A launch checklist for indie web games, ordered by effort

Disclosure: I build IndieRadar, one of the sites listed below. I tried to keep the list useful even if you skip it.

You finished a prototype, a game jam entry, or a small browser game. The build works. Now what?

Most marketing advice assumes a funded studio: months of community building, press outreach, a store page with a trailer. A solo dev with a weekend project needs something lighter. The idea below is simple: start with the channels that cost the least effort, collect feedback, and only then move to the expensive ones.

The checklist

No timings on purpose: they depend on you.

1. Post it where a human can play it right away

If your game runs in the browser, make that the headline. A link that opens a playable game converts better than a zip file, because nobody has to trust an installer.

Curated directories of playable games help here. They are smaller than the big storefronts, so a new game is easier to find. On IndieRadar, submission is a short form with no account (an email is needed), every game is reviewed by a human, and your listing page links back to your own site or itch.io page. It is free for now.

Whatever directory you pick, check three things: is submission free, is there a human review, and does the listing link to your real URL?

2. Host the build on itch.io (or your own domain)

itch.io is still the easiest place to host an HTML5 or WebGL build, and it ties into game jams. Two tips:

• Enable "Embed in page" for browser builds, so the game runs on the page.
• Take the cover image seriously (itch.io recommends 630x500). High contrast beats a tiny screenshot of your UI.

The catch: uploads are open, so discovery on itch.io alone is hard for a new account. Plan to bring your own traffic.

3. Newgrounds for arcade-style web games

Newgrounds runs a community voting system for new submissions, which gives you quick, honest comments on pacing and difficulty. It suits arcade, rhythm and quirky games better than slow narrative ones. Note that you upload your HTML5 bundle to their portal rather than linking out.

4. Reddit: only where feedback is the point

Do not drop a bare link in a general gaming subreddit. Many of them restrict self-promotion, and rules differ from one community to the next. Read each sidebar first. Subreddits like r/PlayMyGame and r/WebGames exist for this, and a short gameplay clip plus a clear description works better than a link alone.

5. A short clip beats a long trailer

Open with your most satisfying interaction, not a logo. Pin a comment with the playable link so people can try it in one click.

6. Newsletters and streamers, once the build is stable

Contact people who regularly cover short or browser games. Say clearly that the game is playable in the browser with nothing to install. Streamers appreciate that.

7. Steam, only after the hook is proven

Steam Direct costs $100 per game, and a proper store page takes real work. Use feedback from the earlier steps to decide whether your prototype deserves it.

The short version

1. List it somewhere curated and playable.
2. Host it on itch.io or your own domain.
3. Get feedback on Newgrounds and the right subreddits.
4. Test your hook with short clips.
5. Reach out to niche curators.
6. Go to Steam when you know people like it.

I wrote a longer version, with a comparison of itch.io, Newgrounds and IndieRadar, on the IndieRadar blog.

What would you add or reorder? I am especially curious which feedback channels worked for you.