Hi, looked at this myself after seeing this all develop on Bluesky.
In particular I checked that the criteria mentioned by Leafo isn't some new ad hoc excuse, it existed at least a year ago already.
https://web.archive.org/web/20240825160531/https://itch.io/docs/creators/getting...
And it very clearly states:
Ensure you have files uploaded to the project page. Your page must be purchasable, downloadable, or playable in the browser to be indexed. Empty placeholder pages will not be indexed.
If you want to make your up-and-coming project discoverable through itch.io, then use our Devlogs feature. Those are indexed even if no files are uploaded
I would sincerely suggest showing a smaller platform like this as much solidarity as to the indie devs, they got ambushed with sudden demands from major companies they depend on to survive and had to take emergency actions, blaming them just distracts from lobby groups and financial companies responsible for this.