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Is Itch.io Safe For Downloading Games Featured Image
Image: itch corp

Is itch.io safe for downloading games?

Downloading files off the internet can be scary. But is itch.io safe for downloading games?

Finding the latest and greatest games out there can be quite a daunting task. With so many marketplaces for artists to post their content on, itch.io might just seem like another random storefront. But we’re here to take a deeper look at the indie-oriented online store and figure out: is itch.io safe for downloading games?

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Is itch.io safe? — explained

Is Itch.io Safe For Downloading Games Storefront
Screenshot: PC Invasion

Itch.io was first launched back in 2013. And for the most part, the website has the same feel as it did over 10 years ago. The main appeal to a store page like itch.io, is the fact that any indie developer can upload a game on the website for free and start selling copies. Gamers can even download a desktop app for itch.io much like Steam and the Epic Games Store.

This is a blessing and a curse since players can experience any new game from anyone in the world, there of course can be room for malicious intent. Thankfully, itch.io has implemented plenty of safeguards to protect users.

Related: How to download and play Buckshot Roulette

First, we want to go ahead and say that thanks to the wonderful community, itch.io is safe for downloading games. What’s more, the majority of the games you purchase on itch.io are DRM-free. In fact, you’ll find a lot of indie titles from other reputable stores like Steam and Epic on itch.io. The website makes sure to scan every game that gets uploaded for any viruses.

From there, suspicious files will get flagged for a real person to manually review to see if it is carrying malware. That being said, as with any files you get off the internet, it’s important to be proactive. Because even so-called “trusted” websites like Steam can have viruses crop up in random files of a new game. So no matter what website you’re downloading from, always make sure you double-check files before opening them.

If you like this article and want more, check out Is Buckshot Roulette coming to mobile?


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Author
Image of Alex Garcia
Alex Garcia
Alex Garcia is a freelance gaming journalist with over 20 years of gaming experience, and 3 years of professional writing. I stay up to date on the latest and greatest games out there, be they large AAA releases or a diamond in the rough indie game. I like to write about everything Vampire Survivors, and am an avid RPG fan, from Yakuza/LAD, Persona, Final Fantasy, and more. In my downtime you'll find me talking about the greatest invention known to man: cheese.