When comparing itch.io vs IndieDB, the Slant community recommends IndieDB for most people. In the question“What are the best ways to promote an indie game?” IndieDB is ranked 3rd while itch.io is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose IndieDB is:
IndieDB isn't just a place where you can build hype for your game: it aims to be the definitive place where you should. Everything about the site's features and interface are designed to help devs present themselves, and to kindle user interest in new games.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Everyone can release a game on itch.io
Everyone is free to use itch.io for the distrubution of their game, free or paid.
Pro No accounts required for buyers
It allows linking an itch.io page where the customer can just click to buy.
Pro Allows sellers to set their own revenue share
Makes it one of the best places to support your favorite creators as there is no limit as to what you want to set for the platform fee since it can be set all the way down to 0% or set as high as 100%. It is up to the developer to pick what they would like.
Pro Pay-what-you-want model with optional enforced minimums
Users can pay any amount they want to for a game, down to a minimum specified by the uploader. The minimum can be zero. A user can go back and pay more later if they want.
Pro Mostly self-service
Change prices or the design of your page at will. No need to give lead time if you want to offer a sale.
Pro Best discoverability out there
It's where unknown indies find and buy games from other unknown indies.
Pro Cross-platform desktop client
Desktop client available for downloading games and auto-updating.
Pro Offer preorders
You can start selling your game before it's finished.
Pro Explicit site mission is to connect indie devs with players
IndieDB isn't just a place where you can build hype for your game: it aims to be the definitive place where you should. Everything about the site's features and interface are designed to help devs present themselves, and to kindle user interest in new games.
Pro Large overlap with Desura userbase
Desura and IndieDB were initially both operated by Desura Group, and shared a single user database. Linden Labs obtained Desura (only) in January 2014 and the sites' user bases are now split, but extensive crossover remains. Interest built through IndieDB can translate directly to sales on Desura.
Pro Easy for journalists to look up
People from IndieStatik, Kotaku, etc will check IndieDB for info on new games.
Pro Indie cred
Lots of games and developers on here.
Cons
Con No DRM Service and itch customers can just share your games and apps
They say they do, but you actually need a server to achieve it. They make things over complicated on purpose, because they hate DRM in nature. That's why they cannot be a popular game platform. They don't protect indie developer's game at all.
Con Very very indie
If production values and braod appeal are a thing you cherish, pass your way. Curation standards aren't mainstream at all there.
Con No quality control
You can upload and release almost anything in any state on itch.io
Con Poor metrics for popularity tracking
Your game on IndieDB has a popularity ranking, but it considers only the past 24 hours, making it only good for noticing spikes in attention. Individual pages have hit counters, which can provide a more lasting record of interest but must be tracked and compared manually.