New Search Filter Targets Undisclosed Content
Developers on itch.io have long been asked to note when assets are created with assistance from external tools. The platform now plans to give shoppers a way to remove listings that do not include that note. The change follows a recent internal report that the number of new game pages posted each day has doubled in the last two months.
Background on Disclosure Policy
For more than two years itch.io has required a disclosure field for any visual or audio asset that originates from a non‑human source. The rule was intended to keep buyers aware of the production method and to preserve trust in the marketplace.
Despite the policy, many creators have chosen not to fill the field, and the resulting flood of listings has made it harder for players to discover works that rely on traditional craftsmanship.
Growth in Daily Game Page Creations
Data shared on the itch.io official blog shows a sharp rise in daily submissions. The platform attributes the surge to a combination of lower entry barriers and the popularity of automated content generators. While increased activity can be positive, the lack of clear labeling has led to a perception that quality is uneven.
Expanding Disclosure Requirements
To address the imbalance, itch.io will broaden the mandatory disclosure beyond visual and audio assets. Starting next month, creators of tabletop games, written works, comic strips and soundtracks will also need to indicate whether any part of their product was produced with assistance from external tools.
Inclusion of Tabletop Games, Books, Comics, Soundtracks
These categories represent a large share of the platform’s catalog. By applying the same transparency rule, itch.io hopes to give buyers a consistent experience across all media types.
- Tabletop games – rulesets, card decks and printable components.
- Books – novels, short story collections and interactive narratives.
- Comics – single panels, strips and full length graphic novels.
- Soundtracks – background music, sound effects and voice overs.
The expanded policy is detailed on the itch.io policy page. Creators will see a new checkbox during the upload process that asks them to confirm the origin of each asset.
How the Filter Works for Users
When shoppers use the search bar, a new toggle will appear labeled “Hide undisclosed content.” Activating the toggle removes any listing that does not contain a completed disclosure field.
Enabling the “No Disclosure” Option
The option is placed directly beneath the standard filter panel. Users can combine it with existing filters such as genre, price range or platform compatibility.
Impact on Discovery and Visibility
Creators who provide full disclosures will retain visibility when the filter is active. Those who omit the information may see a drop in traffic, especially if a large portion of their audience prefers the filtered view.
Early testing suggests that the filter could reduce the number of undisclosed listings shown in search results by up to 40 percent. The exact figure will depend on how many creators update their pages after the policy change.
Community Reaction and Industry Implications
Feedback from developers has been mixed. Some appreciate the clearer guidelines, while others worry about additional workload.
Developer Perspectives
One indie studio posted on the platform’s forum that the new requirement “helps us stand out when we invest time in hand‑crafted art.” Another developer expressed concern that “the extra step could discourage newcomers who are still learning the platform.”
Comparison with Other Platforms
Steam, the largest PC game store, has faced similar challenges with undisclosed content. While Steam does not currently offer a dedicated filter, it relies on community reporting and manual moderation. The move by itch.io could set a precedent for more granular user controls on large marketplaces.
Industry analysis from Game Developer magazine notes that transparency tools are becoming a competitive factor for digital storefronts.
What This Means for Future Content Curation
The addition of a filter and expanded disclosures signals a shift toward greater accountability in digital publishing. As more creators adopt the new standards, shoppers can expect a more predictable browsing experience.
For developers, the change offers an incentive to highlight the human effort behind their projects. Clear labeling may become a marketing advantage, especially for audiences that value handcrafted experiences.
Looking ahead, itch.io may explore additional features such as automated alerts for missing disclosures or a badge system for fully transparent listings. The platform’s willingness to adapt suggests that it will continue to refine its approach as the market evolves.
Overall, the new filter provides a practical tool for users who want to focus on content that meets the platform’s transparency standards, while also encouraging creators to be more open about their production methods.
Comments
No comments yet. Be first.
Please log in to comment.