Itch / Steam / Stores

# ===== Cross-store concerns =====
# Decide before submission:
# - Pricing tier + per-region adjustments
# - Ratings: ESRB, PEGI, USK, ACB, IARC
# - Privacy policy URL + terms of service URL
# - Refund / support email + response SLA
# - Localisation: at least EN + 2 target markets

# ===== Steam =====
# Pre-launch checklist:
# - Steamworks account + $100 per app fee
# - Trailer + screenshots (1920x1080)
# - Library capsule images (specific dimensions in Steamworks docs)
# - Store page short + long description
# - Branch builds: 'default' (live) + 'beta-internal' (testing)
# - Achievements + leaderboards if used
# - Steam Cloud paths
# - Controller support declared
# - Deck Compatibility tested + reported (Verified / Playable / Unsupported)
# - Workshop config if mods supported
# Review process: takes ~5 business days for first time. Plan for 1-2 cycles.

# ===== App Store (iOS / macOS) =====
# - Apple Developer membership ($99/year)
# - App ID + bundle identifier
# - Provisioning profiles + signing
# - Required Info.plist usage descriptions for every native capability
# - Privacy nutrition label
# - Age rating questionnaire
# - Screenshots: 6.5" iPhone + iPad if applicable
# - App Review Information: contact + demo account
# - In-app purchases declared + tested with sandbox accounts
# - Restore Purchases button required for any non-consumable IAP
# Common rejections:
# - 'No demo account' for gated content
# - Missing privacy policy URL
# - Crash on launch on review device — TEST on a clean device
# - Using private APIs

# ===== Google Play =====
# - Play Console account ($25 one-time)
# - Signing keys via Google Play App Signing
# - Data Safety form
# - Target API level current floor (Play enforces yearly)
# - Phone + tablet screenshots
# - Feature graphic 1024x500
# - Internal -> Closed -> Production track promotion
# - 64-bit native code if you use NDK
# Pre-launch report (free) runs your APK on Firebase Test Lab devices and
# flags crashes / accessibility issues BEFORE you submit.

# ===== Itch.io =====
# - Drag-and-drop a ZIP
# - Set price (free / pay-what-you-want / minimum)
# - Tags, screenshots, devlog
# - HTML5 games supported natively
# - Itch keeps 10% by default (devs can configure)
# Great for: prototypes, jam games, demos, demos with paid full version on Steam.

# ===== Epic Games Store =====
# - Apply via Epic Developer Portal (selective)
# - Smaller revenue share (12%) but lower visibility
# - Verify cert exists, signing, Easy Anti-Cheat where applicable

# ===== GOG =====
# - DRM-free distribution
# - Curated; submission via 'Get Started' form
# - Slow review process (weeks)

# ===== Distribution post-launch =====
# - Auto-updates handled by the store on Steam / Play / App Store
# - Itch + GOG: ship a launcher OR manual updates
# - Crash + analytics: Crashlytics, Sentry, GameAnalytics
# - Customer support: HelpScout, Intercom, or a dedicated Discord
# - Patches: small + often beats big + rare

# ===== Marketing checklist =====
# - Store page live at LEAST 8 weeks before launch (Steam wishlists)
# - Launch trailer (60 seconds, hook in 5)
# - Press kit (logo, screenshots, trailer, fact sheet) on press-kit.com or similar
# - Streamer / YouTuber outreach (small to large; personal pitches)
# - Reddit /r/gamedev devlog posts during development
# - Discord server for community
# - Newsletter for launch + sale notifications

# ===== Post-launch =====
# - Watch reviews; reply politely and learn
# - Patch known issues within the first week
# - Plan a first big sale 1-2 months after launch
# - Roadmap the first content update
# - Localise if metrics show demand

# ===== Pitfalls =====
# - Submitting at the last minute -> rejections eat your launch date
# - Skipping the demo account on the App Store -> 100% rejection
# - Native module mismatch -> Play Store rejects 64-bit absence
# - Forgetting privacy policy URL -> blocks every store
# - Pricing in USD only -> 30% of buyers see weird local prices

# ===== Timeline (small indie game) =====
# T-12 weeks:    pick stores, register accounts, set bundle ids
# T-8 weeks:     Steam page up, wishlisting begins
# T-6 weeks:     trailer + screenshots + press kit
# T-4 weeks:     internal Play / TestFlight, fix crashes
# T-2 weeks:     submit to all stores; review buffer
# T-3 days:      retail-ready build locked
# Launch day:    watch reviews + crashes; reply
# T+7 days:      first patch live; thank streamers; sale announcement

// Itch.io      — frictionless distribution, generous revenue share.
// Steam        — biggest reach; Steamworks SDK; needs a $100 app fee per game.
// App stores   — Apple + Google; review processes vary.