We’re a pretty busy crew over here at itch.io. You may have seen some of the recent posts on our updates blog detailing some of the changes we’ve been hard at work on. We’re all really excited to introduce new features for both developers and customers so frequently, but it’s hard to keep track of them all. Here are a handful of features that we’re proud of and think more people should know about. 

Co-op Bundles

Alright developers, this one’s for you. Building a bundle is a complicated logistical affair but the end product is so much fun. But what do you do when you don’t have enough games to run your own bundle? You invite some friends!

Our co-op bundle system lets you team up with your friends to discount your games together. Here’s how it works:

• Pick a group of friends! You can’t have a bundle unless everyone contributes at least one game!
• Set a price for the bundle, and how much everyone gets for each sale.
• Get everyone on board.
• Go live and make millions (hopefully)!

Seriously, it’s just that easy. We’ve got everything in fancy business terms over on our documentation page, but now there’s no reason why you can’t make a co-op bundle.

Widgets

Ok so maybe you’re not the kind of developer who has friends, but fans. Maybe you’ve got people going to your website because you just launched a game or got really popular on Twitter. Without our widgets you’re probably just linking people who go to your site to your itch.io page. Sure that’s good, but an itch.io widget is better.

Check these little rascals out: either from your dashboard or at the bottom of any itch.io game page you’ll find an “embed” link which will generate some HTML that you can stick into your own site/blog. That’s actually it, unless you want to customize the widget’s colors to match your website, then go for it because that’s easy too.  After you get your embed code, copy/paste the HTML, and then visitors to your site can buy your game. How easy is that? If for some reason you want more details we’ve got them on our Documentation page.

Following creators

How do you keep up with creators that you like and respect? Sure you can check them out on Twitter, follow them on Facebook, or friend them on Myspace but there are so many pitfalls with these platforms. What if you don’t want to see pictures of their adorable dog, and only want the games? Try following creators on itch.io.

Navigate to a game’s page or any profile page on itch.io and you’ll see a handful of buttons pop up in the top right of your screen. They’re all great, but a follow button will be among them. Once you are following a handful of creators you can check out your feed by clicking the notifications icon next to your name in the top right of any itch.io page. Once you’re there you’ll be able to see any activity from the people you follow! That means you’ll know when they post a new project, rate a game, or write a blog post. How handy is that?

Refinery

If you’re working on a game you know that it can be more of a process than a sprint to the finish line. Refinery is our collection of tools that support this development method. We’ve written about Refinery before, but the gist is this:

• Refinery lets you sell your early access projects your way
• Limit the number of keys you release, and lock features of your itch.io page to customers
• You can set up and maintain private forums and communities just for customers
• You can even go full stealth mode and only distribute your keys while avoiding prying eyes in public forums/ searches.

Refinery has already been used in tons of wild ways, and ones we haven’t expected. Refinery may be our most powerful tool. How will you put it to work?

Crowdfunding Support

So you’ve got an awesome idea and a really cool prototype but no money. What’s a dev to do? Crowdfunding obviously! If you’ve used Kickstarter, Patreon or Indiegogo you know that support doesn’t end once you have the money. How will you deliver on your promises? While we can’t come into your studio and design your game for you, we can help distribute what you create.

For Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns you can load in a .CSV of all of your backers, upload the files or keys you want them to receive, and we’ll connect the two. That’s way simpler than attaching codes to carrier pigeons’ legs.

What about those of us who live on the Patreon side of life? Somehow it’s even easier. Link your Patreon account to your itch.io account, upload the content you want to distribute at each level, and then send it out to your patrons. Think of all the time you’ll save. Need more info? You guessed it, we’ve got the full documentation over here.

What about you? Are there any itch.io features you can’t live without? Let everyone know in the comments below.