Seeking the appropriate web games platform to publish your game as an indie game developer or indie game studio can be a daunting task when there are quite a few choices and it may significantly impact your publishing experience. This article will talk about four popular web gaming platforms, Poki, Itch.io, Y8, and CrazyGames. Each provides distinct features and opportunities for game developers. Whether you're an independent developer searching for a welcoming community or a studio looking for comprehensive user acquisition tools, this comparison will highlight each platform's strengths, giving you some insights into the options. We will link their documentation to all the sites in this article if it is available so you can look more into their specific requirements.

Poki

Poki is a popular online gaming platform launched in 2014 and now provides a wide variety of browser-based from casual to serious games that appeal to millions of players globally. With a user-friendly interface and a library spanning all genres, Poki offers an accessible and inclusive gaming experience to everyone. The platform also assists game developers with a full-service model that includes tools, quality assurance, and a large user base to help them flourish.

Website: https://developers.poki.com/

Documentation: https://sdk.poki.com/requirements.html

What they offer

• Game hosting and free unlimited playtesting.
• 50/50 lifetime revenue share.
• Full-service, offering extensive QA, UI/UX, and monetization assistance.
• Bug testing and development tools provided.
• User acquisition (UA) support with access to the active global user base of 65 million monthly.
• Discord server with 200+ web developer teams for networking and support.
• Access to additional tools like NetLib (WebRTC P2P multiplayer library) and AUDS (Arbitrary User Data Store).

Other considerations

• Initial download file sizes should be around 5 MB and 8 MB.
• Requirements for quick loading times and good game quality.
• Exclusivity agreements if the game developer chooses to, otherwise there are non-exclusivity plans also.
• The game must be playable on mobile and tablet because mobile web gaming is growing in popularity.
• They review submissions for game quality and requirements.

Y8

Y8.com is an online gaming platform launched in 2006 that offers a diverse collection of free web and mobile games for players 15+. Y8 provides both desktop and mobile-friendly games. With its extensive library of games ranging from casual games to more complex multiplayer games, Y8 has established itself as a go-to destination for gamers looking for quick, accessible entertainment without the need for downloads or installations.

Website: https://www.y8.com/revshare

What they offer

• No publishing costs.
• They host and distribute games.
• Y8 caters to both desktop and mobile players.
• Quick turnaround.
• Offers Ads Partnership program: without Y8 SDK you can earn 50% of the page ads, with Y8 SDK implemented you can earn 50% of the revenue from the ads inside the game, plus 10% bonus for uploading multiplayer games, and 5% for feature ads.

Other considerations

• No exclusivity requirement, you can upload your games to other web platforms.
• Games with more than 70% similarity of assets are not eligible for an exclusivity bonus.
• They review submissions for game quality and requirements.

CrazyGames

CrazyGames has emerged as a noteworthy contender for game developers looking to publish their creations. Established in 2014, CrazyGames has built a reputation for offering a wide array of free-to-play browser games, catering to a diverse audience ranging from casual gamers to more dedicated enthusiasts. The platform's user-friendly interface and extensive catalog of games make it an attractive option for more than 1000 developers aiming to reach a broad and engaged audience without the barriers often associated with traditional app stores.

Website: https://developer.crazygames.com/

Documentation: https://docs.crazygames.com/

What they offer

• Fast upload of your game, only requires game file and images.
• Every game starts on the home page helping new games to get exposure.
• Provides a Q&A tool to test how the game will look on their platform.
• Accept demos for games if the content is high-quality.
• A global base of 35 million players.
• Provides insights into the game data with user feedback to help you optimize your game.
• After your game reaches 50k plays, they provide individualized advertisement advice.
• Time-based exclusivity option: By implementing the SDK, including in-game advertisements, allowing CrazyGames to distribute your games to other portals, and agreeing to exclusivity for 2 months when launching to increase your revenue share by 50%.

Other considerations:

• HTML5 SDK is available for all other engines not listed to be used.
• No exclusivity requirement, you can upload your games to other web platforms if you do not choose the limited-time exclusivity.
• If you have a game hosted on your domain (not other competing browser game portals), they treat it as a regular submission and will consider iframe it.
• Their standard revenue share is not publicly disclosed on their website as they determine it by several factors.
• They review submissions for game quality and requirements.

Itch.io

itch.io was launched in 2013. Initially serving as a personal repository for the founder’s own games, it gradually gained attention, particularly after hosting game jams that attracted a wider audience. This grassroots marketplace offers a unique blend of simplicity, flexibility, and community support that has made it a go-to destination for both developers and players alike. With its low barrier to entry and creator-friendly policies, itch.io has become a breeding ground for innovative and experimental games

Website: https://itch.io/

Documentation: https://itch.io/docs/general/about

What they offer

• No approval process, easy to set up a page and start selling games.
• Developers can choose their own revenue share, with itch.io's default being 90% to the developer.
• Developers can set fixed prices, pay-what-you-want models, or offer games for free.
• You can host game jams or join a game jam, which fosters creativity and provides exposure opportunities.
• Developers have control over how their game is presented on their game page.
• Offers features like analytics, automatic updates, and dev announcement tools.

Other considerations:

• There are over 700K products hosted on itch.io as of April 2023, to stand out, it will depend on the developer to market and develop strategies to gain users.
• There is no review process, game developers have to monitor and control their own games’ quality and loading time.
• You can publish games made with Hology Engine to itch.io by following the instructions here: https://docs.hology.app/release/distribution/upload-to-itch.io

Others

Facebook Instant Games

Facebook Instant Games was launched in 2016. With its massive user base and seamless integration into the Facebook ecosystem, Instant Games offers game developers a unique opportunity to reach billions of potential players. This HTML5-based platform allows users to discover, share, and play games without the need for additional app installations, creating a frictionless gaming experience.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/fbgaminghome/developers/get-started

Documentation: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/games/build/instant-games

What they offer

• Facebook Instant Games provides access to billions of potential players through Facebook's extensive network.
• The platform's integration with Facebook's social features allows for seamless game sharing among friends, potentially leading to viral growth.
• Players can instantly access games without downloading additional apps, reducing friction and potentially increasing player acquisition.
• The platform's social nature can enhance player engagement and retention, as users can easily compete and interact with friends.
• Monetization options include in-app purchases, Facebook takes 30% (not on mobile), but ads revenue was not disclosed.

Other considerations

• Initial loading shouldn't take more than 5 seconds (6MB)
• Need to be optimized for desktop and mobile
• Be prepared to go through the process to get a Facebook Developer account, then apply to the Approved Partner Program as part of the requirement before you submit a game for review and approval.
• Games need to be original creations, not mimic or copy existing games, and also not be emulators of modern or retro games.
• You can publish games made with Hology Engine to Facebook Instant Games by following the instructions here: https://docs.hology.app/release/distribution/facebook-instant-games

**Hology Engine provides technical support to indie game developers looking to make their games using Hology Engine and publish them on web platforms. Feel free to reach out to us in our Discord: https://discord.gg/wVpfCUGkbb