Answers for developers, publishers and site owners on monetizing and distributing web games.
337 posts
Both Newgrounds and Game Jolt let you create a developer account, then upload a zipped HTML5 build (index.html plus assets) through their game submission form. Test the zip locally as a static site first, since both platforms run your build inside an iframe on their domain.
Load the Poki SDK script tag on your game page, signal loading with PokiSDK.init() and gameLoadingFinish(), then call gameplayStart()/gameplayStop() around play sessions and PokiSDK.commercialBreak() at natural pauses before showing an interstitial or rewarded ad.
Run 'vite build' to produce a dist folder, set the correct 'base' path in vite.config for your hosting, then deploy: point Vercel at the repo (or run 'vercel'), or push dist to a gh-pages branch for GitHub Pages. Both serve static files, so no server code is needed.
Poki's developer review requires submitting your web game build and assets through their developer portal, after which their team evaluates the game for quality, gameplay engagement, and technical compliance before deciding whether to publish it. Developers integrate the Poki SDK, and approved titles are launched directly on Poki's web platform.
Zip your HTML5 build with index.html at the root, create a new project on itch.io, set kind of project to HTML, upload the zip, check 'This file will be played in the browser', set the embed frame size to match your canvas, and save. Test the embed before publishing.
Publishing through Playgama connects a build to 100+ distribution partners with 450M+ monthly network reach, while Playgama Bridge adapts one build across 25+ platforms including Poki, CrazyGames, and MSN.
Send a short, specific email with a direct playable link (no download, no login), a one-line hook, and why the game fits that creator's content. Target small/mid streamers who cover indie or jam games, not top-tier channels. A hosted browser build removes the biggest friction point in any pitch.
Because without proven retention and a working distribution footprint, paid traffic mostly funds a leaky bucket: players arrive, bounce, and never come back. Fix onboarding and retention first, get the game onto portals for organic and cross-promoted traffic, then test paid spend with real numbers.
The mechanics that reliably drive organic traffic are: player-triggered sharing of results or progress, friend invites, 'add to favorites/home screen' prompts, and rating requests. All must fire from direct player action, not automatically, or platforms may reject the game.
Launch in three stages: verify the build runs cleanly in a browser, get it in front of a small group of real players to catch bugs and gauge retention, then submit to several web game portals rather than betting on one destination.