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==== Why? ==== | ==== Why? ==== | ||
The idea for a more open approach to game discovery was motivated by the [https://www.theverge.com/games/715299/itchio-games-delisting-payment-processor-paypal delisting of numerous games on Steam and itch.io] | The idea for a more open approach to game discovery was motivated by the [https://www.theverge.com/games/715299/itchio-games-delisting-payment-processor-paypal delisting of numerous games on Steam and itch.io] under pressure from payment processors in July 2025. | ||
I saw some developers push for a more direct distribution model, selling games from their personal websites, and using the payment methods of their choice. The major downside of this approach is that you lose the discoverability of having your game on the major platforms. I wanted to think of alternative, more distributed, and more resilient methods to provide discoverability. | I saw some developers push for a more direct distribution model, selling games from their personal websites, and using the payment methods of their choice. The major downside of this approach is that you lose the discoverability of having your game on the major platforms. I wanted to think of alternative, more distributed, and more resilient methods to provide discoverability. | ||
Revision as of 15:16, 18 August 2025
The Game Discovery Project is an open, collaborative project aiming to assist game developers improve the discoverability of their games with a reduced dependency on existing major platforms.
This project could include various initiatives but is initially focused on a very simple idea: a standardized game metadata format.
Game Metadata
Game developers could add to their websites a simple metadata file that contains all the essential details about their game(s) in a format that is easy to parse and aggregate by potential applications (websites, indexes, catalogs, databases, search engines, game launchers, etc.).
By standardizing the location and format of this metadata we can facilitate automated discovery processes (e.g. the development of web crawlers) and aggregation (e.g. building a library of games in a database).
By having developers host these metadata files themselves we give them ownership of the details of their games, how they're presented (to some degree), and where to drive interested players to download or purchase their games.
Please see the Game Metadata page for further details.
FAQ
Who made this?
The project was started by Tom Voros, an indie game developer.
Why?
The idea for a more open approach to game discovery was motivated by the delisting of numerous games on Steam and itch.io under pressure from payment processors in July 2025.
I saw some developers push for a more direct distribution model, selling games from their personal websites, and using the payment methods of their choice. The major downside of this approach is that you lose the discoverability of having your game on the major platforms. I wanted to think of alternative, more distributed, and more resilient methods to provide discoverability.
Can I join the project?
Yes! I believe this can only work as a collaborative project. Please reach out on Bluesky or Mastodon.
Can I provide feedback or suggestions?
Of course! I consider everything about this project open to change (at least at this early stage).