarely do we see games leaving early access getting attention comparable to their initial launch.

For some developers, these may not be an issue, but it’s an awfully big risk totake. Launching something incomplete may jeopardize the success of the entireproject.

itch.io project pages provide a wide range of access controls to givedevelopers a staging area for their launch, and allow them to roll out theirproject in the way that works best for their project. You can create your owndistribution model: Limited keys, closed and open playtesting environments,tiered purchases, and digital rewards are all possible.

Can I still launch an early access project on itch.io? Of course, you'refree mix-and-match the tools we provide to launch your game in the way youwant. This page is highlighting some of the other options we provide if youwant to customize how you launch your game.

The Toolset

Here is a quick overview of some of the features we provide that allow you toget the most control over how you roll out your game or project.

Limited Keys

OurExclusive content system lets you set quantityrestricted rewards for people who purchase your game. You can provide a pricepoint, and set the maximum quantity. You can create multiple tiers if you havedifferent things to offer.

Learn about exclusive content

Closed Playtesting

OurAccess Control settings allow you to fine-tune who canaccess your project’s page and sub-pages. The spectrum ranges from fullyrestricted to a list of people you specify use, to a password protected page, asecret URL, or completely open.

Limited keys will let you give access to just your most interested fans, thepeople who will most likely be giving you the best feedback.

You can even apply the same access control to your community: only peopleyou've invited or people who have bought your game can have access.

Learn about access control

Binary Patching and Game Distribution

itch.io hosts all the files for your game. It’s not necessary to usethird-party file hosts to share access to private builds. We've custom built anentirely new distribution platform with binary patching, it’s calledwharf.

For developers: you can update your game frequently, and only upload what’schanged. We've provided command lines tools that are simple to integrate intoyour workflow. You shouldn’t be penalized to send a new build to your testersjust because your game is big. Our tools support resumable uploads for whenyou're deploying without reliable internet.

For game players: you'll be able to utilize the patching system to have themost up to date version without having to re-download every time. Users ofourapp will get automatic updates.

Having an efficient way to distribute builds is crucial: if your players haveto download a large build every time they're likely to lose interest.Additionally, you'll be hesitant to push frequently, hurting your ability toiterate on new ideas.

Withbutler, our command line tool, theseproblems no longer exist.

Tiered Purchases

Give your early supporters access to something special with our tiered purchaseand reward system. Any files you upload can beconfigured to unlock atspecific price points. If you have digital rewards then you can startselling them as part of your gradual release.

Ourexclusive content system lets you offer limitedquantity rewards, whether it’s a digital appearance in your game or physicalmerchandise, we've got you covered.

Learn more about pricing your content

Communities

A healthy developer-player relationship is critical for refining a game for itslaunch. Being able to effectively collect feedback, while also engaging withyour audience, will give you a huge advantage.

itch.io’s community tools give you a way to quickly attach a discussion to anyproject page. The community tools are fully featured: you can moderate posts,elect moderators, handle bans & blocks, report posts, subscribe to topics, etc.

Learn more about interacting with your fans