Itch.io has too many crappy games. Steam2. I rather like GOG's curated approach.

Optional application launchers and clients are not bad because some gamers prefer to use them instead of manual organization. But even optional clients can be bad if they do unwanted things on users' computers.

Oh, so now I can bring the sewage hookup directly to my yard and have fine liquid manure sprayed into my walking paths and basement?

Translation: i've seen enough Jim Sterling videos to know that itch.io has a load of crap and not much to show for it or the want of a shovel.

If I want to relive the days of Shoveware, I'll just get my Wii out of storage.

I've never had an issue finding good games on Itch from the very first time I've visited it last year all the way to today, but maybe I'm the exception? I mean, maybe I'm blessed with a special super power but I can find a really good game on Itch within a minute from starting the search, despite the supposed waves and waves and waves of nothing but awful games. On that note, a lot of AWFUL games have managed to sneak past GOG's curator (he must've been asleep when they sneaked past him), I guess I should go ahead and quit visiting GOG?

And on another related note, to everybody that skips game stores like Itch, Desura, Steam etc due to them being "flooded" with awful games and the general lack of curation, where do you buy your music online? iTunes, Amazon Mp3, Bandcamp, CD Universe, CD Baby etc etc all allow any musician to make an account and sell through it (or via a third party like Tunecore). Guess you gotta avoid all of those stores, yeah? How about your eBooks? Every eBook store I've seen has allowed any author to make an account and sell through them.

Not that this is about just the replies in general, I'm just tired of the "GOG IZ SURPURIOR BECUZ CURATION" circlejerk when GOG has more than its fair share of absolute stinkers and games that are stupidly niche but yet has turned away some of the more higher rated (indie or otherwise) games ever.

Okay, I'm game. Prove it.

With your post history on the "shmup GOG curation" thread, my sixth sense tells me it would be useless to "prove" anything to you. You seem quite close-minded so I would advise others to not waste their time with you....

Oh yes. The thread where I said that Smups were niche, because they are and their peak was back in the 2000s? When was the last Gradius, R-Type, or other such game? Even Darius Burst was made 6 years ago.

Or, have you considered that my tastes don't include Danmaku games and bullet hell? Maybe opinions are just opinions, no matter how vocal?

Very nice website and service...

My contribution to mark the date and app, a free game, Kilgazar on itch.io!

http://fascimania.itch.io/kilgazar/download/GCB2-5ffocb1APPeZJiBkxZBu88Dfa-ahyjY2nnvR2px1E5MjeQQbenBz*

* replace it with G

For those who are afraid to click on "unknown" links: here's the game page:
http://fascimania.itch.io/kilgazar

Anyway, Thanks! Don't forget there is also the key generators to make some free downloads available ;)
(go to the analytics of your game page => Distribute => Download keys => Bulk Keys to make a few)

Also, here's the tech thread for devs to make games work in the app:
https://itch.io/t/11920/how-to-get-your-game-running-in-the-itch-app