If you're looking for platforms where you can host your HTML/JavaScript games and also earn revenue, here are some excellent options:
1. itch.io
- Revenue Opportunities:
- You can set a price for your game or offer it for free with a "pay what you want" option.
- Supports donations directly from players.
- Flexible revenue-sharing model (you decide the percentage itch.io takes, even 0% if you want).
- Advantages:
- Large, active community of indie game enthusiasts.
- Tools for analytics, community interaction, and game marketing.
- Perfect for small-to-medium-sized games.
2. Kongregate
- Revenue Opportunities:
- Earn from in-game ads.
- Revenue-sharing based on ad impressions or in-game purchases if your game supports microtransactions.
- Advantages:
- Huge player base for browser-based games.
- Integrated leaderboard and achievement systems.
- Great for games with a competitive or casual play style.
3. Newgrounds
- Revenue Opportunities:
- Ad revenue from their built-in system.
- Opportunities for sponsorship deals if your game gains traction.
- Advantages:
- Supportive creative community with options for feedback and collaboration.
- Well-established platform known for promoting indie and experimental games.
4. Game Jolt
- Revenue Opportunities:
- Monetization via ad revenue or direct sales.
- Developers can enable a "supporter-only" mode, where fans can pay to access premium content.
- Advantages:
- Features a highly engaged gaming community.
- Good for games targeted at younger audiences or niche communities.
5. Simmer.io
- Revenue Opportunities:
- Monetization through ads or sponsorships.
- Mainly supports 3D WebGL games but works with other formats too.
- Advantages:
- Focuses on game developers, especially for Unity/WebGL games.
- Simple and user-friendly platform.
6. Google AdSense on Personal Website
- Revenue Opportunities:
- Monetize your games by embedding Google AdSense ads on your custom-hosted website.
- Advantages:
- Total control over your games, website, and revenue model.
- Works well for developers with multiple games or a dedicated audience.
7. Armor Games
- Revenue Opportunities:
- Share ad revenue generated by your game.
- Sponsorship deals available for high-quality games.
- Advantages:
- Well-known platform with a strong player base.
- Ideal for casual and arcade-style games.
8. CrazyGames
- Revenue Opportunities:
- Revenue sharing via ad-based monetization.
- Advantages:
- Games can reach millions of players due to the platform’s large audience.
- Supports HTML5 games and offers free hosting.
9. FGL (Flash Game License)
- Revenue Opportunities:
- Help connect developers with sponsors for upfront payments or long-term revenue sharing.
- Monetize through mobile or browser ads.
- Advantages:
- Supports indie developers in finding sponsors or publishers.
- Focuses on HTML5, mobile, and cross-platform games.
10. Facebook Instant Games
- Revenue Opportunities:
- In-app purchases and ad revenue from Facebook’s audience network.
- Advantages:
- Massive audience through Facebook’s social network.
- Built-in analytics and player engagement tools.
If you’re targeting revenue and visibility, itch.io, Kongregate, and Game Jolt are standout options. If you want to retain full control while earning through ads, building your own site with Google AdSense is a good choice.
